Upfront: GIE+EXPO continues to go — and grow — with the flow

By Steve Noe

The Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) — which debuted in 2007 following the merger of the Green Industry Conference and Expo (GIC/GIE) and the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Exposition (EXPO) — continued its successful evolution with the co-location of Hardscape North America (HNA) at GIE+EXPO 2010. The show took place Oct. 28-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

The inclusion of HNA positively affected attendance, exhibit sales, excitement and opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike, according to Show Director Warren Sellers. Based on preliminary registration results, Sellers noted that total attendee registrations (excluding exhibitors) rose about 4 percent, led by about a 17-percent increase by lawn and landscape pros. Indoor and outdoor exhibit space also jumped 20 percent to more than 500,000 net square feet, and the show floor featured more than 200 companies that did not exhibit at GIE+EXPO 2009. The New Products Arena also sold out, with 49 exhibitors showcasing 68 new products, and 15 exhibitors took to the New Products Arena stage to hold press conferences. Other highlights of GIE+EXPO 2010 included “The Dealer Experience,” the High-Performance Parts & Accessories Department, and free evening concerts at 4th Street Live by Candy Coburn and Neal McCoy on Oct. 28 and Aly’an and Heidi Newfield on Oct. 29.

Given the success of GIE+EXPO, it came as no surprise to me when Bill Harley, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), kicked off the show by announcing that the three sponsoring associations — OPEI, the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) — agreed to extend their GIE+EXPO partnership contract through 2014. It also didn’t shock me that HNA signed on to co-locate with GIE+EXPO again in 2011.

“With an ever-growing and changing industry, the combined show just makes sense,” said Harley. “Attendees are exposed to different aspects of the industry that can help grow their businesses and increase profits, while exhibitors are put in front of a larger audience.”

Sabeena Hickman, CEO of PLANET, echoed Harley’s sentiments. “PLANET and PGMS are both very excited about the opportunity to continue the relationship with OPEI and our partnership in GIE+EXPO,” she said. “The partnership displays steps towards green industry unification and promotes strong communication between various segments.”

Don’t be surprised if another show partners with GIE+EXPO in the next few years, as the evolution and unification of the green industry continues. Mark my words.

Also, mark your calendars and start planning for GIE+EXPO 2011, which is set to return to Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center Oct. 27-29. For more information on GIE+EXPO 2011, call (800) 558-8767 or (812) 949-9200, or visit www.gie-expo.com.

For extensive coverage of GIE+EXPO 2010, please read my in-depth recap on pages 14-34, as well as check out the online version of the article for bonus coverage at www.outdoorpowerequipment.com.

OPE Editor Steve Noe
snoe@m2media360.com