Inaugural GIE+EXPO Successful Industry Gathering
By Polly Moter
(Louisville, KY) – More than 21,000 people participated in the first-ever Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO 2007) in Louisville, Thursday – Saturday, October 25-27. GIE+EXPO is the result of a merger between the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo (EXPO) and the Green Industry Expo (GIE). The new show hosted 643 exhibiting companies from all over the world. About 200 of the companies, covering 35,000 sq. ft. of space, had not exhibited in either of the previous events. Eighty-seven exhibitors were at both shows in 2006 and took 27% additional space at this combined event.
In addition to networking opportunities and more than 80 seminars and workshops, visitors could walk outside to the 19-acre demonstration area for hands-on product comparisons. Several days of much-needed rain played havoc with the three-day demo schedule, limiting attendees to just two days outside.
There were approximately 7,000 dealers/retailers and approximately 7,000 lawn and landscape pros at the show. Participants represented all 50 states and 50 countries. About 2,400 people participated in the Green Industry Conference, which was sponsored by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and the School of Grounds Management, sponsored by the Professional Grounds Maintenance Society (PGMS).
Dan Ariens, president of the Ariens Company and chair of the GIE+EXPO Advisory Board, said the show offered business opportunities for all industry members. “This is the one event where suppliers, distributors, dealers, retailers and lawn and landscape pros can come together to forge new partnerships, strengthen established relationships, find out what’s new and get a glimpse of our industry’s future,” Ariens said.
Here are a few highlights of the 2007 GIE+EXPO:Jennifer Clark of Clark Landscape Group in Monroe, NC, won $20,000 toward the purchase of a new work truck in the Trucks of the Industry Giveaway, which featured eight truck manufacturers and encompassed 18,000 sq. ft.
- Twenty-seven press conferences were held over the three days of the show.
- The indoor space grew 48% compared to the 2006 EXPO and 123% compared with the 2006 GIE.
- The outdoor demo area, which equaled 20 acres, sold out.
Many companies held contests and drawings, including Ariens, which gave away a Caribbean cruise to Mark Stober of Holgate Implement Sales, Holgate, Ohio. Ferris
Industries awarded Robert L. Sams, owner of Bobby’s Lawn Care of White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., a Ferris HydroCut 36 mower.
Bill Johnson of Stroh Fix It Shop in Angola, IN, won his choice of a gas grill or home theater for voting in Power Equipment Trade magazine’s Dealers Choice Awards. Here are the products favored by dealers in the competition:
- Wheeled Category: Ferris IS 500Z Zero-Turn Pro Mower
- Power Sports/Recreation Category: Kubota RTV1100 UV
- Business Services Category: ARI Network Services’ WebsiteSmart Pro
- Handheld Category: STIHL MS280 IEM Chain Saw
- Attachments/Accessories Category: Shindaiwa Speed-Feed Trimmer Head
Yard & Garden’s Dealers in Excellence, sponsored by Stihl, Ariens Companies and the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC), were announced during one of four Dealer Experience workshops. The winners were Dave’s Small Engine Repair in Oxford, ME; Clay’s Power Equipment in Raleigh, NC and J&I Power Equipment in Olympia and Yelm, WA.
Pro magazine’s first-ever Pros in Excellence Awards were recognized at the PLANET reception/auction the evening before the show opened. The winners were Chestnut Oaks Lawn and Landscape in Greenville, SC; Spruce It Up in Springfield, MO; Reinhart Grounds Maintenance in Bloomington, IL and Vila & Son Landscaping based in Miami, FL.
Other Special Events During the Show
The STIHL IronJack Timber Team Outfitted by Cabela’s entertained as part of a 32-week tour that showcased the athletes’ dexterity, speed and brute strength. A combination of the modern athlete and the extraordinary skill and courage of the American Lumberjack, the IronJack competition melded the various disciplines from all lumberjack sports.
Due to the rain, Kohler’s Free Brat Fry moved indoors. The company gave away 10,200 brats to hungry show-goers.
The popular Dealer Club received an upgrade to a new location with free refreshments and comfortable chairs for resting weary feet. Dealers were also admitted to the show an hour early each day for an exclusive sneak peak and meetings with exhibitors.
The Louisville Village featured exhibits from some of Louisville’s top attractions, including the Kentucky Derby Museum, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Frazier Historical Arms Museum and Muhammad Ali Center.
In addition, a sightseeing tour offered visitors a glimpse into Louisville’s most treasured landmark, Churchill Downs. The Backstretch Breakfast Tour at the Kentucky Derby Museum allowed visitors to rub elbows with trainers, jockeys and exercise riders as they enjoyed a country-style breakfast in Churchill Downs’ track kitchen and saw the Kentucky Derby Museum.
For information about GIE+EXPO 2008, set for Oct. 23-25 in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center, go to www.gie-expo.com or call Sellers Expositions, 800-558-8767 or 812-949-9200.
