LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Former NFL football star Joe Theismann will deliver the keynote address during the International Tire and Rubber Association/Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades convention, June 9-12, in Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Theismann's keynote speech is one of the highlights of the four-day event, which will be held for the first time in 41 years outside of Louisville.
This year's version will take place at Nashville's Opryland Hotel. It will feature 25 workshops and seminars and a trade show with more than 250 exhibitors representing all aspects of the tire, rubber, service station and transportation industries.
Currently a color analyst for ESPN's broadcasts of National Football League games, Mr. Theismann is expected to talk about the game plan that brought him success on and off the football field, the ITRA said. His message will focus on how to succeed under pressure and adapt quickly to unexpected situations.
Mr. Theismann's appearance is sponsored by Goodyear.
The World ITRA Expo begins Wednesday, June 9, with two scrap tire workshops: ``Civil engineering applications of tire shreds—how to make this a part of your business'' and ``Practical marketing skills.''
The second annual ITRA Educational Foundation Golf Tournament also takes place that day as does the International Tire Retreading and Repairing Hall of Fame Induction/ ITRA Awards Banquet.
Thursday, June 10, contains a full slate of workshops, including: ``When is a nail hole a section repair?'' ``Tire failure liability on trial,'' ``Retreading today and the changes we will see in the future'' (presented in Spanish), ``Everything a fleet manager should know about tires and wheels'' and an additional workshop aimed at international attendees and presented in Portuguese.
Also scheduled that day are four scrap-tire workshops: ``Effect of regulations on the future of tire-derived fuel markets,'' ``From factory scrap to rubber compounds,'' ``Are you up to standard?'' and ``Paving the way to success with asphalt rubber.''
That evening, showgoers can attend a reception aboard the General Jackson paddle-wheel riverboat, sponsored by Michelin North America.
Friday, June 11, begins with the General Session featuring Mr. Theismann, followed by six workshops targeted at commercial tire dealers, retreaders and scrap tire personnel.
They include: ``Factors affecting the performance of retreads and repairs,'' ``Keeping the wheels on—an in-depth look at torque and clamp,'' ``Networking: Tricks of the trade,'' ``Analyzing tire failures,'' ``Managing health-care and employee benefits in the 21st century,'' and ``Tire recycling—the European perspective.''
The day's sessions also include an SSDA-AT town meeting and a workshop tailored to that association's attendees titled, ``Legal issues affecting petroleum marketing.''
The ITRA membership meeting and Breakfast with the President kick off the schedule for Saturday, June 12.
Workshops scheduled for that day include: ``Customer care—how to deliver exceptional service,'' ``How to find and keep good employees,'' ``How training and certification can increase your business,'' and ``Troubleshooting your retread plant.''
Also on Saturday, the tire and rubber recycler attendees will hold a town meeting focusing on ``Shifting gears in a changing industry.''
One workshop is scheduled for SSDA-AT attendees specifically, called ``Alternative profit center.''
The trade show will run for three days: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Expo ends Saturday evening with the option of two events: an ITRA night at the Grand Ole Opry, sponsored by Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., or an ITRA Night at the Wildhorse Saloon.
For registration information, contact the ITRA: (800) 426-8835 or (502) 968-8900. E-mail: [email protected]