Sponsorships by exhibitors will provide a wealth of education and networking opportunities exclusively for dealers during the 2015 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo), which is set for Oct. 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
The popular Dealer Resource Pavilion returns with features to benefit all levels of a dealership team - from technicians to management. Coupled with opportunities to network and win prizes, the orgainsers say the return on investment for dealers who attend has high potential.
GIE-EXPO
Wednesday, Oct. 21, will be a preview day for dealers, retailers, distributors and media. Indoor exhibits will be open 3 - 7 p.m. During a welcome reception on the show floor, 5 - 7 p.m., many of the exhibitors will host games, food, festivities and prizes in their booths. On Thursday and Friday the tradeshow and the adjacent Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all in the industry.
"As the organization representing OPE dealers throughout North America, our presence and participation in GIE+EXPO is a must. NAEDA has been involved in GIE+EXPO for over 25 years and the 2015 show was one of the best. The Dealer Day on Wednesday and Dealer Resource Pavilion have really enhanced the show," said Joe Dykes, VP Industry Relations for the North American Equipment Dealers Association, which is a sponsor of the Dealer Resource Pavilion and Dealer Summit.
Dealer Resource Pavilion & Free Management Classes
The Dealer Resource Pavilion is the hub for dealers at this annual event. It is the location for free seminars for outdoor power equipment dealership owners and managers, led by dealership consultant Bob Clements. The pavilion features a showroom, along with a parts and service department where Bob and his team will share their latest ideas and tips on how to turn slow seasons into profitable seasons, improve your bottom line in the parts and service departments and more. In addition, a lounge area provides a place for dealers to take a break and network with peers.
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. all three days of the show, the Pavilion is sponsored by ARI Network Services, c-Systems Software Inc., Equipment & Engine Training Council, North American Equipment Dealer Association, Gravely® Commercial Lawn Mowers, STIHL Inc. and Husqvarna.
Dealer Day Keynote Lunch
Also on Wednesday, the Dealer Day Keynote Lunch will feature Steve McClatchy, President, Alleer Training & Consulting and author of the New York Times bestseller Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example. McClatchy will talk with dealers about the differences between management and leadership and how both are vital to the success of a team. A $25 fee includes box lunch, and pre-registration is required. The session is sponsored by Gravely & STIHL.
$5,000 STIHL Giveaway
Dealers who attend the Dealer Day welcome reception, 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday will be entered to win $5,000 in a giveaway sponsored by STIHL. The winner will be selected at the STIHL booth at 6:30 p.m.
Grand Funk Railroad in Concert
Dealer Day rounds out with a free concert featuring Grand Funk Railroad with openers From Paris. The concert, sponsored by Dixie Chopper, begins at 8 p.m. on the Nissan Commercial Vehicles stage at Fourth Street Live!
Dealer Summit
Popular with dealers, these sessions offer insights to help dealers grow their business. Thursday and Friday mornings will begin at 8 a.m. with panel discussions that include a light breakfast. Both are sponsored by the North American Equipment Dealers Association. Thursday's session will feature manufacturers, who will address questions and issues important to dealers' future and profitability. It will be followed by a presentation on how dealers can best use social media to connect with landscape contractors and lawn care operators. Friday morning's focus will be on meeting the needs and expectations of commercial lawn care, landscape and municipal customers. Session fees range from $15 to $25.
Tech Training & Certification
Opportunities for technician training - priced $30-$45 for each class - will be presented by the equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) on Wednesday. EETC will also offer discounted opportunities for certification testing during the show.
Latino Link Dealer Breakfast
New this year, the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance will host a Latino LinkTM Dealer Breakfast on Wednesday morning. The topic will be "Growing Your Business by Better Engaging Local Hispanics." Juan Torres, Principal & Consultant with Next Step Solutions, will provide tips for positioning a dealership as the go-to destination for Hispanics in the landscape industry. A $25 fee includes breakfast.
Fabulous Friday $10,000 Giveaway
Dealers who stay through Friday will have the opportunity to win in this giveaway that is sponsored by Belgard Hardscapes. One lucky winner will be drawn at 4 p.m., and the winner must be present to win the $10,000 prize. 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.
For more Information
An early-bird registration discount is available through Sept. 10. For more information and online registration for the tradeshow and education program: www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points: Facebook, info@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and 800-558-8767/812-949-9200.
