Rental dealers have opportunities for education and training at GIE+EXPO

The 2012 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), which will be held Oct. 24-26 at Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center, recently expanded its comprehensive education schedule with the addition of a class specifically for rental dealers. Combining this class with the opportunities available in the Dealer Resource Pavilion, 750 indoor exhibits and the outdoor demonstration area, rental dealers will find a full lineup of profit-boosting opportunities.

Rental dealers are also invited to an exclusive Dealer Preview on Wednesday, Oct. 24. On that day, the show floor will be open to dealers, distributors and media only from 3 to 7 p.m. with a free reception at 5 p.m. At 9 p.m., Kansas will treat GIE+EXPO attendees to a free concert in downtown Louisville at Fourth Street Live! GIE+EXPO’s dealer education and training schedule will be as follows:

Rental Class

Wednesday, Oct. 24

1-3 p.m.

$25 (includes lunch and free gift)

Part 1: EPA-compliant Engines & Your Legal Obligations under the Clean Air Act

Part 2: E15 Fuels: A Huge Problem for the Rental Industry

New fuels and stringent EPA regulations are causing real problems for those in the business of renting and servicing equipment. Manufacturers’ engineers and technical specialists from small equipment suppliers to the rental industry will give presentations on the changing technologies as they stand now and where we can expect them to go in the future. There will be time at the end of each presentation for questions and answers.

In addition to the rental class, some of the sessions and certifications in the Dealer Resource Pavilion are applicable to rental businesses.

Free Owners’ and Managers’ Sessions

Thursday, Oct. 25

2-3 p.m.

“Branding and Marketing Your Business,” presented by Bob Clements

In today’s volatile marketplace, dealers can no longer be confident that they will be able to maintain the lines they currently sell, so it is smart strategy to brand and market your business independently of your vendors. This program will look at the importance of branding, along with marketing strategies, to quickly and cost-effectively grow a profitable business.

Friday, Oct. 26

11 a.m.-noon

“Developing a Successful Business Plan,” presented by Bob Clements

In this session, participants will be given the tools and strategies for developing a working business plan to prepare for the 2013 season. Learn to drive profits, direct your employees, and reduce the stress and frustration of constantly putting out fires.

Professional Technician Certification

Sponsored by EETC & NAEDA

Wednesday, Oct. 24

$30/session

Each course is available three times: 9-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-3 p.m.

All courses are EETC and Power Pro certified. At the completion of each session, technicians will have the opportunity to qualify for certification. Topics include:

Basics in Electrical Diagnostics
Basics in Two-stroke Engine Diagnostics
Basics in EFI Systems

“In this economy, many rental businesses are looking for new ways to generate profit,” said Bob Clements, president of Bob Clements International, Inc. “Equipment rental companies already pay service techs to take care of their equipment, so it makes sense to transform their existing service department into a profit center by taking care of the service work for their existing rental customers. At this year’s GIE+EXPO, you can discover specific ways to improve the flow of work through your rental service department and take advantage of the technical training for service people.”

GIE+EXPO — the ninth largest trade show in America — is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). Hardscape North America (HNA) will be co-located on the show floor on the same dates as GIE+EXPO. HNA is produced by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and the National Concrete Masonry Association.

An early-bird registration fee of $10 is being offered for a tradeshow pass until Sept. 12. Beginning Sept. 13, the fee will increase to $25. The onsite registration fee will be $50. Register online at www.gie-expo.com. For more information about the show, contact Sellers Expositions at (800) 558-8767, (812) 949-9200 or info@gie-expo.com. Additional information about the show can also be found at www.gie-expo.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/gieexpo. Potential attendees and exhibitors who “Like” GIE+EXPO on Facebook will also be entered to win $1,000.