Tradeshow Schedule
This year’s GIE+EXPO will again be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.
Wednesday, October 21 – Dealer Day is back by popular demand. Dealers are granted access to the indoor tradeshow floor. They can meet one-on-one with the exhibitors and suppliers and gain a sneak peek at new products. Dealer Day is open from 3 to 7 p.m. and there will also be a free welcome reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on the show floor.
Thursday, October 22 – Indoor tradeshow and outdoor demonstration area are both open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all attendees.
Friday, October 23 – Indoor tradeshow is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the outdoor demonstration area is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all attendees.
Dealer Events
Besides the pre-show access during Dealer Day, dealers will have plenty of exclusive events and seminars to attend.
Seminar classes offered by dealership consultant Bob Clements are free to owners and managers. Throughout GIE+EXPO he will be hosting sessions in the Dealer Resource Pavilion. While registration is not required, it is recommended to arrive early to guarantee a seat. Clements and his team will cover a wide variety of topics, including principles of high-performance dealerships, making the most of marketing money, closing sales and more.
The Hardscape North America (HNA) Dealer Education Program offers a chance for dealers and distributors to gain business ideas from speakers as well as their peers. The program will take place Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and offers courses that cover team leadership, software implementation, employee retention and more. Registration is required and can be done either at the show or online at www.HardscapeNA.com.
Contractor Events
At the GIE+EXPO the majority of attendees are landscape contractors. Along with scoping out new equipment and products, contractors can take part in educational classes and seminars, and venture into the Hardscape North America (HNA) to view more than 750 hardscaping exhibits.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) will offer a number of different education and networking courses during their event Landscapes (formerly known as the Green Industry Conference, GIC). There will be more than 40 sessions offered at Landscapes that are focused in five tracks with six different learning styles. Attendees will hear from some of the top professionals in the industry and learn how to make effective changes in their businesses. Registration is offered Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshops, awards dinner and the Breakfast with Champions have additional ticket fees.
One panel discussion at Landscapes will include Judith Guido, who has been an advisor and advocate of the green industry for 25 years. Guido has partnered with Intelligro to launch the new selective herbicide product Civitas WEEDfree Brand Concentrate. Guido says that the product is designed with industry workers and customers in mind and that the product adheres to her goal of bringing better products to the industry.
For more on Civitas WEEDfree Brand Concentrate, visit greenindustrypros.com/12109579
New and Noteworthy Products
A major part of the GIE+EXPO is the introduction of new products. Contractors and dealers can browse newly released equipment and "try before they buy" in the demo area. Here’s a look at just a few noteworthy products debuting at this year’s show.
Limited Quantities of New John Deere Mower
Landscape contractors will have the unique opportunity to be some of the first to purchase John Deere’s new ZTrak 900 Series zero-turn mower equipped with Michelin X Tweel Turf. John Deere says the airless radial tires not only virtually eliminate downtime, but also increase uniformed cut quality, operator comfort and productivity. Quantities are limited and the new mowers will be delivered by December 31.
Order the new ZTrak 900 at the GIE+EXPO in Booth 1110
Wright Introducing New 72-inch Stander ZK Mower
Wright Manufacturing is expanding their line of Stander ZK mowers with a 72-inch model. The 72-inch Stander ZK has a wider cut, push-button deck lift, powerful engine options, mowing speed of 12.5 mph, and fully independent left/right hydro systems. Wright says that with the new Stander ZK operators will experience its better balance and stability, especially on hills. Reinforced wheelie wheels and elastomer bumpers for progressive ride control help the mower hug the ground on all types of terrain. Its short overall length makes this mower more maneuverable than any mid-mount Z, Wright assures. The only critical in-season maintenance points are engine oil and blades, and there are no grease fittings.
See them at GIE+EXPO in Booth 3094, and visit greenindustrypros.com/12109032
Jacobsen Launches All-New Professional Series Mowers and Utility Vehicles
Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. company, has announced the launch of the all-new Professional Series commercial-grade mowers and utility vehicles. Built for a wide range of turf customers, the new Professional Series mowers and utility vehicles includes three lines of zero-turn mowers and six different models of utility vehicles.
“One of our main goals with the launch of these exciting new products was to offer a wide range of options that satisfy many different categories of customer needs,” said Bryan Holby, product manager for Jacobsen. “The new mowers and utility vehicles offer a myriad of options in features, benefits and pricing that will appeal to everyone from large fleet owners to one-truck-and-trailer operations.”
See them at GIE+EXPO in Booth 5208, and visit greenindustrypros.com/12110807
Kohler Engines Extends EFI Technology with Three New Engine Models
Kohler Engines is expanding its Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) technology with the introduction of the Confidant EFI, Command PRO EFI CH440, and Command PRO EFI 999cc. All three models utilize the Kohler-designed closed-loop system, which means an oxygen sensor in the muffler continuously monitors the air/fuel mixture. If the air/fuel mixture strays from the ideal level, the sensor triggers adjustments to the amount of fuel injected into the system.
Kohler says that their closed-loop EFI technology offers enhanced fuel efficiency, greater overall reliability, and easier starting in a wide variety of conditions. Kohler says that the new EFI engines will deliver an estimated 25% in fuel savings when compared to similar Kohler carbureted engines under comparable load conditions. In addition to delivering optimal fuel efficiency and turn-key starting, the technology also provides improved power and enhanced reliability for both commercial and consumer users.
See them at GIE+EXPO in Booth 7176, and visit greenindustrypros.com/12111073
Husqvarna Introduces Lightweight Handheld Equipment
Husqvarna has unveiled their 436LiB battery-blower and the 525LK lightweight trimmer.
Husqvarna says that the 436LiB is fitted with an additional booster power mode, which allows for the operator to achieve greater efficiency and remove foliage, leaves and dirt more quickly. Power is maintained throughout use by cruise control and the Li-ion battery provides long-lasting force.
The 525LK Lightweight Trimmer is designed for commercial use and is equipped with Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine. The 525LK is a combination machine that was developed for many different types of tasks. Husqvarna says that the efficient air filter provides less cost for service and less engine wear.
See them at GIE+EXPO in Booth 9094, and visit greenindustrypros.com/12109124 and greenindustrypros.com/12109135
Briggs & Stratton’s Gas Off Hand and Surface Cleaner
It’s an all too common problem. According to a survey conducted by Briggs & Stratton, 91% of people reported having spilled gas on their hands, clothes, car or outdoor equipment. Removing gas and diesel odors can be difficult and often ineffective. Briggs & Stratton will be showcasing their new product, Gas Off, which they say is a revolutionary non-toxic, plant-based product that effectively removes gas molecules and gas odor from hands, clothes, cars and outdoor power equipment.
See them at GIE+EXPO in Booth 7104, and visit greenindustrypros.com/12112994
Free Concerts and Giveaways
Come evening, show attendees can head over to the popular venue Forth Street Live! in downtown Louisville. The concerts are sponsored by Dixie Chopper and take place on the Nissan Commercial Vehicles stage.
Wednesday night: From Paris at 8 p.m. followed by Grand Funk Railroad at 9 p.m.
Thursday night: Kellie Pickler at 8 p.m. followed by the after-party with the Crashers at 9:30 p.m.
Friday night: Lyndsey Henken at 8 p.m. followed by the Rigbys at 9 p.m.
The Toro will be giving away a brand new Toro Z Master 6000 Series zero-turn mower equipped with the MyRide suspension system. Eligible landscape contractors can register to win at the Toro booth, 7148, during the show. One winner will be selected and will be notified after the conclusion of the show.
Project EverGreen is hosting a raffle to support “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids” along with support from Exmark. Attendees who purchase a raffle ticket can enter to win an Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower. The tickets can be purchased on Project EverGreen’s website (www.projectevergreen.org). The winner will be drawn on Friday at 2 p.m. at the Project EverGreen booth, 463.
Taking place on Friday as well at 4 p.m. is the last giveaway for $10,000 sponsored by Belgard Hardscapes (http://www.belgard.com/). Entry forms will be mailed along with GIE+EXPO badges after registration. One winner will be chosen and must be present to win.
