Cool Weather, Hot Attendance

Perhaps it was the weather, or maybe it was the solid year that dealers and landscape contractors reported. But change was good for the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment EXPO, and the fall dates welcomed refreshing, positive feedback from attendees.

Typically held in mid-July, this weekend’s show allowed people the opportunity to leave their businesses during a less busy time of the year. Numbers on the opening day reflected the better timing. As of noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, 19,611 buying attendees were cruising the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

“Saturday was one of the best days we’ve had in 16 years at the show,” noted Chuck Crary, president, Bear Cat, West Fargo, N.D.

Not only was traffic healthy – and happy with the cooler, comfortable October temperatures – attendees seemed ready to buy, commented Charles Stenftenagel, president, Landscaper Pro, Jasper, Ind. “We’ve been surprised in the attendee interest in our more expensive tools,” he said.

Attendance increased across the board. The dealer population increased 12 percent, and attendance was up 32 percent for lawn and landscape professionals; 27 percent for general contractors; 18 percent for distributors; and 57 percent for merchandisers/buyers. These numbers were released at an Oct. 18 press conference at the show. Final registration statistics will be released later this week.

“Certainly the weather was the highlight of the show,” said Dan Ariens, president of Ariens Co., Brillion, Wis. “Having that great weather translated into having 12 percent more dealers in attendance at the show than last year and 32 percent more landscape contractors, which is good news.”

Doubled registration for Dealer University was also good news, with 110 dealers filling seats in educational sessions, which were held in the same facility concurrent to the show. Dealers brushed up on business knowledge, marketing know-how and sales tips and sat in on a CEO roundtable breakfast.

Ariens said the heightened Dealer University registration challenges the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) to double attendance again next year. And with constructive feedback from dealer attendees, the organization will continue to strengthen its educational tract. “We received high marks from dealers in attendance, and also some comments on how to make it a better program,” he said. “All of us as sponsors feel that Dealer University is a great product, and we want to see it go to the next level.”

Next year’s show dates are Friday through Sunday, Sept. 24 to 26.

If you missed EXPO this year, you can still catch new product introductions and feedback from attendees. Look for Lawn & Landscape’s live video clips later this week.

The author is Editor of Commercial Dealer magazine and a Contributing Editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@commercialdealer.com.