About the Off-the-Road Tire Conference

otr2025nav

THE 70TH ANNUAL OFF-THE-ROAD (OTR) TIRE CONFERENCE will be held February 19-22, 2025, at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For seven decades, leaders in the OTR and construction tire markets have been gathering to exchange ideas and network with suppliers and manufacturers. Each year, it’s a literal “who’s who” of tire and equipment manufacturers, suppliers and the dealers who service the largest tire and wheel assemblies on earth.

TIA’s OTR Tire Conference is a unique blend of educational sessions and networking opportunities. The experience starts at the registration desk, sponsored by Bridgestone Americas, Inc., on Wednesday, February 19. MAXAM Tire is sponsoring a special local interaction, and there are more surprises in store.

Each day kicks off with a continental breakfast, generously sponsored by Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc. The conference then transitions into a general session, with each day featuring a unique focus.

On Wednesday, February 19, the emphasis is on maximizing growth through training. TIA is the leader in technician training so the first day provides attendees with presentations that focus on the tools, equipment and procedures that technicians need to use and/or follow to ensure that OTR tires and wheels are serviced properly. This year, TIA is featuring a session on extending the life of OTR service trucks and another live demonstration of tire and wheel service procedures that promote safety in the industry. Wednesday finishes up with a look at TIA’s recently completed Basic Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) Program and how that will affect the Certified ETS Program moving forward.

Thursday (February 20) is dedicated to industry insight and highlighted by the economic forecasts for the United States and Canada. These presentations provide attendees with a look at what they can expect in the construction and mining markets for the next 12 months. It’s a lot of information in a short period of time, so attendees should download the official conference App, sponsored by Bridgestone Americas, Inc., to get a copy of the presentations after the session. The final presentation on Thursday will feature Caterpillar who will share their experiences on how autonomous vehicles will impact tire wear. Insight means looking at the future so attendees can get information to help them make present-day decisions based on what they think will happen next.

Friday (February 21) is focused on professional development to assist everyone on an individual level and sharpen their skills to further their career. Finding good people is a challenge in every industry so Mike Cioffi with Tire Talent will offer his views on how the tire industry can meet the needs of the company. If COVID taught the industry anything, it’s that change and disruption are inevitable, and success is determined by who can adapt the fastest. Mike Evans focuses on leadership practices that professionals should follow to help their teams overcome anything, sponsored by Las Zirh Tire Chains. The tire manufacturer keynote is always a highlight, and Continental Tire has agreed to share their thoughts on how companies can stay relevant in a changing industry. Friday’s closing keynote, sponsored by BKT USA, Inc., always ends with a message meant to motivate and inspire attendees. Dave Sanderson was on the plane that landed in the Hudson River and his message will show how embracing uncertainty can lead to opportunity.

For those interested in additional educational offerings, Friday afternoon features breakout sessions on more defined topics. Next year, the breakouts will be focused on the use of robotics in the retread and repair industries as well as a look at how sustainability can have a positive effect on business.

Daily networking opportunities begin with the Kick-Off Gathering on Wednesday evening, sponsored by Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. This annual table-top display period is a great place to get reacquainted with old friends and get introduced to new friends as the entire OTR tire industry gets together for light food and plenty of beverages. Thursday is highlighted by the leisure programs where attendees can continue the networking experience in a more relaxed and social setting. Next year’s leisure program includes the annual golf tournament and a variety of activities unique to Puerto Rico. Besides golf, attendees can choose from El Yunque rainforest hiking, lagoon fishing, horseback riding or an ATV nature adventure. A Mix & Mingle Reception on Thursday evening completes the day’s activities, sponsored by Magna Tyres Group. Immediately following the general session on Friday, the Networking Social, sponsored by Fuller Brothers, Inc./Tire Life, begins with the final tabletop displays. The tabletop sessions at the OTR Tire Conference are the one stop shop for the OTR tire and service industries. With 73 sponsors showing the widest array of products and services, deals get started and made at a tabletop during the event. A light lunch with beverages is a great backdrop for the final display period.

All the networking opportunities leading up to Friday afternoon come to fruition at a tabletop making it a must for both sponsors and attendees.

Every year, the OTR Tire Conference ends with a dinner that features live music and dancing. The Friday Night Finale, sponsored by RUD Chain Inc., in Puerto Rico will have a flavor that embraces the local culture to create a unique experience. With a cocktail reception to start and professional portraits, sponsored by Stellar Industries, Inc. and ZC Rubber America, Inc., the lead-up to the Finale is always buzzing. The buffet dinner and bar featuring rum drinks and live entertainment are the final pieces of the puzzle for most attendees, except for the people who want to dance like no one is watching. It’s difficult to say who has more fun; the people dancing or the people watching them! It doesn’t matter, everyone will be having a great time as they wrap up another successful week.

A lot of attendees and sponsors say TIA’s OTR Tire Conference is the first event they put on the schedule every year. Seven decades of delivering the highest quality content and networking opportunities are only topped by the service provided by TIA’s staff. The OTR Tire Conference keeps expanding because it consistently brings together all the right elements. Education and networking are paramount, and the 2025 conference promises an abundance of both. Join us at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from February 19-22, 2025, for the 70th Annual OTR Tire Conference.