The GIE+EXPO trade show which takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, from 19-21 October will be even bigger this year.

New and expanded booth space is expected to result in a show floor that is more than 80,000 square feet larger, a 17 percent increase from last year.

And outside in the demo area, the typical 19 acres has been increased to 20 in order to accommodate an increase in products on display for attendees to test. 

Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) told Lawn & Landscape that so many booths are being added, he currently doesn’t have a booth location for OPEI. “We’ve sold out the space where we’d normally be, so as long as we can sell space, I’ll find a home for the OPEI booth in the hallway. These are great, great problems to have.”

Increases aren’t just happening on the show floor either. The educational sessions have expanded to cover more topics and provide more opportunities for both dealers and landscape contractors and their crews to take in tips and ideas on growing their business, improving marketing techniques and optimising cash flow.

In addition, more exhibitors than ever are expected at this year’s show; more than 230 new exhibitors, including those for Hardscape North America, will showcase their products and services, resulting in more than 900 exhibits for attendees to check out when they walk the show.

““There’s a lot of new stuff, so if someone’s on the fence, this is the year to come,” says Kiser.