Dealers to benefit from exclusive opportunities at GIE+EXPO
Sponsorships by exhibitors will provide a wealth of education and networking opportunities exclusively for dealers during the 2018 GIE+EXPO, Oct. 17-19 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.
“We sponsor these events at GIE+ EXPO because there’s no better place to reach both commercial cutters and outdoor power equipment dealers with our message,” said Troy Blewett, director of marketing for Schiller Grounds Care/Bob-Cat Mowers. “We’re introducing a completely new line-up of commercial zero turns this year and sponsoring the keynote speaker, the concerts and dealer education provides great visibility for our brand and our products.”
The popular Dealer Preview will be earlier on Wednesday this year with indoor exhibits open from Noon to 3 p.m. for dealers, retailers, distributors and media. Following the preview, the show floor will be open for all industry attendees from 3 to 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.
Opening keynote
Starting the day on Wednesday, the Dealer “Kick-Off” Keynote will feature Dr. Robert Ballard, the explorer who discovered the Titanic wreckage. Ballard will share his stories of exploration, environmental discovery and leadership. The session is sponsored by Bob-Cat Mowers and Stihl Inc.
Dealer Resource Center and free dealer workshops
With features to benefit all levels of a dealership team – from technicians to management – the Dealer Resource Center is the hub for dealers. It is the location for the Dealer Boot Camp, led by dealership consultant Bob Clements and his team. In addition to education, the pavilion features resources for dealers and opportunities to network with peers.
Open all three days of the show, the Center is sponsored by ARI Network Services, Bob-Cat Mowers, c-Systems Software Inc. and Stihl Inc. in conjunction with Bob Clements International, Equipment and Engine Training Council, Equipment Dealers Association, and United Equipment Dealers Association.
$5,000 Stihl giveaway
Dealers who attend the Dealer Preview, Noon – 3 PM Wednesday will be entered to win $5,000 in a giveaway sponsored by Stihl Inc. The winner will be selected at the Stihl booth at 2:45 p.m.
Three nights of concerts
Each night, Tuesday – Thursday, the industry will gather in downtown Louisville for a free concert sponsored by Bob-Cat Mowers on the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at Fourth Street Live! The 2018 entertainment lineup features:
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m.: The Crashers
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m.: Colt Ford with opener Kelleigh Bannen
Thursday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m.: Jana Kramer with opener Mackenzie Porter
Tech training and certification
Opportunities for technician training – priced $30-$45 for each class – will be presented by the Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) on Wednesday. EETC will also offer discounted opportunities for certification testing during the show.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA, EETC and GIE+EXPO are teaming up to bring medalists from the SkillsUSA National Conference to the show. These technicians will rotate through nine stations to demonstrate their understanding in related theories that go along with the types of engines they will come across in the industry as well as their understanding of wiring schematics. The anchor sponsor for this feature is Ariens/Gravely. In addition, MTD and Echo are sponsoring some of the contestants.
Fabulous Friday $10,000 giveaway
Dealers who stay through Friday will have the opportunity to win in this giveaway that is sponsored by Mercedes Benz Vans. One lucky winner will be drawn at 1 p.m., and the winner must be present to win the $10,000 prize. To be eligible, register for GIE+EXPO. An entry form will be mailed along with badges and will include instructions for returning it on site.
