What to expect at the North American Tire and Retread Expo

This year's North American Tire and Retread Expo (NATRE) takes place from April 19-21 in the 'Big Easy', New Orleans, and promises an expanded program focused on education and training.

Now in its second year, NATRE is one of North America's largest tire conference and trade shows aimed at retail and commercial tire dealers and retreaders.

Boosting profits through education

NATRE's educational program will include seminars, possible panel programs, and workshops held by industry suppliers on the tradeshow floor.

There will be more than 100 exhibitors, including Goodyear, Continental Tire the Americas, Triangle Tire North America, Tireweb Connections, Ezytire, Alliance Tire America Inc. and Marangoni Tread North America.

The show’s producers say the expanded education aspect is aimed at providing practical solutions to tire dealers and auto service professionals, using tools to help them increase sales, improve productivity and develop new profit opportunities.

The producers called the show an opportunity for tire dealers, retreaders and wholesalers to “meet other dealers and suppliers and learn, network and conduct business in an environment that is exciting and fun.”

In addition to the emphasis on tires, the show’s focus will expand to include the automotive service sector, which has become a major profit center for many independent tire dealers.

A mix of business and pleasure

However, it’s not just all about business — there will be plenty of other attractions too. This year’s NATRE includes the popular “Miss Retread" and Mr. Retread” contests, where retreaders compete to win cash prizes for the best retreaded truck tires and off-the-road retreaded tires.

The conference will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, close to the city’s famous Bourbon Street. In addition to a Dixieland jazz band marching through the trade show hall and a comfortable piano lounge available to dealers, attendees are invited to an evening at the House of Blues on April 19.

Attending the NATRE conference and trade show is free. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit the NATRE website.

Tagged: NATRE 2016

What’s on at the North American Tire and Retread Expo