What's around the bend

With dealers so focused on running their businesses on a daily basis, it’s hard to get a grip on trends in different states and markets that they can take advantage of. That’s why spending just a few days at GIE+EXPO can result in years of lessons that benefit dealers. There has been so much buzz around dealers that the 2016 GIE+EXPO has been dubbed “Year of the Dealer.”

According to organizers, they anticipate topping last year’s record-breaking attendance.

“We continue to work to expand GIE+EXPO – not just in size, but in scope and depth, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops with opportunities for dealers,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “If you’re a dealer, this is the year you absolutely don’t want to miss.”

Starting on Dealer Day, Oct. 19, dealers can network with other dealers sharing business lessons with non-competitors. They’ll also have the opportunity to attend seminars with compelling content, technician training on advanced and basic tracks and motivational keynotes.

“We are distributors in Costa Rica and we came to GIE+EXPO to look for new products and new things to try, such as the new battery-powered products,” says Tomas and Mario Suarez, general manager Agrocom. “The show helps us stay educated about changing markets. As far as our competitors, we will not be telling them about the benefits of this show.”

GIE+EXPO's 2016 dates are Oct. 19-21 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Wednesday, Oct. 19, will be an exclusive preview day for dealers, retailers, distributors and media. The Dealer Resource Pavilion will be open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and indoor exhibits will be open 3 - 7 p.m. During a welcome reception on the show floor, 5 -7 p.m., many of the exhibitors will host games, food, festivities and prizes in their booths.

Below are some highlights:

Power-up morning sessions for dealers

New to GIE+EXPO this year are the Power-up morning sessions for dealers. Before the show floor opens on Thursday and Friday, dealers will have the opportunity start the day with some valuable tips for both business and life. Speakers include U.S. Olympian Shannon Miller, and powersports dealer consultant Mark Mooney. The $5 fee for each session will be donated to charity.

Dealer Resource Pavilion and free management classes

The Pavilion is the hub for dealers at this annual event. Its new location on the show floor will give dealers easier access to the exclusive area, which is the location for free seminars for outdoor power equipment dealership owners and managers, led by dealership consultant Bob Clements. The pavilion features a showroom, along with a parts and service department where Bob and his team will share their latest ideas and tips on how to create high-performance dealerships. The Dealer Resource Pavilion will be open all three days of the show.

Dealer Day Kick-Off Keynote featuring The Gen Y Guy

Jason Dorsey, a bestselling author, world-renowned speaker and researcher, will deliver a keynote address for dealers, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 1:30 - 3 p.m. Billed as The Gen Y Guy, Dorsey’s engaging keynote – “Selling Across Generations: Specific Actions That Drive Sales With Each Generation” – will give dealers insights on how to sell to their customers – whether they’re baby boomers or millennials. Selling to each generation at the same time means the difference between fast growth and potentially millions in lost sales. Dorsey, a bestselling Gen Y author at age 18 and winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award at age 25, will address generational trends and how to sell to the different age groups. The session, sponsored by Gravely & STIHL, is free with registration

NEW – UTV University

New on the lineup for dealers, the UTV University will feature proven powersports dealer training specialists and a roundtable discussion about the state of the UTV industry. It ends with the Dealer Kick-Off Keynote with Jason Dorsey followed by the Dealer Preview on the show floor.

Tech Training & Certification

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