View what the 2026 conference has in store below.
Please note: Anything marked with an * is subject to change
Sunjay Dodani is the CEO and co-founder of Revvo. He is responsible for driving the company’s strategy and product vision with the mission of enabling every tire to be smarter and more connected. Prior to Revvo, Sunjay led the product team at Medallia, an enterprise software company, where his team developed and launched the first machine learning based products at
the company. Prior to Medallia, Sunjay founded Advanced Neuro Navigation Systems where he developed brain navigation systems used by neurosurgeons during deep brain stimulation surgeries for patients with Parkinson’s disease. He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degrees in biomedical engineering and electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.
Bio to come!
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After her MSc., started as a researcher in polymer tribology and rubber engineering at various Institutes for 2 years. Later worked as a researcher and lab manager in the R&D unit of ‘Iran Tire Manufacturer Co’ for 4 years. Obtained a Ph.D. degree “Cum laude” and graduated a Professional Doctorate in Engineering also “Cum laude”; Continued for one year post-doc; worked at VMI group Holland as compound testing expert and process specialist in the R&D department for one year. Currently leads the department of rubber processing and tire technology in the R&D unit of VMI Group.
Bio to come!
Eric Pierce is a Principal Engineer covering the Smithers Winter Test Center in Brimley, Michigan, and the Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas. He specializes in overseeing engineering projects related to winter testing, wet traction, tire buffing, noise testing, on- vehicle testing, and quality. He has specific expertise in wet and winter traction testing for passenger, light truck, and truck tires. He has previously worked as a Lab Manager for the Center for Tire Research at Virginia Tech. Eric is a member of ISO Workgroup 8 for measuring snow and ice grip performance, the SAE Truck and Bus Military Industry Tire Task Force. He is Co-Chair of the Industry Advisory Board for the Center for Tire Research, and subchairman for the ASTM F09.10 Tires Committee on Equipment, Facilities, and Calibration. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Travis Frank leads the Business Development team for SC Ports, working to grow and diversify the cargo base in South Carolina.
Travis joined SC Ports in 2020 and has served in multiple roles within the Marketing and Sales department. He works closely with existing industry, but his primary focus is on recruiting new business to the state.
Travis attended North Carolina State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Economics.
Travis is active in various organizations. He serves on the Trident United Way Board of Directors and also represents SC Ports on the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association Board.
Serving as TRIB's Managing Director since 2010, Mr. Stevens has been focused on achieving TRIB’s mission of promoting and defending the tire retread and repair industries worldwide. Prior to joining TRIB, he served in a number of marketing and leadership roles for Fortune 100 companies in the US, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Stevens is a recognized global speaker for the retread industry having addressed audiences in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He is a graduate of Trinity University, received his MBA from the University of Maryland, and holds the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Dr. Eric Jacuzzi is NASCAR's Vice President of Vehicle Performance, overseeing aerodynamics and safety innovations, particularly focusing on preventing cars from going airborne, a role he took on after extensive engineering experience with teams and a strong academic background in aerospace engineering. He leads the development of new safety features like the A-Post flap for the Next Gen car, working to increase liftoff speed and keep vehicles grounded, leveraging advanced techniques like CFD and wind tunnels.
Ilkka Lehtoranta around two decades of experience in the tire R&D. He has been building a unique concept to offering R&D activities to industry. He has successfully lead development of various new products and innovations with multiple customers and projects. Mr. Lehtoranta is currently Head of Tire and Material Development in Black Donuts.
Bio to come!
Dan Andrei Anton is the founder of Autoadmin Consulting (T.A. Unleashed Engineering), a company focused on streamlining R&D workflows for smart tire technologies in electric and next‑generation vehicles. With a degree in automotive engineering and over 18 years of experience in CAE, he has collaborated with leading automotive organizations including BMW Group, Lear, Boshoku Automotive, Goodyear, Linglong, and Kumho.
Andrei’s expertise spans automotive systems engineering, virtual product validation, and advanced finite element analysis (FEA). Over his career, he has developed testing models, simulation methods, and automation frameworks for validating passive safety systems and emerging smart tire technologies. His work supports both short‑ and long‑term R&D programs for global OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers.
In 2024, his startup was recognized as Best Startup at ROTSA Demo Days in Transylvania, highlighting the innovation trajectory of his efforts in intelligent tire systems and engineering automation.
Russell Shepherd is the Technical Communications Director for passenger car tires and has more than 20 years of experience with Michelin.
He started his career with the company in product research with Earthmover and Passenger Car tires, working in France. During this time, he received three patents for developing some of Michelin’s most innovative tires. After six years in France, Russell transitioned to the United States, where he managed tire engineering teams for North America passenger car tires.
After his assignments in research and development, Russell spent six years in Corporate Development before taking his current role with the company.
Before joining Michelin, Russell spent four years at General Motors. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen to serve a wide a variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech.
