The Green Industry Expo (GIE) will put on a new face with a logo redesign and an inclusive mission statement that reaches out to all facets of the industry, from lawn care to maintenance to irrigation and design. The show and conference, slated for Nov. 14 through 16 in Nashville, Tenn.
"GIE is the industry coming together, promoting professionalism and learning from each other," defined Eleanor Ellison, show manager. More specifically, GIE is "People, Products and Ideas," the new tagline notes, and a more integrated tradeshow and conference schedule along with a focus on reaching out to a diverse audience validates this description. "We want the show to be an all-inclusive event for the entire industry where all green industry professionals can find value in education and value in networking with suppliers," Ellison said.
Jon Cundiff, GIE president, said the growing show will most likely hit its peak this year, and attracting new suppliers and attendees from different green industry areas will keep the show healthy. "The show keeps getting bigger and, without a doubt, it will be the biggest show we have this year," he estimated. "[GIE is] recognizing the diversity of the people and the association member who attend because we are seeing more new suppliers come to the show, which is an indication of its diversity."
Some of this year's alterations include a modified schedule. Instead of extending the tradeshow through the weekend to a Tuesday like last year, the floor will open on Friday, Nov. 15. The outdoor demo hours have been extended and will start Thursday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m. and run until 4:30 p.m. Educational sessions will also begin this day.
The extra outdoor hours please attendees and suppliers alike - the popular portion of the show has grown since it moved to the first show day in 1997, Ellison remarked. The casual atmosphere and opportunity to try equipment appeal to the contractor audience as well. "It's a great opportunity to show your wares and for people to see the equipment working," Cundiff added.
In addition, the tradeshow and conference schedules works in harmony, rarely overlapping so attendees can take advantage of time in both arenas. "The new schedule is more integrated," Ellison explained. Attendees can enjoy a full day of education and tradeshow time on Saturday, the final show day.
For more specific show information and a schedule of events, log on to www.gieonline.com or call 888/303-3685.
The author is Managing Editor - Special Projects for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@lawnandlandscape.com.