NATRE organiser to rethink format, postpones 2018 show

The organiser of the North American Tire & Retread Expo (NATRE) concedes that last month’s event in New Orleans did not meet expectations. As a result, NATRE will not return in its current format, and the next scheduled show has been postponed while the concept is reconsidered.

“In our quest to create the North American Tire & Retread Expo as a stand-alone tyre conference for tyre dealers, retreaders and the tyre industry, we have not seen the support from attendees, tyre manufacturers and suppliers that we had hoped for,” reports Gus Lima, chief executive officer of show organiser, Latin Expo Group. “As a result, we have decided not to proceed with the show in its current format. Instead, we will step back and rethink how best to achieve our vision for a tyre and retread event for the North America and will inform the industry of our plans in the future.”

Lima and the Latin Expo Group launched the NATRE in New Orleans in 2014 as the only national tyre trade show and conference dedicated to tyre dealers, retreaders and the tyre industry. US-based trade publication Tire Business joined the expo team in 2016 to produce the educational programme and help grow the event. After three years in New Orleans, the expo was set to move to Nashville in 2018. These plans have been put on hold.

“We wish to thank all the companies and industry professionals who have supported the show these past three years and hope to see all of you in the future,” Lima said.