GIE+EXPO still on

The Louisville-based event is scheduled for Oct. 21-23.


LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Show organizers said GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, will take place as planned this year on October 21- 23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville.

The show organizers also promise to design and develop a show and educational programming with all necessary safety protocols in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everyone is asking if GIE+EXPO is happening. What I can say is the show is expected go on. We’re planning for it,” said Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), managing partner of GIE+EXPO.

OPEI is actively working with its tradeshow partners – the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) – to design a safe and responsible event that will offer programming and education that directly addresses the challenges faced by the pandemic. Also returning, held in conjunction with GIE+EXPO, is Hardscape North America, a long-standing, co-located trade show.

“Our partners and our longtime show management, are working hard to create and ensure the safest experience for attendees and exhibitors," Kiser said. “The affected conference and meetings, facilities, hotel and food preparation, and transportation industries also are undertaking a significant effort to develop protocols to operate safely in response to the pandemic. We’ll incorporate whatever those industries come up with as best practices.”

Kiser also said, “GIE+EXPO is fortunately held at the KEC, as it has been the last 38 years. The venue is flexible with multiple outdoor areas and buildings. We can easily spread out. We’ve got a million square feet and twenty acres of outdoor space at the KEC, so we’ve got a lot of room to work with. We have additional buildings such as the West wing, Broadbent Arena and other areas available to us that allow for expanding our show footprint as needed. So, bring comfortable shoes because the physical footprint may get bigger to ensure your safety.”