A PERFECT COMBINATION
GIE-EXPO certainly has the balance right
by Steve Gibbs
Chris is still away this week. And I am too technically. However I have got my old steam-powered laptop working on the wonky WiFi here in Louisville, Kentucky where I am visiting the GIE-EXPO show.
And wow. What an eye-opener.
As a first time visitor the initial aspect which hits you is the sheer scale of the endeavour. The Kentucky International Expo Centre is a vast place and GIE-EXPO takes up a good proportion of it.
One of the things which makes this show so special is the perfect combination of indoors and outdoors space. That's what keeps the crowds and the exhibitors coming back year on year - there's certainly no debate here over whether the show should take place every other year!
In fact the show organisers have told me that they are actually looking to expand next year, such is the desire for more exhibitors to join the party. It's getting to the stage where the town of Louisville itself is busting at the seems at the influx of visitors. Although apparently ground has been broken on a couple of new mega-hotels downtown, which should help matters in subsequent years.
An innovation which the organisers brought in a couple of years ago of the show's first day being a Dealer Exclusive Day, is a wonderful concept. The atmosphere on the show floor on Wednesday was relaxed, but with serious business being done - with a smile. It was busy but not over crowded, with dealers being able to walk up to the teams of manufacturers' reps and talk to them freely and at length.
Lewis Anderson of Rochford Garden Machinery was working on the B3C Fuel Solutions stand and he told me, "Dealer Day is great. It allows me to talk to dealers and tell them what discount is available without me having to look over my shoulder to see who's listening in!"
Also the fact that many of the stands were dishing out free beer and food as part of the opening day reception, certainly helped the convivial atmosphere!
When the doors were opened to the contractors, groundsmen and other turf professionals on Thursday the show floor and the demonstration ground was suddenly packed to the rafters. A much more hectic atmosphere prevailed.
But again an atmosphere of deals being done, and of equipment being sold, in an industry which over here certainly feels like it has the wind behind it.
A full report of GIE-EXPO including an interview with the head of the OPEI, Kris Kiser, will appear in the Jan-Feb 2016 issue of Service Dealer.
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