Jerry Schill, president of Schill Grounds Management in North Ridgeville, Ohio, vividly remembers his first trip to GIE+EXPO about two decades ago.
“My brother and I and one employee and a spouse drove down in a little Ford Escort – and we broke down along the way,” he says. “We were dirt poor at the time. So, when we got there, I remember walking into that trade show and the outdoor area, and I was blown away by the sheer size and all the things available to us that we had no idea existed.”
Schill and his brother were just starting their business at the time. He says the show really opened his eyes to the size of the green industry, and it encouraged him to
“It opened our eyes to so many things beyond equipment,” Schill says. “GIE+EXPO is where people go to learn. Education there led to consultants. Consultants led to improved processes and improved processes led to higher profitability.”
The size of the show impressed Schill upon his first trip down in the 1990s. Today, the show has grown significantly. This year’s GIE+EXPO is expected to be bigger than ever before, with more exhibitors and education offerings than in past years.
With all there is to see and do, it can be a lot for first-time attendees to take in.
“For first-time attendees at EXPO, it’s overwhelming,” says Bob Clements, president
Schill and Clements have both attended numerous GIE+EXPO events over the years. They offer the following tips for first-time visitors:
Schill’s advice for contractors:
Network with professionals. Above anything else, Schill recommends all contractors meet contractors from other parts of the U.S. at GIE+EXPO. He says networking at the show is key for a company’s growth – and he says it was key for Schill Grounds Management’s growth, as well.
“You have to network with like-minded professionals, people in your industry who love and have a passion for what you do,” he says.
While schedules during the trade show can be busy, Schill says to make time for networking in the evenings after the show floor closes. He says there are many opportunities to connect with other landscapers on 4th Street Live! during the GIE+EXPO concert series.
“Some of my most memorable moments have been at the networking opportunities, like down on 4th Street Live!, getting to know and form relationships with people,” Schill adds. “Absolutely go with a mindset to work hard and play hard.”
Prepare the trip ahead of time. After Schill’s first trip to GIE+EXPO, he says the one thing he did differently the second year
Before going to GIE+EXPO, he says to answer some vital questions: Why is your business going to the show? Why are you personally
He adds that if an owner or manager plans to bring others from their team to the show, make sure to get a clear reason from them on why they want to go.
“For my staff to go to the show, they have to answer those same questions,” he says. “We just want to make sure they have a thirst for knowledge and challenge why they want to go.”
Book hotels near the events. Since GIE+EXPO is a growing show, Schill recommends booking a hotel and travel well in advance of the show. “Don’t book late,” he says. “Hotels can be a nightmare.”
He notes that his first year at the show, his team booked a hotel too late and had to stay pretty far away from the show and networking events. “If you don’t commit to booking early enough, it gets to be a challenge and you isolate yourself,” Schill says. “So sign up early.”