ITEC trade show transitions to virtual event

AKRON—ITEC is going virtual.

The biennial International Tire Exhibition and Conference, organized by Rubber & Plastics News and hosted in Akron, will transition to a virtual event this year. The decision, made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was intended to bring the tire industry together while also keeping everyone safe.

And while the format may change, everything you have come to expect from the ITEC program will not.

"Health concerns and travel restrictions prevent us from hosting our conventional trade show in September this year," said Debbie Hershfield, ITEC show director. "Nevertheless, we are delighted to be able to offer the tire manufacturing industry a virtual event to share all the latest knowledge and innovation, while giving participants the same opportunities to network and learn that they tell us they prize so much at ITEC."

ITEC 2020 Virtual Edition will be held Sept. 8-18 with live conference sessions planned for each weekday and sessions scheduled for both the morning and afternoon. The livestream lineup includes keynote speakers, individual presentations and panel sessions, such as the ITEC Women's Leadership Panel Discussion.

Brian Goldstine, president of Mobility Solutions and Fleet Management at Bridgestone Americas, will deliver the ITEC keynote presentation on Sept. 8, the opening day of the event. He will be joined by other prominent industry professionals who are slated to speak, representing companies such as Goodyear, ExxonMobil Corp. and Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd.

Each weekday at noon Eastern, ITEC 2020 attendees also can participate in "Ask the Expert" livestream events and Q&A sessions with show exhibitors.

Show organizers also will award the Harold Herzlich Distinguished Technology Achievement Medal. The honor recognizes innovators in tire manufacturing, tire reliability or performance. The award is named after Herzlich, the former longtime technical editor of Rubber & Plastics News and chairman emeritus of ITEC.

ITEC Virtual also will include a matchmaking networking opportunity for participants as a way to connect buyers and sellers. Attendees will receive recommended matches based on their registration profile and have the ability to search for additional matches with category and keyword filters.

Registration for an all-access pass to ITEC 2020 Virtual is free through July 31. Beginning Aug. 1, the cost will be $149.

To register, learn more about the virtual event or see the speaker lineup, visit itec-tireshow.com.

Companies interested in sponsorships at ITEC Virtual should contact Sales Director Christine Zernick at [email protected].