Education your way

GIE+EXPO is offering dealers an extensive lineup of educational sessions, including a kick-off keynote from noted economist Alan Beaulieu.

Get the ball rolling Wednesday morning with the LatinoLink™ Dealer Day Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. when a panel of Hispanic contractors will share their dealer experiences. They’ll answer questions like: What little things can you implement that can make a big difference? And how can the brand you carry help?

Dealer Boot Camp.

Next up, the new People, Process, Profit: Dealer Boot Camp will feature Bob Clements and his team. With a reputation as the dealership guru, Clements has given countless dealers the tools they needed to achieve personal and financial freedom. Most of the boot camp sessions are included with trade show registration.

Wednesday, Oct. 18; 9-10 a.m.

Dealing with Conflicting Personalities – Employees, Customers and More!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Running a business would be easy if I didn’t have to deal with people?” Sara Hey will explain why some people drive you crazy, what you can do about it, and strategies to deal with employees or customers who are upset.

10-11 a.m.

Processes – the Basics for Your Service and Parts Departments

Bob Clements will walk dealers through basic processes you should have in place for your service and parts departments. He will share best practices that you can implement as soon as you get back to your dealership.

11 a.m.-Noon

Understanding your Numbers in Service, Parts and Sales

Bob Clements will discuss why it’s important to know your numbers, the key numbers you should measure to most effectively manage your parts, service and sales departments and how your reports can help you manage your dealership and improve the overall effectiveness of your business.

Noon-1:15 p.m.

Dealer & UTV Retailer Box Lunch Session: Employee Compensation

Pre-registration is required. $25, includes lunch.

How do you determine what an employee should be paid and how do you structure bonuses that encourage employees to be more efficient? Bob Clements will share what dealerships across the country are doing and how to implement a compensation program that motivates and rewards employees for performance.

Keynote kick off.

Immediately following Wednesday’s Dealer Boot Camp, Beaulieu will deliver the Dealer Kick-Off Keynote at 1:30 p.m. The session is sponsored by Gravely and STIHL.

The senior analyst at ITR Economics has delivered award-winning workshops and economic analysis seminars to thousands of business owners and executives around the world for the last 25 years to help them capitalize on emerging trends. He also co-authored two books, “Prosperity in the Age of Decline” and “Make Your Move.”

The session, titled A Good Year Ahead, will focus on the uncertainty and volatility that business leaders confront today. Beaulieu will break down the economics of owning a business and help dealers interpret the often-complex concepts.

“The addition of Alan to our lineup will provide an outstanding opportunity for dealers to learn where the economy is headed as well as how they can take advantage of the present economic environment,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the managing partner of GIE+EXPO.

Following Beaulieu’s keynote, the trade show will open exclusively for dealers, distributors, retailers and media from 3 to 7 p.m. with a show floor reception beginning at 5 p.m.

Quick education breaks.

New this year, ten 30-minute sessions at the Dealer Resource Center are spread through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to give dealers the chance for quick breaks from the show floor to pick up valuable tips.

These free sessions will be presented by experts from the Bob Clements team, Equipment Dealers Association and United Equipment Dealers Association.

Wednesday, Oct., 18; 2-2:30 p.m.

Dealership Expense Control Ideas and Strategies

Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, Principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants

Dealership profitability is being squeezed tighter and tighter. This session will explore ways that successful dealers have used to reduce the expense structure to help ensure that they remain profitable…or increase existing profits.

4-4:30 p.m.

How Profitable Dealers Establish Their Labor Rates

Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, Principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants

Join us as we discuss the steps that you should go through in setting your labor rate.

Thursday, Oct. 19; 10-10:30 a.m.

Dealership Year End Tax Planning Opportunities

Rex Collins, CPA, CVA, Principal at HBK CPAs & Consultants

Learn about various tax provisions that impact dealers and their dealerships so you can take full advantage of these provisions prior to the end of the year. We will also discuss the latest changes in tax laws.

11-11:30 a.m.

So, Your Kids Want to Join Your Business

Sara Hey, Bob Clements International

Sara Hey will share the three most common mistakes that business parents make when bringing their children into their business and answer questions on how to solve family problems in business that already exist.

1-1:30 p.m.

Understanding the Customer Journey to Online Purchase

Tim Whitley, CEO of Team SI

What are the most important moments along the journey for your customers? With a detailed checklist, Tim Whitley will explain what your potential customers are doing before they even step into your storefront.

2-2:30 p.m.

Positioning Your Dealership to Sell

Bob Clements

During this short breakout, Bob Clements will share the key indicators and answer questions on the best way to position your dealership to sell.

Friday, Oct. 20; 10-10:30 a.m.

Is it Time to Add a Second Location?

Bob Clements

Bob Clements will share his insight on the best way to move toward a second location and answer questions from dealers who are considering taking the chance.

11-11:30 a.m.

Charting Your Digital Marketing Game Plan

Bill Wagner, ARI Network

ARI’s digital marketing expert will provide you with the tools you need to conduct a digital marketing self-audit, align your marketing strategies with your dealership goals and create an easy-to-execute plan of action.

1-1:30 p.m.

Visual Merchandising – the Most Essential of Retail Elements

Jennifer Robison, National Retail Specialist & Visual Merchandising Coordinator, Tucker Rocky Distributing

Jennifer will address the four essential retail elements and how visual merchandising is a neglected element in most independent stores.

2-2:30 p.m.

Is Your Attitude Killing Your Store's Vibe & Sales?

Jennifer Robison, National Retail Specialist & Visual Merchandising Coordinator, Tucker Rocky Distributing

Stores are measured on the energy and feeling customers’ experience, as well as the environment, products and services. Jennifer will reveal how you and your staff might be giving the wrong impression/experience without realizing it.

More opportunities to learn from Bob Clements: Before the show floor opens on Thursday and Friday, dealers will have the opportunity start the day with valuable management tips during the free Power-Up Morning Sessions for Dealers.

Thursday, Oct. 19; 8-9 a.m.

Coaching and Management Basics

Bob Clements

Bob Clements will walk through the basics of how to coach your team and the management skills you and your employees will need to succeed.

Friday, Oct. 20; 8-9 a.m.

Establishing a Culture and Casting a Vision for your Dealership

Sara Hey will help dealers understand what an effective culture and vision look like, how to get your team on board and how it will set your dealership apart.

Tech Training & Certification.

Tech training is offered through the Equipment & Engine Training Council.

Wednesday, Oct. 18

2-Hour Tech Training Sessions – $30 each – will begin at 7:30 am, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Courses offered include: OPE Electrical Systems Training, Saw Chain Grinding Best Practices and Float Bowl Carburetors

3-Hour Tech Training Sessions – $45 each – will begin at 8 a.m. and Noon

Courses offered include: Electrical Troubleshooting, Hydrostatic Transmissions, Diaphragm Carburetors and Electronic Fuel Injection Systems