Meyer: ITEC 2.0 coming to Akron this May

It's the beginning of the year, and that means looking ahead for what's new and changing for 2024.

At Rubber News, we have some exciting news to share. We will be staging a new and improved International Tire Exhibition & Conference in May. There's a new date, a new focus and lots of small touches with an event schedule that offers greater networking opportunities and time on the expo floor.

We've presented ITEC in September every other year since 1994. But because of some changes in the rubber industry calendar, we felt it best for us to look for a new date for the largest tire manufacturing and trade show in North America.

After some deliberation, our events and sales teams settled on May 14-16.

The look and feel of the show—which still will be held at the John S. Knight Center in Akron—will be different ... and more cohesive.

Our aim is to ensure the conference program and expo feel like they go together, rather than being two separate events that just happened to be held at the same time.

That does not mean we have lost sight of the technical program. Far from it. The technical talks remain a pillar for ITEC 2024.

And with industry veteran Christine Domer overseeing the technical content as chair for ITEC 2024, they're sure to be top notch. Domer has a wealth of industry connections. Her career in the tire industry dates back to 1986 with experience at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Bridgestone and Smithers. And her goal is to better streamline that portion of the event.

She also is playing a key role in building a stronger general session program that will be offered on a stage near the expo floor. These sessions will include one-on-one interviews with top execs as well as discussions on 6ppd; advancements in sustainable materials; the future of ag tires; a look at the continued promise of non-pneumatic tires; and the awarding of the Harold Herzlich Distinguished Technology Achievement Medal.

These sessions, along with keynote addresses that will be presented at luncheons, will be open to all attendees for one low price.

Moreover, the ITEC event schedule has been arranged in a manner that will not force attendees to choose between general sessions and technical sessions. You will have access to all of them.

Yes, everyone attending ITEC will have access to every portion of the event: the technical talks, expo floor, panels and interviews, luncheons and receptions. The only exception is the popular Women's Breakfast, which returns May 16. That event, which will feature a keynote speaker and panel, will require a ticket purchased in addition to the general admission.

And I know Sales Director Christine Zernick and her team are working hard to bring in a full slate of exhibitors to showcase the latest in new technology. Anyone interesting in learning more about the expo and exhibit opportunities can reach Christine at [email protected].

Registration for ITEC 2024 is open. To register or learn more about ITEC, visit rubbernews.com/itec-tireshow.

Meyer is Rubber News editor. Contact him at [email protected].