It's That Time Again: OPEI EXPO 2002

Every year, manufacturers, dealers, landscape contractors, suppliers and press gather in hot, humid Louisville, Ky. for the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo (EXPO 2002), sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). This year, July 19-21, attendees should be prepared for a variety of new events and features at the Kentucky Exposition Center, whether keeping cool indoors while browsing the booths, tackling the heat at the outdoor showroom or attending the new Dealer Convention & University prior to the show.

EXHIBITORS. A whopping 550 manufacturers and suppliers will exhibit throughout the 212,000 square-foot Exposition Center and in the 20-acre outdoor demonstration area. Attendees will be able to test-drive their favorite equipment and try out the latest innovations in outdoor power equipment.

To view a PDF file of the Kentucky Exposition Center with booth numbers, please click here: Indoor floorplan.

To view a PDF file of the outdoor demonstration area, please click here: Outdoor Demonstration.

NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the buyers' guide PDF file. If you do not have Acrobat Reader please click the logo at the right to download this program.

EVENTS AND FEATURES. This year marks the first time OPEI is offering a dealer-focused event on July 17-18. For more information on the Outdoor Power Equipment Dealer Convention and University, click here.

Of course, EXPO show attendees can check out much more than the booths at the indoor booths and outdoor demonstration. Attendees have the chance to win a new truck through the Trucks of the Industry Giveaway, including truck manufacturers such as American Isuzu Motors Dodge, Ford Commercial Truck, GM Fleet and Commercial, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America and Nissan North America. Interested visitors can fill out a form they will receive in their badge holders and then visit each truck company’s booth for contest numbers. The drawing will occur on Sunday, July 21.

In addition, attendees can also try their luck at the Walker Mower Precision Obstacle Course Event. Up for grabs is a five-day vacation for two to Colorado during which the winners will tour the Walker facility.

Further, the EXPO Extreme Team Competition, organized by the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) and SkillsUSA, will feature ten technican students displaying their talents in engine rebuilding, electrical diagnosis and verbal question and answers.

Other features include the New Product Showroom, which will feature exhibitors’ products released since last year’s EXPO, and the Hall of Yesteryear, displaying vintage lawn and landscape equipment and products, Chat Rooms, where members of the NAEDA’s OPE dealer council can consult with dealers for a question and answer session, Ask the Pro sessions, Ice Breaker sessions related to snow and ice management, and much more.

REGISTRATION. EXPO registration is at no cost to attendees who preregister before July 15. Visitors can also register on-site for $25. To receive a registration brochure, call Sellers Expositions at 800/558-8767 or visit the EXPO Web site at http://www.expo.mow.org.

The author is Assistant Editor – Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at kmohn@lawnandlandscape.com.