GIE+EXPO 2017 Show Preview

Plenty for dealers to see and do at must-attend event

By Steve Noe

Dealers converging on Louisville, Ky., for the 2017 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) — set to take place at Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center Wednesday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 20 — will certainly face no shortage of things to see and do, from sun up until well after sun down, between the show itself during the day and its free concerts at night.

GIE+EXPO has enjoyed two consecutive record-setting years, and Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the show-sponsoring Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), anticipates another banner year for GIE+EXPO and the co-located Hardscape North America.

“This year’s show is a must-attend event for industry members who are looking to move their businesses to the next level,” Kiser said. “The opportunity to see new products, network with colleagues, and benefit from educational opportunities makes it an extremely valuable business investment for exhibitors and attendees alike.”

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18 (DEALER DAY)

Once again, GIE+EXPO will kick off with the increasingly popular Dealer Day, with the show open exclusively to dealers, distributors, exhibitors and members of the media. Dealer Day will feature endless educational and networking opportunities, including the LatinoLink Dealer Breakfast, technician training, the new Dealer Boot Camp, the second annual UTV University, Dealer Kick-off Keynote, new Dealer Resource Center workshops, Dealer Day Preview, and a free concert.

LatinoLink Dealer Breakfast

Taking place from 9 to 10:30 a.m., this panel discussion on “The Secrets to Gaining More Hispanic Business” will feature Hispanic contractors sharing their dealer experiences. Brought to you by the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance, pre-registration and a $25 fee are required, but breakfast is included.

Technician Training

The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) will be offering hands-on technician training on Dealer Day. The training will be focused on the most important elements — testing and repairing — to help improve the quality of work, reduce comebacks, and improve the billable hour rate that technicians can produce for the dealership.

The EETC will offer two-hour tech training sessions at 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with four course options at $30 each: 1) OPE Electrical Systems Training; 2) Saw Chain Grinding Best Practices; 3) Float Bowl Carburetors; and 4) Propane Gas Fuel Systems. The association will also offer three-hour tech training sessions at 8 a.m. and noon with four additional course choices at $45 apiece: 1) Electrical Troubleshooting; 2) Hydrostatic Transmissions; 3) Diaphragm Carburetors; and 4) Electronic Fuel Injection Systems.

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Bob Clements

People, Process, Profit: Dealer Boot Camp

The People, Process, Profit: Dealer Boot Camp will consist of four sessions conducted by Bob Clements and his team of consultants from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Sara Hey will begin Boot Camp with a session on “Dealing with Conflicting Personalities — Employees, Customers and More!” from 9 to 10 a.m. Bob Clements will follow with three consecutive sessions: “Processes — the Basics for Your Service and Parts Departments” from 10 to 11 a.m.; “Understanding Your Numbers in Service, Parts and Sales” from 11 a.m. to noon; and “Employee Compensation” from noon to 1:15 p.m. The final session requires pre-registration and a $25 fee, which includes a box lunch.

UTV University

Taking place simultaneously as Dealer Boot Camp and following the same format will be UTV University, which is geared toward dealers currently carrying utility task vehicles (UTVs) or considering adding them to their product mix. Brought to you by Powersports Business and Outdoor Power Equipment magazines — thanks to the generous support of sponsors Cub Cadet and American LandMaster — UTV University will consist of three one-hour sessions by proven powersports dealer training specialists, followed by a roundtable discussion about the state of the UTV industry.

Mark Money

Mark Mooney, a powersports industry veteran of more than 35 years, will conduct the first session on “Street Smart Dealership Management with Book Smart Backup” from 9 to 10 a.m. Steve Shankin, whose North Carolina-based company manufactures UTV accessories and is a UTV design firm that works with several UTV OEMs, will follow with a session on “How to Guide Customers Through Their UTV Buying Decision” from 10 to 11 a.m. Ty Bello, an inspirational leader, a registered corporate coach, and the president and founder of Team @ Work, will present a session on “Sales Coaching is not a Trend, but an Adventure for UTV Dealers” from 11 a.m. to noon. From noon to 1:15 p.m., John Kmitta, associate publisher of Outdoor Power Equipment, will moderate a roundtable discussion featuring Dave McMahon, executive director of Powersports Business, and other UTV industry experts about the latest UTV market retail sales trends, UTV dealer data, and more.

Alan Beaulieu

Dealer Kick-off Keynote

Free with tradeshow registration, thanks to sponsors Gravely and Stihl Inc., Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics, one of the nation’s most informed economists, will deliver the Dealer “Kick-off” Keynote titled “A Good Year Ahead” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. He will provide a snapshot of the current economy, where it is headed during the next three years, and what it means for your business.

In addition, Beaulieu will provide a methodology to help your business take advantage of the current economic environment. Using rate-of-change calculations, you will learn where you are in the business cycle, how to identify key leading indicators to focus on for critical business decisions, and how to establish strategic objectives that will enable you to make the right decisions at the right time.

Dealer Resource Center Workshops

Another new feature this year will be the Dealer Resource Center Workshops, a series of 30-minute sessions. Brought to you by the Equipment Dealers Association, United Equipment Dealers Association, and Bob Clements International, these 10 workshops are free with tradeshow registration.

On Wednesday, Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants, will hold two workshops: “Dealership Expense Control Ideas and Strategies” at 2-2:30 p.m., as well as “How Profitable Dealers Establish Their Labor Rates” at 4-4:30 p.m. More details on the eight remaining workshops to follow.

Dealer Day Preview

Following all of the aforementioned dealer education opportunities, the networking opportunities will begin with the indoor exhibits open for dealers, retailers, distributors and media only from 3 to 7 p.m. You will get a sneak peek at all of the new products and an opportunity to kick a few tires along the way before everyone else. Plus, none of your customers will be present as you walk the show floor and go booth to booth, allowing you the chance to enjoy spending some quality face-to-face time with the exhibitors while they give you their undivided attention.

From 5 to 7 p.m., a Dealer Welcome Reception will be held with many exhibitors hosting fun-filled activities and giveaways at their booths. Once again, Stihl Inc. will have its Oktoberfest-themed booth with beer, brats and live entertainment, as well as a $5,000 giveaway for one lucky winner in a drawing held at 6:30 p.m.

Uncle Kräcker

Free Concert

After the Kentucky Exposition Center closes its doors for the day, the fun will shift to downtown Louisville for a free concert — sponsored by BOB-CAT Mowers — at Fourth Street Live! Runaway June will take the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at 8 p.m., with headliner Uncle Kracker to follow.

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

GIE+EXPO will open its doors to all industry participants on Thursday. Both the indoor exhibits and the outdoor exhibits in the 20-plus-acre outdoor demo area will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Power-up Morning Session

Before the show opens, Bob Clements will conduct a Power-up Morning Session on “Coaching and Management Basics” from 8 to 9 a.m.

Dealer Resource Center Workshops

Four more 30-minute Dealer Resource Center Workshops will be held on Thursday. Rex Collins will conduct a workshop on “Dealership Year-end Tax Planning Opportunities” from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Sara Hey of Bob Clements International will deliver a workshop on “So, Your Kids Want to Join Your Business” from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tim Whitley, CEO of Team SI, will present a workshop on “Understanding the Customer Journey to Online Purchase” from 1 to 1:30 p.m. And Bob Clements will conclude the day’s workshops with one on “Positioning Your Dealership to Sell” from 2 to 2:30 p.m.

The Crashers

Free Concert

Following the day’s festivities, show goers can head to downtown Louisville and catch a free concert, thanks to BOB-CAT Mowers and Mercedes-Benz Vans, at 8 p.m. at Fourth Street Live! Alaska & Madi will open for The Crashers.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

The final day of GIE+EXPO will be open to all industry participants. The indoor exhibits will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the outdoor exhibits will be open an hour less from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so be sure to plan your day accordingly.

Sara Hey

Power-up Morning Session

Before the show opens, you can start your day with Sara Hey and her Power-up Morning Session on “Establishing a Culture and Casting a Vision for Your Dealership” from 8 to 9 a.m.

Dealer Resource Center Workshops

The final four Dealer Resource Center Workshops will take place on Friday.

Leading off, Bob Clements will deliver a workshop on “Is It Time to Add a Second Location?” from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Bill Wagner of ARI Network Services will follow with a workshop on “Charting Your Digital Marketing Game Plan” from 11 to 11:30 a.m. In the afternoon, Jennifer Robison will present two workshops: “Visual Merchandising — the Most Essential of Retail Elements” from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and “Is Your Attitude Killing Your Store’s Vibe & Sales?” from 2 to 2:30 p.m.

Fabulous Friday $10,000 Giveaway

Mercedes-Benz Vans will hold a Fabulous Friday $10,000 Giveaway. Every show registrant will receive an entry form, but you must be present at 4 p.m. to win.

Free Concert

Before you head home, you can go to downtown Louisville once again to catch a free concert, courtesy of BOB-CAT Mowers and Mercedes-Benz Vans, by V-Groove at 8 p.m. at Fourth Street Live!

Registration and More

GIE+EXPO is an annual event sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). For more information and online registration, go to www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points include Facebookinfo@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and (800) 558-8767/(812) 949-9200. Also, please be sure to see the GIE+EXPO 2017 show schedule on pages 28-29 in this issue of Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) and visit OPE’s website at outdoorpowerequipment.com and its Facebook page at OutdoorPowerEquipmentMag.

Stihl’s indoor booth on Dealer Day

GIE+EXPO 2017 DAILY SCHEDULE

The 2017 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) will be held Wednesday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 20, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Once again, Hardscape North America (HNA) will co-locate with GIE+EXPO.

GIE+EXPO will kick off with Dealer Day, which is open to dealers, distributors, retailers and media only, on Oct. 18. The show will then be open to all industry participants Oct. 19-20. The annual event is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI); Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

Following is a schedule of the show’s events, but it is subject to change. All events for GIE+EXPO and HNA will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center unless otherwise indicated, and Louisville is on Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

For any activities marked with an asterisk, pre-registration and/or additional fees are required. Visit your registration dashboard to add sessions.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18
Dealer Day

7:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.
*Tech Training

9 — 10 a.m.
Dealer Boot Camp: Dealing with Conflicting Personalities — Employees, Customers and More!
Sara Hey, Bob Clements International

9 — 10 a.m.
UTV University: Street Smart Dealership Management with Book Smart Backup
Mark Mooney

9 — 10:30 a.m.
*LatinoLink Dealer Day Breakfast: The Secrets to Gaining More Hispanic Business

10 — 11 a.m.
Dealer Boot Camp: Processes — the Basics for Your Service and Parts Departments
Bob Clements

Steve Shankin

10 — 11 a.m.
UTV University: How to Guide Customers Through Their UTV Buying Decision
Steve Shankin

11 a.m. — noon
Dealer Boot Camp: Understanding Your Numbers in Service, Parts and Sales
Bob Clements

11 a.m. — noon
UTV University: Sales Coaching is not a Trend, but an Adventure for UTV Dealers
Ty Bello

Noon — 1:15 p.m.
*Dealer & UTV Retailer Box Lunch Special: Employee Compensation
Lunch provided
Bob Clements

Ty Bello

Noon — 1:15 p.m.
UTV University: Roundtable Discussion with UTV Industry Experts
Hosted by John Kmitta, associate publisher, Outdoor Power Equipment magazine
Featuring Dave McMahon, executive editor, Powersports Business magazine

1:30 — 3 p.m.
Dealer “Kick-off” Keynote: A Good Year Ahead
Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics

2 — 2:30 p.m.
Dealer Workshop: Dealership Expense Control Ideas and Strategies
Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants

3 — 7 p.m.
Dealer Day Preview: Indoor Exhibits open for dealers, retailers, distributors and media only

Runaway June

4 — 4:30 p.m.
Dealer Workshop: How Profitable Dealers Establish Their Labor Rates
Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants

5 — 7 p.m.
Reception on the exhibit floor for dealers, retailers, distributors and media

8 p.m.
Free concert: Uncle Kracker with opener Runaway June
Sponsored by BOB-CAT Mowers on the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at 4th Street Live!

THURSDAY, OCT. 19
Open to all industry participants

8 — 9 a.m.
Power-up Morning Session for Dealers: Coaching and Management Basics
Bob Clements

9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Indoor Exhibits and Outdoor Demo Area open.

10 — 10:30 a.m.
Dealer Workshop: Dealership Year-end Tax Planning Opportunities
Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants

11 — 11:30 a.m.
Dealer Workshop: So, Your Kids Want to Join Your Business
Sara Hey, Bob Clements International

1 — 1:30 p.m.
Dealer Workshop: Understanding the Customer Journey to Online Purchase
Tim Whitley, CEO of Team SI

2 — 2:30 p.m.
Dealer Workshop: Positioning Your Dealership to Sell
Bob Clements

Alaska and Madi

8 p.m.
Free concert: Alaska & Madi and The Crashers
Sponsored by BOB-CAT Mowers on the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at 4th Street Live!

FRIDAY, OCT. 20
Open to all industry participants

8 — 9 a.m.
Power-up Morning Session for Dealers: Establishing a Culture and Casting a Vision for Your Dealership
Sara Hey, Bob Clements International

9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Outdoor Demo Area open.

9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Indoor Exhibits open.

10 — 10:30 a.m.
Dealer Workshop: Is It Time to Add a Second Location?
Bob Clements

11 — 11:30 a.m.
Dealer Workshop: Charting Your Digital Marketing Game Plan
Bill Wagner, ARI Network Services

Jennifer Robison

1 — 1:30 p.m.
Dealer Workshop: Visual Merchandising – the Most Essential of Retail Elements
Jennifer Robison

1:15 — 5 p.m.
LatinoLink: Guided Tours of GIE+EXPO Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits in Spanish

2 — 2:30 p.m.
Dealer Workshop: Is Your Attitude Killing Your Store’s Vibe & Sales?
Jennifer Robison

4 p.m.
Fabulous Friday $10,000 Giveaway sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans

8 p.m.
Free concert: V-Groove
Sponsored by BOB-CAT Mowers on the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at 4th Street Live!

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