10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Presenters: Jose Moreno, Tire Service Manager, Tire Industry Association; Ryan Graves, Automotive Tire Service Training Manager, Tire Industry Association
Moderator: Shawn Pease, Director of Tire Service, Tire Industry Association
The wheel and rim are the unsung heroes in the passenger and light truck tire industries. While the tires get most of the attention, the wheels/rims just quietly do their jobs by containing the inflated tires and keeping the assemblies attached to the vehicle. However, when they fail or become loose in service, it can result in major repairs or an accident. TIA’s training staff will present an in-depth look at wheels and rims so attendees understand the role that each component plays in the rotating assembly when replacing tires or changing tire sizes.
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Kevin Rohlwing, Chief Technical Officer, Tire Industry Association
Fleet checks are common in the truck tire and wheel service industry because the costs related to underinflation and insufficient tread depth continue to rise. In the U.S., regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT) specifically address the federal requirements for tires and wheels, while the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) establishes the out-of-service (OOS) guidelines for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This session will address the differences between DOT regulations and CVSA OOS criteria so commercial tire service technicians know what to look for when inspecting truck tires, wheels, and rims.
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Kevin Rohlwing, Chief Technical Officer, Tire Industry Association
Tire retailers fight a constant battle to shield the business from liability, meet customers’ needs without creating additional liability, and protect employees from serious or fatal injuries. TIA has created a list of 10 things that have a direct impact on how the business will be defended in the event of a lawsuit. Using real-world examples of civil litigation, this session will identify the areas where plaintiffs attacked and the effectiveness of the defense that was used to counter those allegations. In the event of an accident, a lawsuit should be expected, especially when it involves a customer. This session will focus on 10 steps that retailers can take so they have the best possible defense if they end up in court.
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Moderator: Shawn Pease, Director of Tire Service, Tire Industry Association
TIA has stayed at the forefront of Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) training and information since it was required by law starting with the 2008 model year. Since then, TIA has worked closely with the TPMS sensor and scan tool manufacturers to educate technicians and provide the information they need to maintain, diagnose and repair the TPMS when necessary. Working with those partners, TIA developed a technician survey to determine the areas where technicians are comfortable servicing the TPMS and those areas where they have more difficulty. This session will focus on the results of that survey and provide attendees with an inside look at what’s on the minds of technicians who service TPMS on a daily basis.
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Moderator: Kevin Rohlwing, Chief Technical Officer, Tire Industry Association
In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) to help enforcement officials target the motor carriers with unsafe equipment or drivers. By comparing the roadside inspection results for fleets of a similar size, CSA established a Safety Measurement System (SMS) that assigns a score for different areas of operation, including vehicle maintenance. This information is available to the public and provides a roadmap to the areas where fleets have the most violations. During this session, TIA will outline the CSA program and the process behind the SMS score before using real-world examples of how commercial tire dealers can use the information to help fleets improve their operations.
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Mike Cioffi, Founder, Tire Talent
Moderator: Kevin Rohlwing, Chief Technical Officer, Tire Industry Association
Finding and retaining technicians and employees is becoming increasingly challenging with rising minimum wage requirements and the competition for employable candidates. Mike Cioffi, the founder of Tire Talent, will take an in-depth look at today’s employment landscape, backed by insights from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other trusted sources. Mike will provide a tire industry employment overview, discuss generational hiring, and how artificial intelligence plays a role in the tools available for employers and employees. During this session, attendees will discover how to navigate the current employment market and leverage effective strategies to attract and retain top talent in 2025 and beyond.
All sessions are located at the Las Vegas Convention Center Upper South Hall