Photo: Jill OdomGIE+EXPO continues to grow and was recently named the 10th largest show in North America by Trade Show Executive magazine.
The show isn’t new to breaking records as over the past four years it has averaged a 12 percent increase in total attendance. This year more than 24,000 people attended GIE+EXPO, which is a seven percent increase from 2016.
Lawn and landscape pro registrants are up 12 percent over 2016, while lawn and garden center registrants jumped up by 27 percent. The distributor registrations were up 12 percent as well over 2016.
A large percent of attendees from both the dealer and lawn and landscape pro registrants were first time attendees and a majority of companies sent at least two employees to attend.
“The show is awesome,” said Scott Baechle of Top Turf Care LLC in Springfield, Missouri. “This is my first time, and I didn’t expect it to be so big and to see so much new equipment. One of the reasons I came is to demo equipment. I can see it all in one spot, test how it performs and decide what I want to purchase.”
There were over 1,005 exhibitors inside and out GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America, with 226 of them being new exhibitors. The show floor was 50,000 square feet larger than the year before and HNA increased its size by more than 16 percent.
Attendees also had greater participation in the GIE+EXPO Workshops, which covered topics such as hiring, retaining and motivating employees.
In response to the growth, GIE+EXPO is implementing a new schedule to allow contractors more time on the show floor. The show will be held Oct. 17-19 with the show floor being open to the entire industry from Wednesday at 3 p.m. into Thursday and Friday.
“GIE+EXPO continues to grow in size as well as in its reputation as the industry’s gathering place,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “We’ve heard the contractors asking for an additional day to visit exhibits and demo equipment. So, in 2018 we’re giving them access to the show floor on Wednesday.”
Registration opens for Green & Growin’ 2018
Online registration for the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association’s (NCNLA) Green & Growin’ 2018 tradeshow is now open.
The event will be held Jan. 15-19 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The G&G Education CEU portion will be Jan. 15-17 and the G&G Marketplace will follow on Jan. 18-19. More than 50+ sessions will be presented by dozens of industry leaders.
The keynote sessions will be presented by Eric Chester and Bryce Lane. Chester will present “On Fire at Work — How Great Leaders Ignite Passion in Their People,” covering how to inspire excellence and retain top talent on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Graphic: NCNLA“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Eric Chester keynoting Green & Growin’ 18,” said Corey Connors, executive vice president of NCNLA. “The considerable growth in our education attendance over the last two years has allowed us to bring in the top national expert to address the most timely and challenging topic in our industry: how to find, keep and engage great employees.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, attendees will have Breakfast with Bryce Lane who will share insights he’s gained over his career.
“Bryce has spent 30+ years talking to our industry’s top consumers, business owners and the next generation of horticulture professionals,” Connors said. “He packs the room for a reason: the perspective he has to share is unique and always well worth a listen.”
The educational sessions at Green & Growin’ 2018 count for continuing education credits (CEUs). Click here for the full schedule.
G&G’18 has a new mobile app with all the information attendees need and they can also see a broad range of plant materials at the Marketplace.
“It’s a place where people take time to talk and explore options as they plan orders for the coming year,” said Chad Gragg, president of NCNLA. “There’s no other tradeshow quite like it.”
For more information and to register, click here.
Landscaping companies can now become Landscape Industry Accredited Company
Recently the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) announced a new way for landscape companies to set themselves apart.
These companies are required to employ at least 10 percent Landscape Industry Certified staff, as well as at least one who is a Landscape Industry Certified Staff Manager. They must also participate in a national safety program, conduct ethical business practices, complete the Pledge of Excellence, submit three Customer Reference Verification forms and complete NALP’s application.
Click here to learn more about the application process.
