AKRON, OH / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 18, 2020 / The International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC) is pleased to announce Bridgestone Americas’ Eric Higgs will present a keynote address at the September trade show.

Higgs, president of the Commercial Truck, Bus and Retread division for Bridgestone, will discuss the evolution of mobility with an emphasis on fleet management trends on Sept. 15, 2020.

ITEC will occur Sept. 15-17 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio. The trade show is the largest tire manufacturing exhibition in North America. ITEC is organized by Rubber & Plastics News and owned by Crain Communications Inc.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Eric’s experience and knowledge present at ITEC,” said Brennan Lafferty, vice president of the Crain Global Polymer Group. “The world of transportation is changing quickly. Our attendees and exhibitors need to know what to expect in the next three, five and 10 years when it comes to mobility, autos and fleets. No doubt, Bridgestone is at the table helping chart the road ahead.”

In addition to his work at Bridgestone, Higgs has held senior positions at Kimberly Clark and Procter & Gamble.

Higgs’ presentation will highlight more than 70 educational and technical sessions at ITEC. Additional topics include tire recycling, ASTM standards, advances in manufacturing, tires for future applications, reinforcing materials and much more.

In addition to the conference sessions, show organizers will award the Harold Herzlich Distinguished Technology Achievement Medal. The honor recognizes innovators in tire manufacturing, tire reliability or performance. The award is named after Herzlich, the longtime technical editor of Rubber & Plastics News, a Crain publication. Herzlich is also chairman emeritus of ITEC. Nominations for the award can be submitted at https://www.itec-tireshow.com/itec_herzlich_award.cfm.

“This year, ITEC attendees will experience new features at the show, including two keynoters, 70 technical presentations and a new matchmaking app to connect buyers and sellers,” said Debbie Hershfield, ITEC show director. “We’ve also added more opportunities to network and make connections on the show floor.”

ITEC will host two evening networking receptions after the first two days of the conference and exhibition. The Sept. 15 Science & Technology networking reception will feature musicians, food and specialty drinks in chemistry beakers. The Sept. 16 networking reception will include a salute to the city of Akron featuring musicians, food and entertainment honoring the Rubber City.

Companies interested in reserving exhibition space and sponsorships at ITEC should contact Sales Director Brent Weaver at bweaver@crain.com. Individuals interested in presenting at the ITEC conference should contact Sally Dietz at sdietz@crain.com

ITEC marks its 14th edition in 2020. The show, which began in 1994, attracts more than 80 exhibitors and more than 1,600 attendees. The trade show’s website is www.itec-tireshow.com.

Register to attend ITEC by visiting www.itec-tireshow.com/itec_register_attend.cfm.