GIE+EXPO and HNA 2018 add new contractor keynote presentation

Louisville, KY – The associations that sponsor GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America added a new keynote for its 2018 event specifically for landscape and hardscape contractors. The session will feature Dr. Robert Ballard, world renowned undersea explorer. The session is set for Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Admission to the keynote, which is sponsored by John Deere, is included with show registration.

This is the first time that the GIE+EXPO/HNA partners – the Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute (ICPI), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) – have joined together to co-host their keynote, bringing all of their attendees together in one place to listen to Ballard.

"We are thrilled to be supporting the first ever joint keynote address, with GIE+EXPO and its partners, OPEI, NALP, PGMS and ICPI (Hardscape North America)," said Ken Taylor of John Deere. "The keynote address promises to be a major highlight of this year's event and we look forward to welcoming such a distinguished American icon, Dr. Robert Ballard, to the GIE+EXPO stage."

One of the greatest undersea explorers of our times, Ballard is best known for his 1985 discovery of the RMS Titanic more than 70 years after it sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He has conducted over 140 deep sea expeditions, including the first manned exploration of the Mid-Ocean Ridge, and he is credited with discovering many key chapters of human history, such as German Battleship BISMARCK and President John F. Kennedy's PT-109. He is a well-known author, a film producer of documentaries, an Explorer in Residence for the National Geographic Society and past host of their TV program "Explorer."

In Dr. Ballard’s presentation, the oceanographer and former U.S. Navy officer will share his stories of exploration, environmental discovery and leadership. With a passion for the last great uncharted territory, Dr. Ballard will entertain and motivate as he discusses his discoveries and adventures, which include the 1985 discovery of the Titanic wreckage. Attendees will walk away inspired to think outside the box and take risks to achieve their long-term goals.

GIE+EXPO and HNA 2018 will take place Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 17-19 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Early bird registration is now open and costs $15 through Sept. 6. According to Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, exhibit space sales are already running ahead of this time last year and organizers are topping 2017's record-breaking numbers. In addition, the Outdoor Demonstration Area is expected to meet or exceed last year's record-breaking 20 acres. 

"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. "With the addition of trade show hours for contractors on Wednesday and an incredible keynote on the lineup, GIE+EXPO continues to be extremely valuable business investment for exhibitors and attendees alike."

As a result of the shows' continued growth, a new format will be implemented, allowing contractors an extra day on the show floor. Following an earlier dealer preview on Wednesday, the indoor exhibits will open for the entire industry from 3 to 7 p.m., including a welcome reception on the show floor beginning at 5 p.m. The indoor exhibits and Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open Thursday and Friday for all industry members.

Admission to Hardscape North America exhibits – both indoors and out – is included with GIE+EXPO registration. This co-location gives landscape professionals the opportunity to see a wide range of related new products and explore ways to tap into the growing hardscape market. In addition, a $50 upgrade will give landscape pros access to live hardscape demos in the HNA Demo Arena tent, where experts will demonstrate techniques in a continuous build format.

Back by popular demand, the GIE+EXPO Workshops will feature 10 sessions to help landscape pros grow their businesses. This year's lineup will include two hardscape sessions with insights and tips for contractors interested in tapping into that market. Other workshops, which are sponsored by the NALP, include topics such as marketing strategies, safety programs, developing a new generation of professionals and more.

Click here to register or find out details about the event.