LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Registration is now open for GIE+EXPO 2016, and with the combination of new features, many exhibitors expanding their booths and travel discounts, it's shaping up to be even bigger than last year's record-setting year. The annual tradeshow is set for October 20-21 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville and online registration is available at www.gie-expo.com.
Attendees can expect to see more new products than ever as many exhibitors have signed on for larger booths to allow space to showcase their latest innovations. Among the companies increasing space are Kohler Engines, Husqvarna, Hustler Turf, Mean Green Mowers, Avant Tecno USA, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Ningbo LERA, JCB, Bobcat, Colombia Outdoor Power Equipment, Arctic Snow And Ice and Mitsubishi Fuso.
"This show brings together such a wide variety of industry stakeholders and provides a rare opportunity to view the latest and greatest product innovations - all under one roof," said Mark Johansen, director of marketing, Kohler Engines. "We've participated from the very beginning and will be expanding our booth as part of our ongoing commitment to engage attendees in unique and memorable ways."
After maxing out its space in the South Wing last year, the co-located Hardscape North America will move to the North Wing to allow for its continued growth. Admission to the hardscape 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 $25 upgrade will give landscape pros access to live hardscape demos, which will feature a continuous build for the first time.
In addition, landscapers are invited to attend HNA's Thursday morning keynote featuring Papa John's Pizza founder and CEO John Schnatter. The Papa John's pizza business was founded in 1983 when "Papa" John Schnatter knocked out a broom closet in the back of his father's tavern in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He then sold his 1971 Z28 Camaro to purchase $1,600 worth of used pizza equipment and began selling pizzas to the tavern's customers out of the converted closet. His pizzas proved so popular that one year later he was able to move into an adjoining space. Today, the company is the third largest take-out and pizza delivery restaurant chain in the world with headquarters in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, near Louisville. The $15 session fee will benefit the Louisville Zoo.
Also, back by popular demand, the GIE+EXPO Workshops will feature nine sessions to help landscape pros grow their businesses. This year's lineup will include a hardscape session, "Secrets every contractor ought to know about the hardscape business," which includes admission to the hardscape demos. Other workshops, which are sponsored by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, include topics such as marketing strategies, how to increase business with QuickBooks, coaching and managing employees to improve performance and avoidable mistakes that can affect your profits. For a complete schedule, visit www.gie-expo.com/gieeworkshops.
Travel discounts
Louisville has been touted as an affordable place to visit, and pre-arranged travel discounts will make it even more affordable.
Two airlines are currently offering discounts for GIE+EXPO travel.
• Delta Airlines is offering up to 10 percent discounts on flights. Go to www.delta.com/meeting, click on Book A Trip and use code: NMNLX. For groups of 10 or more, call 800-328-2216.
• Southwest is offering 8 percent off Business Select and Anytime fares and 2 percent off Wanna Get Away fares. Go to www.swabiz.com. Click on "Book Travel" and enter Company ID: 99636972.
In addition, Louisville's Housing Bureau makes booking hotel reservations quick and easy with pre-arranged rates. For immediate hotel confirmation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, book your reservation at www.gie-expo.com/hotels. To make reservations by phone, call the Louisville Housing Bureau at 800-743-3100 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.
For information: www.gie-expo.com.
