CONFERENCE PURPOSE AND HISTORY
About the conference
Shaping the Future: Sustainability, EVs, and Tire Innovation.
The Clemson Tire Conference has evolved from solely addressing developments in tire design, research, and manufacturing to encompassing a broader spectrum of issues related to how tires interact with and perform in their operating environment. This expanded focus is expected to generate new insights that will enhance tire design and manufacturing.
This evolution reflects South Carolina’s role as the leading producer of tires in the U.S. and acknowledges the responsibility that comes with this position.
HISTORY
Established in 1985 by Clemson University, the Clemson University Tire Conference was originally hosted by the professors of the School of Textiles. It began as an educational program primarily focused on manufacturing tire cords for vehicle tires. Over time, it evolved into a two-day conference featuring industry experts presenting on the dynamic changes within the tire industry and their impact on manufacturers, consumers, and the automotive sector.
Today, the conference has grown into a global event. Over three days, expert representatives from tire manufacturers, academia, and government explore critical topics affecting the tire business and technology.
With the tire industry experiencing tremendous growth, the Clemson University Tire Conference now welcomes attendees from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The conference continues to present the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies, product standards, regulatory developments, automotive trends, and financial forecasts.
leadership
The Clemson University Global Tire Industry Conference is organized and presented by Clemson University's Center for Corporate Learning and supported by leading tire and auxiliary industry companies. The annual conference features expert presentations, ensuring it remains a premier, world-class event that addresses the economic, technical, and innovative challenges shaping the tire industry.
For more information on other programs and executive education opportunities at Clemson University, please visit: Clemson.edu/thinkclemson
Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Saied Taheri
Professor & Director
Center for Tire Research (CenTiRe)
Virginia Tech
Jacob George
Consumer Reports Data Intelligence
Carolina Rodezno Ph. D
Associate Research Professor
National Center for Asphalt Technology
Auburn University
Hope Pegues
Tire Performance Research Engineer
Michelin North America
Turner Bryant
Tire Performance Research Engineer
Michelin North America
Leo Breton
Pioneer of Real World Emissions Testing of Vehicles and the Inventor of the Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS)
Ben Daughtry
Strategic Account Executive
Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation Solutions
2026 TIRE CONFERENCE SPONSORS
NOTE: This page will continue to update as sponsors are added.
Sponsorships are still available! Please email jmonday@clemson.edu for more information.
SPONSORS:
cONFERENCE lEADERSHIP TEAM
Steering Committee
Venkat N. Krovi Fasme
MICHELIN SMARTSTATE CHAIR PROFESSOR OF VEHICLE AUTOMATION
David Shelton
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS, GITI TIRE USA
Jeremy Kröber
Director of Operations
Clemson Center for
Corporate Learning – Clemson MBA Program– Clemson Greenville ONE
Lydia Thomas
Program Coordinator
Center for Corporate Learning
Clemson University
Dr. Prashant Prabhu
Conference
Committee Chair
Clemson University
Dr. Ankita Bakre
Conference Marketing Chair
Clemson University
Email Inquiries go to Lydia Thomas: llt2@clemson.edu