GIE+EXPO 2012 hits home run with debut of Dealer Day
The 2012 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), which took place Wednesday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 26, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, made a big hit with a successful Dealer Day on the show’s opening day.
Show planners, attendees and exhibitors were happy with the attendance at the first-ever Dealer Day. The Dealer Resource Pavilion was open all day, and the show floor was open 3-7 p.m. The new format was intended to facilitate one-on-one time between exhibitors and dealers/distributors.
The education sessions in the Dealer Resource Pavilion were filled to capacity. Several exhibitors held special dealer meetings, and some hosted events in their booths during a festive welcome reception, 5-7 p.m. For example, Stihl Inc. had an Oktoberfest theme with live German music and brats. The Virginia Beach, Va.-based company sponsored a $5,000 giveaway, which was won by Mary Alice Gibson. Gibson’s husband Elmer recently retired after working 13 years as a full-time salesman at Outdoor Power Equipment in Roanoke, Va., but he continues to work at the dealership on a part-time basis. Mary Alice said she plans to use the money to help her grandchildren pay off their student loans, as well as to donate to her church.
“It seems like the vendors came prepared for Dealer Day, with more equipment than usual,” said John Hamm, Sugar Loaf Power Equipment, Chillicothe, Ohio.
“Dealer Day was a home run,” said Todd Teske, president, chair and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. “Everybody we talked to thought it was tremendous success. It gave me, personally, an opportunity to talk directly with dealers, which I love.”
“If you’re a dealer looking for new products and education, the new Dealer Day was your ideal opportunity,” said Mike Williams, vice president, government relations, North American Dealers Association (NAEDA). “We expected 150 people at the first dealership owners’ and managers’ class, and more than 300 showed up. The room was filled to capacity. We are already making plans for expansion and improvement next year.”
“By the end of the first day, we had exhibitors asking for expanded booth space for 2013,” said Show Director Warren Sellers. “It looks like we have a success on our hands.”
GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
