Second annual UTV University features powersports dealer training specialists
For the second year, dealers who attend the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) will have the opportunity to attend a UTV University featuring powersports dealer training specialists and a roundtable discussion on the first day of the show. The program, free with tradeshow registration, is designed for dealers currently selling UTVs, as well as those considering adding them to their lineup. GIE+EXPO is set to take place Wednesday, Oct. 18 (Dealer Day), as well as Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19-20 (all industry participants), at Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center.
The combination of education by powersports experts and 900 exhibits featuring new products — both indoors and in a 20-plus-acre outdoor demonstration area — makes a trip to GIE+EXPO a valuable business investment for outdoor power equipment and powersports dealers.
UTV University Schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 18
9-10 a.m.
Street Smart Dealership Management with Book Smart Backup
Mark Mooney
A 35-plus-year veteran of the powersports industry, Mark Mooney has managed dealerships, improved bottom lines, and owned his own multi-line metric dealership. He has partnered with many major OEMs to provide dealership consultation and UTV sales training. He has delivered keynotes for OEMs, taught classes on dealership management, and trained sales teams throughout the United States.
10-11 a.m.
How to Guide Customers Through Their UTV Buying Decision
Steve Shankin
Steve Shankin’s entrepreneurial spirit within the UTV segment led to him being named a 2016 Industry Leader by Powersports Business magazine. His North Carolina-based company manufactures UTV accessories and is a UTV design firm that works with several UTV OEMs. Shankin’s debut at the inaugural UTV University was met with such high regard that he has been invited back for a longer session in 2017.
11 a.m.-noon
Sales Coaching is not a Trend, but an Adventure for UTV Dealers
Ty Bello
Ty Bello is an inspirational leader who is passionate about serving and cultivating leaders. Bello is a Registered Corporate Coach with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches and the president and founder of Team @ Work, which focuses on sales growth, leadership and business development. With more than 28 years as a business professional, he is an industry leader in the coaching of OPE, powersports and UTV dealerships.
Noon-1:15 p.m.
Roundtable discussion with UTV industry experts
Hosted by John Kmitta, associate publisher, Outdoor Power Equipment magazine
Featuring Dave McMahon, executive editor, Powersports Business magazine
John, Dave and other industry experts will discuss and analyze UTV market retail sales trends, UTV dealer data and more.
Running alongside the UTV University, the People-Process-Profit Dealer Boot Camp by Bob Clements, one of the top dealer consultants and trainers in the country, will give attendees the option to customize their learning experience.
The two tracks will culminate with a keynote by noted economist, author and award-winning presenter, Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics. Dealers can choose sessions from each track or bring their team and split up to take in all sessions.
Following the education programs, indoor exhibits will open exclusively for dealers from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Attendees will find outdoor power equipment, UTVs, light construction and landscape equipment, and lawn and garden products. The indoor exhibits and 20-plus-acre outdoor demonstration area, which allows dealers to test drive equipment, will be open all day Thursday and Friday.
GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). For more information and online registration for the tradeshow and education program, visit www.gie-expo.com. A $15 early bird registration fee includes UTV University, three Dealer Boot Camp sessions, keynote and admission to indoor and outdoor exhibits. Other contact points for GIE+EXPO include Facebook, info@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and (800) 558-8767/(812) 949-9200.
