The end of an era. (National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association and Specialty Equipment Market Association merger)

NTDRA joins SEMA Show in Las Vegas

David Poisson has been busy. The new executive vice president of the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (NTDRA) ended 76 years of trade show autonomy when he announced a merger between the NTDRA and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Beginning next year, the NTDRA exposition will be jointly held with SEMA's trade show during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas.

The separate NTDRA gathering had been scheduled in Las Vegas just a few weeks before Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week show of which the SEMA show is a major part.

The move, unanimously endorsed by the NTDRA board of directors, follows declining attendance and a significant drop in revenue from the trade show the last few years.

"We're not really part of the aftermarket if we continue to operate outside it," announced Poisson at a press conference prior to the start of the recent SEMA Show.

"Our show needed an infusion of excitement and enthusiasm... It's in the best interests of members, …