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NEW ORLEANS REVIEW
Organisers Aim to Double Size of New Orleans Show for 2016
The first North American Tire & Retread Expo organised between 15 – 17th April 2015, is now booked to make multiple appearances at the New Orleans based Ernest N Morial Convention Center. The first edition of the show brought in 112 tyre, tyre retread and tyre equipment and repair companies. The organisers hope to double the show next year. “We have made a commitment with the city and the exhibition centre for the next six years,” said Gustavo Lima, CEO, Latin Expo Group LLC in an exclusive interview with Retreading Business at the show. Lima has a long relationship with the tyre business, having sold tyres in Latin America for many years. “We also import tread rubber from Brazil and supply the US market. I have more than 40 years of relationship with the tyre industry,” stated Lima.
The United States has big tyre retreading industry but has not had a single dedicated show for a number of years. “We realised there is a requirement for a standalone tyre and retread show. We have seen tyre shows in the US but hardly any representation from the retreading side of the industry despite the fact the nearly 50 per cent of the US tyre market is controlled by the retread sector,” observed Lima.
The show organisers Latin Expo Group LLC has already booked the second hall on the strength of feelers from industry, which projected double exhibitor turnout next time. “We hope to double the exhibitors and show area next year. We believe 250 exhibitors would likely to come for the second edition of the show in 2016,” said Lima.
Interestingly, the show attracted 70-80 tyre makers from China alone. The Chinese companies have been targeting the US tyre market from many years and their overwhelming presence further indicates their increasing influence in one of the world’s largest tyre markets. Commenting on the scale of the Chinese tyre companies’ presence at the show, Lima stated, “Chinese presence is now a reality of the global tyre industry. We are increasingly making efforts to bring in Chinese companies in the retread, tread rubber and equipment side for the 2016 edition.”
The New Orleans show had 1,200 pre-registered visitors from the
targeted sectors. “Our emphasis remains on the quality of the people and not on the volume of the people,” Lima stressed.
He further said, “Our idea is to design a business to business, human and fun show and we believe our efforts have been quite successful.” The show also featured industr y speakers, training seminars, a tradeshow and conferences.
First Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer Andy Kopplin of New Orleans and
Gustavo Lima, CEO, Latin Expo Group LLC cut the ribbon and opened the show on the first day in short and impressive ceremony.
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