ITWA and PTROI to Host First Regional Conference

lakemichiganIndiana Towing & Wreckers Association and Professional Towing & Recovery Operators of Illinois will be hosting the inaugural Great Lakes Regional Tow Show August 22 through August 24 at Radisson Hotel Star Plaza. According to Quincy Cunningham, staff member with ITWA, the conference is expected to attract between 400 and 500 attendees.

Throughout the conference, attendees will enjoy exhibits and demonstrations, the opportunity to receive Traffic Incident Management (TIM) certification, Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) certification testing, seminars and daily activities.

On Saturday, August 23, the public is invited to watch a driving competition and view tow trucks during the beauty contest, both hosted at Radisson Hotel Star Plaza. The driving competition is from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and trucks participating in the beauty contest must be ready for judging by 12:00 p.m., with decisions being made by 4:00 p.m.

Individuals interested in learning more about the industry may also explore the exhibition room where numerous vendors will be displaying information and products related to the tow industry. Additionally, individuals will be permitted to sit in on the seminars. The conference is free to attend; walk-ins are asked to register upon arrival.

Conference seminars include “Police Towers of America,” a discussion of the latest trends in municipal towing and how to maintain a prosperous relationship with police departments, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, and “Wreckmaster,” a session on how training and safety programs can help tow professionals avoid claims that affect bottom lines, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Exhibit hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23; and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.

Indiana Towing & Wrecker Association is a statewide nonprofit association comprised of tow companies throughout Indiana. The mission of the association is to educate members and communicate new issues that arise in the industry on a day-to-day basis. ITWA offers continued education for members and raises awareness on legislative issues.

The Professional Towing & Recovery Operators of Illinois was formed to protect and promote the welfare of those engaged in the towing and recovery business as well as aiding in ensuring public safety in Illinois. Its goals are to educate members and the public, promote professional and quality towing services and provide a more favorable image of the towing industry to the public.

To learn more about ITWA, visit www.towingindiana.com. To learn more about PTROI, visit www.ptroi.org.