SEMA hosts the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) Global Tire Expo (GTE) in the Lower South Hall of the LVCC.
TIA will hold its annual membership meeting and press conference at noon on Nov. 4at the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino. where it is hosting its pre-show events.
The meeting includes association updates, the installation of Debra Hamlin, vice president and director of operations, Bridgestone Commercial Dealer Network, as the 2024-25 TIA president and recognition of new and departing board members.
TIA will hold a Right to Repair Summit from 2:30-4 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Melrose 4 room at Planet Hollywood. The event, which is preceded by a networking lunch, "is designed to bring together key industry stakeholders, including tire dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and other representatives, for an open and crucial discussion on this issue," TIA said.
TIA and the Auto Care Association (ACA) leaders will lead a discussion "aiming to unite the industry behind the federal codification of the REPAIR Act. This Summit is more than just a conversation — it's a call to action," the organizations said.
The GTE offers several educational opportunities at SEMA, all held in the Upper South Hall of the LVCC.
Nov. 5:
• Tires at 10: The Next Level of Automotive Tire Service Training 10-11 a.m. Moderated by Shawn Pease, TIA director of tire service, with presenters Jose Moreno and Ryan Graves, tire service manager and automotive tire service training manager, respectively, at TIA.
The session will offer an overview of updates to the Automotive Tire Service (ATS) training and certification program, which address new technologies and the changing landscape of passenger, SUV and light truck (LT) tire servicing methods. This includes the integration of TPMS, which has had a significant impact on tech training.
• Truck Tires at 10: Truck Tire Inflation Safety, 10-11 a.m., moderated by TIA Chief Technical Officer Kevin Rohlwing.
The session will cover Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, as well as industry standards, for truck-tire inflation devices and the steps that must be taken to prevent a separation or spontaneous release of pressurized air.
Inflating a tire is statistically one of the most dangerous processes in the truck tire and wheel service industry, TIA said. The session will offer a thorough understanding of OSHA standards, best practices and the necessary tools and equipment needed to ensure compliance and minimize risks.
• Tires at 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets, 2- 3:30 p.m., moderated by Rohlwing. The session, which features top independent tire dealers discussing the numerous reasons behind their success, "has been a cornerstone of TIA's educational offerings for decades," the organization said.
Nov. 6:
• TPMS at 10: Understanding the Basics of TPMS, 10-11 a.m., moderated by Pease.
TPMS has presented a challenge to tire retailers since its introduction in the 2008 model year, as manufacturers continuously adjust systems to reduce costs or increase functionality and data. Tire retailers must customize their TPMS training for technicians to cover the changing market.
This session encourages starting with fundamental practices across popular makes, models and brands, giving shop owners and managers a better understanding of current TPMS operations and the important role of tools and sensors in restoring functionality post-service.
• Truck Tires at 10: Demounting and Mounting Truck Tires with TPMS, 10-11 a.m., moderated by Rohlwing.
As TPMS becomes more common in the truck tire industry, commercial tire dealers must take additional care when mounting and demounting tires to avoid sensor damage. The session will focus on the different configurations techs may encounter and the steps required to safeguard the sensor from damage, highlighting the differences between tire irons and tire changing machines.
• Tires at 2: Risk Management in a Retail Tire Dealership, 2-3:30 p.m., moderated by Rohlwing.
This session will educate retailers on how to safeguard themselves with insurance against unforeseen accidents, such as wheel-offs or fires. The session will cover the prevalent risks associated with vehicle servicing and maintaining physical facilities; detail the implications of accidents involving customers that could lead to civil litigation, and offer real-world lawsuit examples against tire retailers to discuss necessary protective measures.
It also will feature fire-prevention strategies tailored to a modern shop environment that is servicing more rechargeable batteries and EVs.
In addition, SEMA's Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) is hosting a seminar on Nov. 7 — Wheels Up at 10: Vehicle Applications, Powered by WTSBC — 11 a.m.-noon in room S226 of the LVCC.
During this session, attendees will discuss key factors in properly modifying a vehicle with wheels, tires, suspension, and brakes, such as: how to find tire load at a given air pressure; how tire-rim widths are calculated; precautions when lowering a vehicle; or how brake upgrades can affect performance.
In addition, there are measurably more exhibitors in the tire, wheel and related products categories at this year's show than at the previous few exhibitions.
A scan of the exhibitors' lists show 158 companies registered under the tires category, 40 in the tire-service equipment/tools/TPMS categories and a dozen software companies.