Bridgestone exec Eric Higgs to deliver keynote at ITEC

AKRON — Eric Higgs, president of truck, bus and retread tires in the U.S. and Canada for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, will deliver the keynote address at this year's International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC).

The biennial conference, organized by Rubber & Plastics News (a sister publication of Tire Business), is scheduled for Sept. 15-17 at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron.

Mr. Higgs' keynote address, scheduled for Sept. 15, will examine the evolution of mobility, focusing on fleet management trends in particular, according to the event organizers.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Eric's experience and knowledge present at ITEC," Brennan Lafferty, vice president of the Crain Global Polymer Group — of which RPN and TB are part — said.

"The world of transportation is changing quickly. Our attendees and exhibitors need to know what to expect in the next three, five and 10 years when it comes to mobility, autos and fleets. No doubt, Bridgestone is at the table helping chart the road ahead."

Mobility is moving at the speed of innovation, and tire technology is an essential part of that growth. ITEC is dedicated to exploring these key advancements throughout the tire and rubber industry.

Mr. Higgs joined Bridgestone in 2016, hired as vice president of marketing for the commercial group in the U.S. and Canada. In that role, he leveraged customer-centric marketing and brand-building programs to drive growth for the tire maker's commercial truck, retread and off-the-road tire business.

Mr. Higgs' presentation is one of more than 70 educational and technical offerings scheduled for this year's ITEC event. Topics include tire recycling, ASTM standards, advances in manufacturing, tires for future applications and reinforcing materials.

Attendees at this year's show also will have access to networking receptions on the first two days of the conference and exhibition. The Sept. 15 Science & Technology networking reception will feature musicians, food and specialty drinks in chemistry beakers.

The Sept. 16 networking reception will include a salute to the city of Akron featuring musicians, food and entertainment honoring the Rubber City.

ITEC also will honor achievements in tire technology with the presentation of the Harzold Herzlich Distinguished Technology Achievement Medal. The award, presented during each ITEC event, is named after Herzlich, the longtime technical editor of Rubber & Plastics News. Nominations for the award can be submitted at rubbernews.com/herzlichaward.

Begun in 1994, ITEC attracts more than 80 exhibitors and 1,600 attendees to Akron on a biennial basis. To register or discover more about the show, visit itec-tireshow.com.