TIA sets 100th celebration activities

LAS VEGAS — A big anniversary requires a big celebration.

And that's exactly what the Tire Industry Association (TIA) is planning for its upcoming 100th anniversary bash being held in conjunction with the 2021 Global Tire Expo (GTE) and SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Registration is open for the 100th anniversary celebration as well as other pre-show events, TIA said. Those heading to Las Vegas also can register for accommodations at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, TIA said. That's where the group's gala anniversary celebration is slated to be held Nov. 1.

"It is exciting to finally be able to celebrate TIA's memorable 100-year history and to gather the extended TIA family at the Global Tire Expo and SEMA Show," TIA CEO Roy Littlefield said in a statement. "We look forward to celebrating with TIA members and friends as we toast the past and celebrate the future."

Centennial festivities include a cocktail reception and hors d'oeuvres, a program on the association's history, speeches by TIA leaders, and an address by former Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier. Mr. Bleier is a four-time Super Bowl champion. He interrupted his football career to fight in the Vietnam War, where he was injured in a grenade attack, only to fight his way back on to the football field to help the Steelers win four Super Bowls in six years.

The slate of TIA activities include: TopGolf Challenge TIA Government Affairs Benefit on Oct. 31, and TIA's Annual Membership Meeting and Tire Industry Honors Luncheon on Nov. 1.

The membership meeting and honors luncheon will install TIA's 2021-22 president, recognize Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees and announce Michelin/TIA scholarship winners.

Awards also will be presented by tire industry trade publications and the state Leadership Achievement Award winner will be announced.

• Sunday, Oct. 31, TopGolf, 2 – 4:00 p.m., 4627 Koval Lane, Las Vegas (walking distance from The Cosmopolitan), ticketed event, $150 per person.

• Monday, Nov. 1, TIA Annual Membership Meeting, 10:45-11:15 a.m., followed by the Tire Industry Honors Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., The Cosmopolitan, complimentary ticketed event.

• Monday, Nov. 1, 100th Anniversary Celebration Reception & Program, Reception 6-7:30 p.m.; Anniversary Program, 7:30-10 p.m., The Cosmopolitan, tickets $25 per person.

TIA also is scheduling four educational sessions and a press conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center:

• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Automotive at 10: Top 10 Tips for Technicians, 10-11 a.m.; Truck Tires at 10: Road Service Safety, 10 a.m.; and Tires at 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets, 2 p.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 3: Automotive at 10: Preventing Ride Complaints, 10-11 a.m.; Truck Tires at 10: Impact Wrench Technology, 10-11 a.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 3, TIA Press Conference, 11:10-11:30 a.m., TIA Booth No. 40066.

Hotel rates in TIA's room block at The Cosmopolitan are: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30: $299; Sunday -Thursday, Oct. 31 - Nov. 4: $269, and Friday, Nov. 5: $299.

There also is a daily resort fee of $39 per day plus tax that includes in-room wifi, local and 800-number calls, a 24-hour fitness center, tennis court access (based upon availability) and a daily drawing for dinner for two in the hotel restaurant. Groups booking 10 or more rooms are eligible for a 10% discount on meeting room rental and audio visual or one upgrade to a Terrace 1 Bedroom Suite, TIA said.

Room reservations are available athttps://compass.onpeak.com/e/71CAR21/in/category/32510.

TIA event registration is available at https://www.tireindustry.org/sites/default/files/documents/GTE21_Sched_5.21A.pdf.