BOWIE, Md. — Reacting to the cancellation of the 2020 SEMA Show, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) is moving its centennial celebrations — originally scheduled for the week of Nov. 2 in Las Vegas — to November 2021 to coincide with the 2021 SEMA Show.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association disclosed Aug. 5 its decision to cancel the 2020 SEMA Show due to the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic presents in trying to stage a major convention and trade show.
TIA CEO Roy Littlefield said: "While this was not the original intention, we are fortunate and excited to have the opportunity to schedule and conduct all of the planned 2020 events in 2021 without the uncertainty we all have faced this year.
"We aim to bring the tire industry together throughout the year and to celebrate the association's amazing history."
Highlighting TIA's 2021 activities will be a 100th Anniversary Gala Celebration at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel and casino on Nov. 1, the day before the SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo (GTE) opens.
The event will feature a look back at TIA's "fascinating and influential" history, remarks by a well-known inspirational speaker and a concert by a nationally known musician.
During the 2021 SEMA/GTE week, TIA also will recognize Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees and other award winners during the Tire Industry Honors luncheon and hold a government affairs benefit fundraiser.
TIA also plans to hold the International Issues Summit scheduled for this year during the 2021 SEMA/GTE. Targeted at an international audience, the summit will take place Nov. 3, 2021, and focus on four issues affecting the tire industry internationally: tire registration and recalls; motor vehicle inspections; useful tire service life; and scrap tires and crumb rubber.
TIA also is planning to revive its Federal Lobby Day and Environmental Summit events — originally scheduled for May 2020 — in 2021. These programs will include visits with elected representatives, presentations by government agency officials and industry experts, tours of government buildings and networking.
Participants will have the option of attending one or both events. TIA did not disclose the timing of these events.
"The year has changed but the mission remains the same," Mr. Littlefield said. "We look to honor and celebrate TIA's rich and influential heritage with events that our members will find valuable, interesting and enjoyable and that will springboard the association forward as it begins its second 100 years. We encourage everyone in the industry to join us in 2021 for the celebration."