The Tire Industry Association is moving its centennial celebration events to 2021.
Most events that had been scheduled earlier in 2020 were canceled due to COVID-19, so the association is rescheduling everything into its 101st year.
“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,” said TIA CEO Roy Littlefield. “We aim to bring the tire industry together throughout the year and to celebrate the association’s amazing history.”
The highlight will be a 100th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 1, 2021, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel and casino — the day before the Global Tire Expo and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show opens. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception followed by a program in the hotel’s iconic venue The Chelsea. The program will look back at TIA’s history and include remarks by "a well-known inspirational speaker and a concert by a nationally known musician."
During the 2021 GTE/SEMA Show week, TIA also will recognize Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees and other award winners during the Tire Industry Honors luncheon. A TopGolf Government Affairs Benefit Fundraiser will also be held.
The association will hold its first International Issues Summit. Targeted at the industry's huge international audience, the summit will take place Nov. 3, 2021. It will 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.
Also in 2021, TIA will reschedule back-to-back events – a Federal Lobby Day and Environmental Summit. 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.
“The year has changed but the mission remains the same,” 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.”
