FAIRLAWN, Ohio—The Tire Society is holding out hope that the group's conference can go on as scheduled in September, but still making contingency plans.
The 39th annual gathering is scheduled for Sept. 9-10 in Fairlawn, near Akron.
"The Executive Committee is following the situation very closely and will continue to respond promptly as the situation develops. Contingency plans are being actively developed, including the possibility of remote presentations and/or remote attendance," Tire Society President Gerald Potts said in a letter.
The conference is billed as a "gathering of tire scientists dedicated to exploring all phases of Tire Science and Technology."
With the potential of using remote technology for presentations and attendance, the group said it is "unlikely that the conference date will need to change." However, the group added, organizers have developed options if that ends up being necessary.