News & notes

GIE+EXPO breaks records

Continuing the show's record-breaking trajectory, early bird registration week for the 2018 GIE+EXPO was the biggest ever. More than 3,000 attendees registered the week of Sept. 3, setting a new weekly record and putting overall attendee registration 12 percent ahead of last year following the early bird deadline. More than 24,000 participants are projected to be in Louisville Oct. 17-19 for the annual event.

“Every indication points to the 2018 show being bigger than ever been on all fronts,” said Warren Sellers, show director. “Participation from all segments of the industry is going strong. Add to that the synergy that's being generated by the new Wednesday format as well as exhibitors who are stepping up participation on the show floor - both indoors and out - and this is shaping up to be our best event yet!”

As of September 10:

• The servicing dealer registration category was up 13 percent over last year and contractor categories were up 11 percent.
• Attendee registration for Hardscape North America, co-located with GIE+EXPO, was 11 percent ahead of last year.
• Exhibitor participation was up with about 1,000 total GIE+EXPO and HNA exhibits, indoors and out. Eighteen percent are new exhibitors.
• More new product introductions are expected, with more than 120 in the New Products Spotlight and 21 exhibitors hosting press conferences.

Tomorrow’s techs

GIE+EXPO is partnering with SkillsUSA and the Equipment & Engine Training Council to bring talented power technicians to Louisville during GIE+EXPO 2018.

Gold, silver and bronze medalists in both high school and post-secondary schools from the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held in June, have been invited to showcase their talents during the annual trade show. GIE+EXPO attendees are invited to watch on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ariens/Gravely is the anchor sponsor of Tomorrow’s Techs: Investing in the Future of the OPE Industry. MTD and Echo are sponsoring one or two of the contestants.

The six contestants will rotate through six stations, performing skills in categories such as Ignition, Charging, Fuel and Governor Systems, Starter, Cooling and Lubrication Systems, Valves, Exhaust and Engine Block Systems, Diagnostic and Failure Analysis and General Competencies. They will showcase their understanding in related theories that go along with the types of engines they will come across in the industry, as well as their understanding of wiring schematics. As contestants rotate through the various stations they will be judged and scored on both physical and oral skills.

“Ariens Company places a strong emphasis on the education of America’s youth,” said Ariens Company Vice President of Marketing Matt Medden. “The amount of work and dedication that these students have put into developing their talents is impressive, and we are happy to support them as they put those talents on display at this year’s GIE+EXPO.”

“Schools throughout the country teach our Power Equipment Technology curriculum with industry support provided by major manufacturers, who provide the needed training materials. Students who complete the program can become certified technicians,” said David Worden, program director for the SkillsUSA Championships. “We’re excited to showcase our national medalists for the industry to see at GIE+EXPO.”

Stories of success

For the second year in a row, Lawn & Landscape magazine and Bill Arman and Ed Laflamme of the Harvest Group have teamed up for the Turnaround Tour to help three contractors grow their businesses. Find out how Arman and Laflamme coached company owners who were struggling to reach their goals finally break through and achieve success.

Lawn & Landscape Editor Brian Horn will moderate a panel with Turnaround Tour participants Tiffany Tucker and Michael Mould of New Visions Lawn & Landscape, Gabe Lobato of La Cholla Landscaping, and Lamont Hess and Kimberly Rowe of Outdoor Expressions PA from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

NHLA plans seminar program at GIE+EXPO 2018

The National Hispanic Landscape Alliance has planned a seminar program during GIE+EXPO with sessions for both dealers and contractors.

With sessions in English and Spanish, the program has been designed to benefit to a wide range of attendees, including:

• Dealers seeking to increase sales to area Hispanics
• Hispanic contractors eager to achieve greater success
• Non-Hispanics wishing to better engage Hispanic employees

New this year, Wendel Hall, a leading H-2B attorney, will present a brief update on the H-2B seasonal guest worker program during the Thursday morning session for contractors.

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Dealer Breakfast: Keys to Becoming the Preferred Dealer in for Local Hispanics

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

Join National Hispanic Landscape Alliance leaders for a brief presentation on the secrets to winning and retaining business from local Hispanic landscape contractors. Then engage in round table conversations and obtain best practice strategies for tackling your greatest challenges.

Thursday, Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

NHLA Lunch & Learn

$30 per person, includes lunch; space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Avoid the lunch lines and take advantage of the opportunity to network with other show attendees over lunch at tables featuring discussion topics facilitated by NHLA leaders. Each table will have a different theme in either English or Spanish. Special guest appearance: Wendel Hall, a leading H-2B attorney, will open this session with a brief update on the H-2B seasonal guest worker program.

Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

NHLA Breakfast & Learn

$30 per person, includes breakfast; space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Avoid the long traffic lines at the expo center! Arrive early and take advantage of the opportunity to network with other show attendees over breakfast at tables featuring discussion topics facilitated by NHLA leaders. Each table will have a different theme in either English or Spanish.

Dealer Resource Center & Free Dealer Workshops

With features to benefit all levels of a dealership team – from technicians to management – the Dealer Resource Center is the hub for dealers. It is the location for the Dealer Boot Camp, led by dealership consultant Bob Clements and his team. In addition to education, the pavilion features resources for dealers and opportunities to network with peers.

Open all three days of the show, the Center is sponsored by ARI Network Services, BOB-CAT Mowers, c-Systems Software Inc. and STIHL Inc. in conjunction with Bob Clements International, Equipment & Engine Training Council, Equipment Dealers Association, and United Equipment Dealers Association.

Tech Training & Certification

Opportunities for technician training – priced $30-$45 for each class – will be presented by the equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) on Wednesday. EETC will also offer discounted opportunities for certification testing during the show.

2-Hour Tech Training Sessions $30 each - will begin at 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Courses offered include: Hydraulics 101, Electrical 101, Extremely Fast Blade Grinding and Make Gas Great Again: Ethanol Fact and Fiction

3-Hour Tech Training Sessions $45 each - will begin at 8:00 a.m. and noon

Courses offered include: Electrical Troubleshooting, Hydrostatic Transmissions, Advanced 2-Stroke Engine Failure Analysis and OPE Electrical Systems Training

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