The Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) will feature Dealer-Only Day, seminars, technician certification, hands-on demos of hundreds of new products, networking, best-practice tips and giveaways.
"This year's show, October 23-25, is a must-attend event for dealers who are looking to move their stores to the next level," said Warren Sellers, GIE+EXPO director. "Dealers want their own day and we are giving it to them. We based the 2013 program on what dealers and their exhibitors asked for."
Dealer Day
Wednesday, October 23, will be an exclusive preview day for dealers, retailers, distributors and media. The Dealer Resource Pavilion will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and indoor exhibits will be open 3 to 7 p.m. During a welcome reception on the show floor (5 to 7 p.m.), many of the exhibitors will host games, food, festivities and prizes in their booths, including a $5,000 giveaway sponsored by Stihl Inc.
On Thursday and Friday, the tradeshow and the adjacent Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all in the industry. New products will be on display in 750 exhibits indoors and out, as well as spotlighted in the New Products Showcase.
Dealer Resource Pavilion
The Pavilion features free seminars by esteemed dealership consultant Bob Clements. In the pavilion's show room and parts and service department, Bob and his team will share tips on how to improve sales, parts profits and service efficiencies regardless of the size of the dealership. Key points in each of the seminars will be illustrated in the parts and service department.
Dealer Summit - New
At the inaugural Dealer Summit, October 23, noon to 3 p.m., dealers will learn strategies to reach top contractors. And, they will hear manufacturers' views on how dealers fit into their futures, online sales, compatibility of electronic communications and billing systems and the challenges of E15. The lunch-and-learn session is $50 per person.
Tech Training & Certification
Tech training - priced $30-$45 for each class - will be in the Kentucky Exposition Center's East Hall on Wednesday. Offered through NAEDA and EETC, the training is approved for EETC Continuing Education Units and Power Pro Approved. The training will focus on testing and repairing to help improve the quality of work, reduce comebacks and improve technicians' billable rates. EETC will offer discounted opportunities for certification testing.
Lunch & Learn for Rental Dealers
A session for rental dealers will be back by popular demand on Wednesday, October 23, 1 - 3 p.m. The $30 fee covers lunch and both sessions below.
Part 1: Effective Advertising for Rental Stores
A panel of leading advertising and marketing personnel will share the information and tools rental dealers need when planning a call-to-action campaign targeting a large, medium, small or very small audience.
Part 2: "You Think You Know" Game Show
This will be a lot of fun for participants and those who just prefer to watch. In the "Jeopardy" style, all participants win and some will win very valuable prizes! If you think you know lots about the companies and products of the rental industry, then you should sign up to "Learn. Play. Win!"
Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast
Stihl and Gravely will sponsor a Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast, 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24. The $25 fee covers breakfast and best-practice advice dealers can take back for immediate implementation in their businesses. Topics will include discussion of online tools including social media, website marketing and search engine optimization; branding and advertising; profitability in the service department; hiring and retaining employees and much more.
Dealers' Choice Awards
The popular GIE+EXPO Dealers' Choice Awards are back for their eighth year, with dealers voting on their favorite products on display at GIE+EXPO in five categories - accessory/attachment, business services, handheld, industrial & engines and wheeled. One dealer voter will win $100 in a drawing. Votes will be tabulated during the first two and a half days of GIE+EXPO, and the winners will be announced Friday, October 25 at the Dealer Resource Pavilion at 2 p.m.
Travel Package Giveaway
One lucky registrant will win a $2,000 travel package including a $500 gift card for expenses, a luxury suite for three nights in The Galt House Hotel, $100 in gift cards for local restaurants, $50 for souvenirs at the Visitor Information Center and VIP seating at the GIE+EXPO concerts.
Free Concerts
The free concert series is set for GIE+EXPO 2013 at 4th St. Live!, the city's popular downtown entertainment and dining venue. Wednesday night will feature country music star Craig Morgan and the Jamie McLean Band, Thursday will be Three Dog Night and "The Voice" singer Angie Johnson, and on Friday night Holly Williams and Olivia Henken will take the stage, which will be sponsored all three nights by Nissan Commercial Vehicles.
Fabulous Friday
A big hit last year, the $10,000 Friday Giveaway will start at 1 p.m. on Friday. Winners must be present to win $1,000 at 1 p.m., $2,000 at 2 p.m., $3,000 at 3 p.m. and $4,000 at 4 p.m. To be eligible, register for GIE+EXPO. An entry form will be mailed along with badges and will include instructions for returning it on-site.
Registration
GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). For information and online registration for the tradeshow, seminars and Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast, visit www.gie-expo.com, email [email protected] or call 800-558-8767/812-949-9200.
