GIE+EXPO 2008, held October 23-25 in Louisville, Kentucky, was deemed a success by its sponsors: the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry (OPEI), the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). According to Trade Show Executive magazine, GIE+EXPO is the 14th largest tradeshow in America, with more than 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space.
This year’s trade show counted about 19,500 participants. Registration numbers reported approximately 4,750 dealers/retailers and 7,500 lawn and landscape professionals were in attendance. About 1,817 people participated in the Green Industry Conference, sponsored by PLANET, and the School of Grounds Management, sponsored by PGMS, both held in conjunction with GIE+EXPO.
The show hosted 625 exhibiting companies from around the globe. About 170 of those did not exhibit last year. Additionally, 134 companies offered hands-on product comparisons in the 19-acre outdoor demonstration area.
On the last day of the trade show, Power Equipment Trade magazine announced its Dealers Choice Awards. The winners are as follows:
· Wheeled Category: Briggs & Stratton Allis Chalmers Lawn Tractor
· Power Sports/Recreation Category: Husqvarna HUV 4421DXL 4-Seat UTV
· Business Services Category: STIHL iCademy Online Training Program
· Handheld Category: Echo BRD-280 Bed Re-Definer
· Accessory/Attachment Category: MoJack Mower Lift System
GIE+EXPO 2009 will be October 29-31 in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.gie-expo.com.
