GIE+EXPO 2015 offers endless education opportunities for dealers

Dealers looking for ways to improve efficiency and profitability will find seminars with compelling content, technician training on advanced and basic tracks, panel discussions with best-practice tips and networking at the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) Oct. 21-23 at Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration is now open at www.gie-expo.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, will be an exclusive preview day for dealers, retailers, distributors and media. The Dealer Resource Pavilion will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and indoor exhibits will be open 3-7 p.m. During a welcome reception on the show floor 5-7 p.m., many of the exhibitors will host games, food, festivities and prizes in their booths.

On Thursday and Friday, the trade show and the adjacent Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all in the industry.

Dealer Resource Pavilion & Free Management Classes
The Pavilion is the hub for dealers at this annual event. It is the location for free seminars for outdoor power equipment dealership owners and managers, led by dealership consultant Bob Clements. The pavilion features a showroom, along with a parts and service department, where Bob and his team will share their latest ideas and tips on how to turn slow seasons into profitable seasons, improve your bottom line in the parts and service departments, and more.

Free management classes by Bob Clements
Wednesday, Oct. 21
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Seven Principles of a High-Performance Dealership – Bob Clements
Bob Clements and his team have visited with thousands of dealers across North America. Bob has found basic truths that all owners and managers can apply to redirect and improve the ultimate success of a dealership. This session will cover seven principles that will help you move your business in a positive and powerful direction.

Thursday, Oct. 22
11 a.m.-noon
The Power of Attitude and Choice in Dealerships Today – Bob Clements
Developing a positive attitude does not always come naturally. Despite the circumstances, you can learn to maintain a positive attitude and deal with the attitudes of others in order to affect the direction of a dealership.

2-3 p.m.
Making the Most of Your Marketing Dollars – Bob Clements
Create marketing campaigns that boost your revenue and blow your competition away without breaking the bank. By using multiple channels to engage your customer base, you can maximize your marketing budget in the coming years.

Friday, Oct. 23
11 a.m.-noon
Uncovering the Mysteries of Compensation Programs for Sales, Service and Parts – Jim Daum
What motivates your employees to be productive and perform to the best of their abilities? Performance-based compensation is the answer. This program will help you take the mystery out of developing compensation programs for your dealership.

2-3 p.m.
Closing More Sales and Negotiating for Increased Margins – Bob Clements
Having prospects walk through your door is not enough to ensure the sales you are seeking. This workshop will teach you and your people up-to-date, simple techniques that will help you negotiate better margins and ultimately close more sales.

Tech Training & Certification
Tech training — priced $30-$45 for each class — is offered through the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC). The schedule will be as follows:

Wednesday, Oct. 21
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Basic Tech Training. Choose one at $30 each.
Diaphragm Carburetor Service, Oregon Forestry Cutting System Maintenance, Pre-Delivery Inspection and Quality-of-Cut Problem Solving Techniques, Fuel Service Training

8-11 a.m.
Advanced Tech Training. Choose one at $45 each.
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics of Electrical Systems, Fuel Injection Systems, Hydrostatic Drivetrain Systems, Compact Diesel Engine

10 a.m.-noon
Basic Tech Training. Choose one at $30 each.
Diaphragm Carburetor Service, Oregon Forestry Cutting System Maintenance, Pre-Delivery Inspection and Quality-of-Cut Problem Solving Techniques, Fuel Service Training

Noon-3 p.m.
Advanced Tech Training. Choose one at $45 each.
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics of Electrical Systems, Fuel Injection Systems, Hydrostatic Drivetrain Systems, Compact Diesel Engine

1-3 p.m.
Basic Tech Training. Choose one at $30 each.
Diaphragm Carburetor Service, Oregon Forestry Cutting System Maintenance, Pre-Delivery Inspection and Quality-of-Cut Problem Solving Techniques, Fuel Service Training

Dealer Day Keynote Lunch
Back for a second year, the Dealer Day Keynote Lunch will feature Steve McClatchy, president, Alleer Training & Consulting and author of the New York Times bestseller Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example. The session is sponsored by Gravely and Stihl. A $25 fee includes box lunch, and pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, Oct. 21
1-2:30 p.m.
Lead Your Team, Don’t Just Manage the Process
Align Systems & Drive Measurable Results
Management and leadership are very different from one another. Both are vital to the success of a team, but each yields different results. In this thought-provoking and inspirational presentation, dealers will learn when a team needs management and when a team needs leadership. Dealers interested in creating a world-class team that is committed to excellence will earn to:
* Create a compelling team purpose, list of values and team goals.
* Correct misalignments and remove obstacles in the way of the team’s success.
* Keep the team motivated and focused on producing measurable results.

Dealer Summit
Popular with dealers, these sessions offer insights to help dealers grow their business. Thursday and Friday mornings will begin with panel discussions that include a light breakfast. Both are sponsored by the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA). Thursday’s session will feature manufacturers’ representatives, who will address questions and issues important to dealers’ future and profitability. It will be followed by a presentation of new research about landscapers’ buying and attitude trends. Friday morning’s focus will be on meeting the needs and expectations of commercial lawn care, landscape and municipal customers.

Thursday, Oct. 22
8–9:30 a.m.
Dealer Summit Breakfast: OPE Manufacturers’ Panel. $25
Representatives from leading outdoor power equipment manufacturers will discuss the key industry issues and address dealer questions related to enhancing the dealer/manufacturer relationship and industry profitability.

10-10:50 a.m.
Dealer Summit Special Report: Social Media Mastery. $15
Learn top tips on how you can best use social media to connect with landscape contractors and lawn care operators. You’ll learn what platforms you should be on, which you can skip, what you should share, and how you can use various platforms to grow your business.

Friday, Oct. 23
8–9:30 a.m.
Dealer Summit Breakfast: Top Customer Panel. $25
What are your top customers saying about your dealership, and more importantly, what do they want, need, and expect from your business and employees? Learn how key commercial lawn care, landscape and municipal customers expect your business to address their special requirements, now and in the future.

Online registration for GIE+EXPO 2015 is now open at www.gie-expo.com. An early-bird registration discount is available through Sept. 10. Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Louisville Housing Bureau at (800) 743-3100; a special rate is available at the Galt House Hotel & Suites, the dealer headquarters hotel.

For more information about the show, visit www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points include Facebook, info@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and (800) 558-8767/(812) 949-9200.