TIA sets SEMA-GTE educational sessions

LAS VEGAS (June 10, 2013) — Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), field repairs, the federal health care bill and the secrets of successful tire retailing are among the subjects of the educational sessions scheduled for the Tire Industry Association's 2013 Global Tire Expo (GTE)—Powered by TIA.

The GTE is scheduled for Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas as part of the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The tentative educational schedule for the GTE follows the sessions' traditional format: "TPMS at 10," "Truck Tires at 10," and "Tires at 2," TIA said.

The morning TPMS presentation for Tuesday, Nov. 5 is "Understanding and Managing the Risks of Servicing TPMS." Representatives of TIA and 14 major TPMS manufacturers and suppliers will discuss TPMS technology and how it relates to the everyday operations of tire dealers.

Running concurrently on Nov. 6 will be "Shoulder Repairs in the Field," led by Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training. The afternoon session Nov. 6 will be "Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets," featuring the Humanitarian Award winner from Tire Business and the Top Shop Award winner from Tire Review magazine.

"TPMS Troubleshooting" and "Monitoring Tire Pressure on Trucks" will be the morning sessions Wednesday, Nov. 6. Sean MacKinnon, TIA director of automotive training development, and Matt White, TIA director of automotive tire service, will host the TPMS meeting. Mr. Rohlwing again will host the truck tire session.

Mr. Rohlwing returns for the Nov. 6 afternoon session, "Understanding Tire Buyers in the Information Age." This session will update attendees on the status of the new tire labeling and TPMS regulations and provide insight into the decision-making process for different tire buyers.

The sole session on Thursday, Nov. 7 will be "Understanding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," at 2 p.m. Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president, will provide attendees with an overview of the legislation—most of whose provisions take effect next year—and how tire dealers can best comply with the healthcare law.

For more information on the GTE, visit TIA's website.