Show organizers predict another record year for the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) as exhibit space sales soar. GIE+EXPO is set for October 17 through 19, 2018 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
By the end of February, 413 companies signed contracts for exhibit space, compared to 315 at the same time last year. Twenty-one of those companies are new exhibitors. This, combined with space increases by returning exhibitors, is leading organizers to predict a 25,000-net-square-foot increase in the show floor when it opens in October.
"We've reached 200,000 square feet faster than ever and the increase in square footage will bring even more new products to the show floor. Think of the addition as the equivalent of 12 basketball courts," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). "This show continues to be the gathering place for the entire industry and, thanks to its continued growth, this fall will be another must-attend event for landscapers, dealers, hardscapers and other industry professionals."
Returning exhibitors are attributing their decisions of reserving larger spaces to the growing attendance at the show and the desire to introduce more new products. STIHL, ODES Industries, Hurricane Power and ECHO are among the returning exhibitors that increased their exhibit space.
"For STIHL, GIE+EXPO has always been the right place to showcase new products and business news for our industry," said Bjoern Fischer, president of STIHL Inc. "Given our significant product portfolio expansions into several categories, including lithium battery and high-pressure cleaners, expanding our booth presence at the OPEI's single largest annual trade show makes complete sense for 2018."
According to Casey Slingerland, sales director for ODES Industries, the company, in its third year of exhibiting, planned for a larger exhibit to display its new 2019 utility vehicles (UTVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). "Each year, we have watched the attendance grow, which has allowed us to continually increase our exposure and brand awareness. We are looking forward to another trip to Louisville this October and continuing to grow with the show year after year!"
Jon Geer, senior operations manager for Hurricane Power, attributes much of the company's growth to its participation in GIE+EXPO. "Over the past 10 years, Hurricane Power has been excited to share its tremendous growth and innovation at GIE+EXPO. What an incredible venue to connect and create a buzz within the industry!"
ECHO is another long-time exhibitor that is increasing its space. "With three brands active within our industry, we have found the GIE+EXPO to be the best means to showcase key products and company developments," said Wayne Thomsen, vice president of marketing and aftermarket for ECHO. "This year's show profile changes to accommodate more visitor time on Wednesday. That change, plus increased demand for our products, has led us to outgrowing our footprint and requesting more booth space. Gratefully, show organizers were able to accommodate our request.”
