What’s around the bend

While landscapers assess what they did right and wrong in 2016, they can turn their attention to new trends in 2017 with a short trip to Louisville for GIE+EXPO.

Not only will contractors be able to test the latest products, but they can also network with other contractors outside of their market to get a feel for what is trending across the country. Whether it’s hiring tips, equipment troubles or other business challenges, contractors can pick each other’s brains about what’s working in their market.

On top of all of that, there will be numerous educational opportunities – not only from industry experts, but those outside the green industry giving tips on how to run a better overall business.

“The show was my first and it has definitely exceeded my expectations,” said Josh Garbulinski, owner TJG Lawn Service, who spoke about last year’s show. “There are so many different products and so many things to evaluate, it’s overwhelming. Being here definitely keeps you from getting tunnel vision about the way you operate your business. I have gotten so many ideas from setting up business on the computer all the way to the products we use. We are definitely coming back to the show every year.”

According to Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), organizers anticipate topping last year’s record-breaking attendance. “This year’s show is a must-attend event for lawn and landscape pros who are looking to move their businesses to the next level,” he said. “With the combination of new products, educational opportunities and the co-location of Hardscape North America (HNA), GIE+EXPO is this industry’s No. 1 business investment.”

Some of the show highlights include:

Nine GIE+EXPO Workshops will cover a variety of valuable management topics specifically for landscape contractors’ businesses. In addition, for contractors looking to diversify, Hardscape North America’s co-location with GIE+EXPO provides the opportunity to learn about expanding into the hardscape market.

NEW – Landscapers are invited to attend the Thursday morning Opening 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. Sponsored by Hardscape North America.

The New Products Showcase will be a launching pad for new products. Visitors can stop here for a glimpse of the latest innovations and make their must-see lists, then stop at the exhibits throughout the show floor to meet with the manufacturers and test the products.

The 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area is a pro’s No. 1 chance to inspect the engines, test the handling and experience the power of the industry’s newest products – all in one place. Open all day Thursday and Friday and just steps from the indoor exhibits, it’s where attendees can test drive the equipment they’ve seen on the indoor show floor. An Official Outdoor Must-See Exhibits Guide will be distributed prior to the show and on-site to help attendees navigate the demo park.

The GO EXPO mobile app is available to help attendees stay up to date and build connections. App users will have access to the real-time exhibitor list, interactive floor plan, and session schedule along with planning and networking tools. The app is sponsored by Gravely.

GIE+EXPO is again co-located with Hardscape North America (HNA), and all attendees receive free access to the indoor displays at HNA. Access to HNA allows attendees to browse the latest in pavers, concrete paving slabs, stone pavements, installation accessories, landscape lighting products, segmental retaining walls, surface treatments and more.

The Hardscape Demonstrations offered under the HNA Outdoor Arena tent are designed to help landscapers add new services or improve their hardscape installation techniques. A new format this year will feature a continuous build during show hours with 1-hour featured demonstrations starting at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. Attendees can upgrade their tradeshow admission for just $25 to include the six demonstrations. Or sign up to attend the hardscape session included in the GIE+EXPO Workshops for an automatic upgrade.

In the annual Hardscape Installer Championship, top hardscape contractors from throughout North America compete against each other to determine the best-of-the-best in the industry. Up to 24 teams will start the competition in a preliminary round, with only the best four moving on to the championship round on Friday afternoon. Only one team will be named the 2016 Champion!

LANDSCAPES 2016, organized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), and the Professional Grounds Management Society’s (PGMS) popular School of Grounds Management offer powerful educational sessions and extensive peer networking. These premier educational events for green industry professionals and professional grounds managers begin Oct. 20.

For information and online registration for the tradeshow and education program: www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points: Facebook, info@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and 800-558-8767/812-949-9200.