It’s been a tough year. The economy is struggling to get out of the doldrums; money is tight, and nerves are frazzled. But, it’s the smart – and successful – businesspeople who take advantage of a down economy to make plans for the inevitable upswing.

With this in mind, the time is fast approaching for TIA’s upcoming Tires, Wheels & Equipment Section (TWE) of the 2009 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association’s (SEMA) Show, which will be held November 2-6 in Las Vegas, Nevada. While, in years past, there may have been an impression that this was solely a time to “play,” if last year’s Show attendance was any indication, you can be assured that this year’s Show will continue the trend of being more about getting business done.

Thus, we’d like to give you eight reasons why you can’t afford to miss this year’s TWE:

1. If last year is any indication, more "decision makers" will be in attendance. As mentioned above, the general consensus of those attending last year was that while a company may have sent six or seven people in years past, they only sent three or four. BUT, these three or four were key "decision makers" – the people YOU need to reach in order to maintain or even expand your business.
2. TWE/SEMA is still one of the world’s premiere tire/automotive events. Last year, the TWE/SEMA Show had 107,000 attendees from approximately 140 countries. That means if you have been looking to expand into the international market, you will find more international buyers, suppliers, etc. under this one roof than at any other tire show in the world.
3. TIA is returning “home” to Caesar’s Palace. For this year’s Show, TIA is returning to our “Vegas home” of Caesars Palace. If you have been to previous TWEs, or, even if you have been to Vegas as a tourist, you’ll know that this legendary property is considered one of the better hotels in the city. It’s the best place to take part in the many events TIA has planned, slip into a fantastic eatery to close that important deal, and even enjoy the top-notch gaming and shopping options.
4. If you want to do some serious business networking, this is the place. TIA is proactively adapting and changing to meet the needs of our members. We have a renewed emphasis on making our TWE events into prime opportunities for you to get together with the people you need to know. These events include:
   • Wine & Cheese Social (Monday, November 2, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Caesars Palace): We have eliminated the Breakfast with the President, and replaced it with this newly created event (and Tire Industry Honors). Network with other tire industry notables while you enjoy fine wines and sumptuous cheeses from around the world. Open to all attendees at no charge.
   • Welcome Reception (Monday, November 2, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Rao’s, Caesars Palace): This is the tire industry networking event of the week! Make those important business contacts, exchange ideas, and catch up with friends and colleagues as you enjoy some of the finest Italian food, drinks, and entertainment on the strip! The greatness of Rao’s food stems from the quality of the products. Their kitchen uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as homemade roasted red peppers, freshly grated Pecorino- Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, Felipo Berio olive oil, and certified San Marzano plum tomatoes from Italy. For more than 110 years, that’s the way the family has cooked in New York, and that’s the way they do it in Las Vegas. Tickets: $50/person; to order, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org, or call 800-876-8372, ext. 104.
   • International Roundtable – Best Practices in the Tire Industry & International Review of Industry Regulations (Wednesday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall): This is the first year for this exciting, new event. Tire industry attendees from around the world are invited to attend and participate by sharing their best practices on any or all of the following categories:
     • Tire Service
     • Retreading & Repairing
     • Commercial Tire Service
     This event will be hosted by the Tire Industry Association and will feature Harvey Brodsky, Managing Director of the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), as the moderator. It promises to be an informal, fun-filled two hours, with a lively exchange of good ideas! Now is the time to begin gathering your best practices to share with your peers in Las Vegas. Admission to this event is complimentary; however, an RSVP is required. Visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org, or call 800-876-8372, ext. 104.
5. TWE/SEMA is still one of the best places to learn about and see the latest in tire technology and tire business strategies. Our popular Tires at Two seminars are still some of the most popular seminars of the week. Learn the latest developments in our TPMS seminars on Wednesday and Thursday (sponsored by Bartec USA). And, our “Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets” seminar (which will be held on Tuesday) continues to be the “mustattend” event to learn how to better operate a tire business. Over the years, this seminar has helped tire dealers save thousands of dollars, and given the current economic condition, this is one seminar you can’t afford to miss!
6. Travel is a tremendous deal right now. The one good thing about this economy is that airfare, rental cars, and lodging haven’t been this affordable in quite some time. That includes the room rates at Caesars Palace. We have arranged a special hotel room rate for TIA members wishing to attend TWE/SEMA. The weekday room rate is $170/night (Sunday–Thursday); the weekend rate is $189/night (Friday & Saturday). Hotel rooms are limited; to reserve a room, call 800-967-8852, or visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.
7. Booth space and attendee fees remain unchanged from last year’s rates. This means that whether you are attending or looking to “stake your own claim” on the TWE floor, you won’t be paying more for it.
8. It’s still OK to have fun at this year’s Show! With our renewed emphasis on making this year’s TWE/SEMA THE place to do business, you might think that we’re eliminating all of the fun. Nothing could be further from the truth! After all, this is Las Vegas – the REAL city that never sleeps! Enjoy some of the world’s finest food, entertainment, shopping, and more. It’s a great way to combine the best of work and the best of play!

TIRE INDUSTRY HONORS
In addition, as part of our elimination of the Breakfast with the President, we have created Tire Industry Honors – a new event at Caesars Palace on Monday, November 2 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., that will directly follow our Wine & Cheese Social. It has been created to honor the legends – both current and past – of the tire industry, and we expect it to quickly become the place that the entire tire industry comes together to honor those who have made this industry great. We will recognize the Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees, and the torch of the TIA presidency will be officially passed from current TIA President Dan Beach to the incoming President, Wayne Croswell.

And, we are excited to announce that all three major tire trade publications – Modern Tire Dealer, Tire Business, and Tire Review – will be involved in this terrific event! Tire Review will be presenting their “Top Shop” award, Tire Business will be presenting their “Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award,” and Modern Tire Dealer will be honoring the outgoing TIA President. There is no cost to attend this event, and it is open to all Show attendees; however, an RSVP is required. Visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org, or call 800-876-8372, ext. 104.

GET IN ON THE ACTION – BE A SPONSOR!
Sponsorships of TIA’s special events is an effective, and economical way to not only show your support for the tire industry; it’s also an effective way to showcase your company! Sponsorships are limited, so contact Megan Walsh at 800-876-7372, ext. 112, or at mwalsh@tireindustry.org now!

MAKE YOUR TWE PLANS TODAY!
It’s the smart businessperson who takes advantage of times like these to make plans for an inevitable recovery. And, TWE is the best place to make those plans a reality. For the latest updates and information, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.