GIE+EXPO 2010 poised for strong showing again

By Steve Noe

The Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) — set to take place Thursday, Oct. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 30, in Louisville, Ky. — will offer several new features, including the addition of Hardscape North America (HNA).

HNA, a trade show for hardscape contractors and distributors, is co-locating with GIE+EXPO at the Kentucky Exposition Center. HNA will provide outdoor power equipment dealers and distributors with a golden opportunity to learn how to expand their business by selling hardscape products to contractors during a program that will be offered at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Building on the success of last year’s High-Performance Service Department pavilion, Bob Clements International will return to lead the High-Performance Parts and Accessories Department. This new attraction will provide OPE dealers with an informative mix of education, displays and demonstrations on how to maximize the profit-making potential of their own shops.

“The Dealer Experience” will provide dealers with several additional educational and networking opportunities. This year’s theme is “The Magic of Profitability during Challenging Times,” which is appropriate given that the keynote speaker, Doug Lipp, was a head trainer for Walt Disney University and will shed light on the secrets of Disney’s success.

When the show ends each of the first two days, the fun will shift to downtown Louisville and 4th Street Live with free concerts performed by Neal McCoy on Thursday and Heidi Newfield on Friday. Both concerts are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

For more details about GIE+EXPO 2010, read the rest of our GIE+EXPO Special Preview in this issue of OPE. To pre-register and learn more about the show, visit www.gie-expo.com or contact Sellers Expositions at (800) 558-8767 or (812) 949-9200 or info@gie-expo.com.

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
Indoor Exhibits open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
(Dealers admitted to indoor exhibits: 8 a.m.)
Outdoor Demonstration Area open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

SATURDAY
Indoor Exhibits open: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
(Dealers admitted to indoor exhibits: 8 a.m.)
Outdoor Demonstration Area closed.

THURSDAY, OCT. 28
8 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Dealer Club facilities open.
Dealers and retailers admitted to the show floor.

8-9:45 a.m.
The Dealer Experience (Session 1):
Breakfast and keynote, “Would YOU Do Business with YOU?” presented by Doug Lipp

10-11 a.m.
The Dealer Experience (Session 1 continued):
“What’s On Your Mind?”
A panel discussion featuring Fred Whyte, president of STIHL Incorporated; Dan Ariens, president & CEO of Ariens Company; and Bill Harley, president & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

Morning
Walker World Driving Championship in the Demo Area

10-11:30 a.m.
GIE+EXPO Workshop (Session A):
“Adding Hardscape Installation to Your Company’s Success,” featuring Pat McCrindle, MW Hardscapes, Inc.

10-11:30 a.m.
High-Performance Parts and Accessories Panel:
“Marketing Ideas that Increase Parts Sales”

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
New Product Launches/Press Conferences in the New Products Arena

10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Outdoor exhibits open

2-3:30 p.m.
High-Performance Parts and Accessories Panel:
“Improving the Parts Department Layout and Planning for Expansion”

Afternoon
Walker World Driving Championship in the Demo Area

3-5 p.m.
GIE+EXPO Workshop (Session B):
“Xtreme Service = Xtreme Profits,” featuring Ed Laflamme, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, The Harvest Group

9 p.m.
Neal McCoy concert at 4th Street Live! 

FRIDAY, OCT. 29
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dealer Club facilities open.
Dealers and retailers admitted to the show floor.

8-9:30 a.m.
The Dealer Experience (Session 2):
Breakfast and Dealer Roundtable Discussions

9:45-10:45 a.m.
The Dealer Experience (Session 2 continued):
“The Distribution Trap,” featuring Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., and Timothy Wilkinson, Ph.D. – sponsored by STIHL

Morning
Walker World Driving Championship in the Demo Area

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
New Product Launches/Press Conferences in the New Products Arena

10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Outdoor exhibits open.

10-11:30 a.m.
GIE+EXPO Workshop (Session C – repeat of Session A):
“Adding Hardscape Installation to Your Company’s Success,” featuring Pat McCrindle, MW Hardscapes, Inc.

10-11:30 a.m.
High-Performance Parts and Accessories Panel:
“Improving Parts Margins and Fill Rates While Reducing Inventory”

11 a.m.-noon
Dealer Experience (Session 2 continued):
“Increased Profitability When Employees Drive Lean,” featuring Lynn Pesson Jr., president, Southland Engine Company Inc., Lafayette, La., and Jeff Hebbard, president, Ariens Company Wholegoods – sponsored by Gravely

2-3:30 p.m.
High-Performance Parts and Accessories Panel:
“Understanding the 3 Key Financial Measures of the Parts Department”

Afternoon
Walker World Driving Championship in the Demo Area

3-5 p.m.
GIE+EXPO Workshop (Session D):
“Growing Revenues in a Crowded/Price-Driven Market,” featuring Kevin Kehoe, Three Point Group, Inc.

9 p.m. 
Heidi Newfield concert at 4th Street Live!

SATURDAY, OCT. 30
8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 
Dealer Club facilities open.
Dealers and retailers admitted to the show floor.

9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Indoor exhibits open.

9-11 a.m.
GIE+EXPO Workshop (Session E):
“27 Tips to Making Some Sales RIGHT NOW!” featuring Marty Grunder, Marty Grunder, Inc.

10-11:30 a.m.
High-Performance Parts and Accessories Panel:
“Managing Your People and Your Department”

10:30 a.m.
Specialty Tools for Hardscape Installation

11:30 a.m.
HNA Hardscape Project Awards Ceremony

Noon
Trucks of the Industry Giveaway