GIE+EXPO reveals keynote speaker for October event
The three associations that sponsor GIE+EXPO have announced that retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral James Stavridis will present the 2020 keynote.
During the session, set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 2:00-3:00 p.m., Stavridis will give attendees insights on “Leadership and a New World Order: The Need for Resilience.” Admission to the keynote, which is sponsored by John Deere and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), is included with trade show registration.
GIE+EXPO partners, OPEI, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), and Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) have joined together to co-host the keynote.
“John Deere is delighted to support the keynote address at the 2020 GIE+EXPO,” said Stephanie Johnson, John Deere’s director of Turf & Utility Marketing. “The leadership insights provided by Admiral James Stavridis will inspire all of us to believe in the power of people.”
A distinguished leader and the longest-serving global combatant commander in recent American military history, Admiral Stavridis will provide answers and strategies to address the most pressing global affairs challenges.
Stavridis led the NATO Alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter piracy and cyber security. Subsequently, he served for five years as the 12th dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Earlier in his naval career, he served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America. He holds more than 50 medals, including 28 from foreign nations. He is currently an Operating Executive at Carlyle Group.
Stavridis has published nine books on leadership, the oceans, maritime affairs and Latin America. He is a monthly columnist for TIME Magazine and Chief International Security Analyst for NBC News.
According to Kris Kiser, president of OPEI, managing partner of GIE+EXPO, show organizers are working closely with the Kentucky Exposition Center to implement plans for running GIE+EXPO responsibly and are preparing an education lineup that includes sessions to help businesses transition into a post-COVID world.
“OPEI is pleased to continue to help bring renowned and relevant speakers to GIE+EXPO,” said Kiser. “Topical speakers like Admiral James Stavridis — a noted international speaker and expert on global affairs — give our trade show attendees valuable insight, and continue to enhance the show’s offerings.”
GIE+EXPO 2020 is set for Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 21-23.
For information: www.gie-expo.com