Bowie, Md. – The Tire Industry Association’s (TIA’s) 59th Annual Off-the-Road Tire Conference held in Marco Island, Florida from Feb. 19–22, 2014 set an attendance record with 580 attendees. This figure includes participants from 35 states and 18 countries. The delegate count was up 20% over last year.
“This year’s numbers were record breaking all around. The general session programs were standing room only and the three leisure programs, which included a golf tournament, a water adventure and a fishing tournament, all sold out. Plus, we had a total of 68 sponsors which is the most in conference history. The increase in delegates made for incredible networking opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else in the OTR segment of the industry,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
The Conference began Wednesday afternoon with a welcome address from TIA President Ken Brown and a legislative update from TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. Following the general session, it was a packed house at the Kick-Off Gathering that featured tabletop displays from over 60 manufacturers and suppliers.
Other highlights of the conference program included Tim Easter with Yokohama Tire Corporation presenting the OTR trends for 2014 and the Manufacturer Keynote Presentation given by Wade Gatlin with Bridgestone Commercial Solutions. This year’s motivational speaker, Jim “The Rookie” Morris, hit a home run as he inspired the audience with his Cinderella story of his meteoric rise from 35-year old high school teacher to major league pitcher.
Additionally, TIA conducted political action committee (TirePAC) fundraisers at the OTR Conference including selling squares on the PAC Board, mulligans at the golf tournament and a silent auction. Net proceeds from the fundraising activities were over $4000.
The 2015 OTR Conference will take place February 18-21 at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. Interested attendees can download a registration form. Hotel rooms may be booked online or by calling 888-627-7201. When making phone reservations, please mention OTR Conference or provide the following group code: OTB15A to receive group rate. Participants are encouraged to make conference and room reservations early.