GIE+EXPO released its schedule of workshops and events for its 2017 event, taking place Oct. 18-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.
The GIE+EXPO Workshops will cover a variety of management topics specifically for landscape contractors’ businesses. In addition, for contractors looking to diversify, Hardscape North America’s co-location with GIE+EXPO provides the opportunity to learn about expanding into the hardscape market.
2017 GIE+EXPO Workshops
Oct. 19
8:00-9:30 a.m.
Hardscape Workshop 1: Production Management and Crew Motivation on the Hardscape Jobsite
Frank Gandora, Creative Hardscape
During this presentation, Frank Gandora, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of hardscape experience, will share valuable techniques that will motivate your crew, increase production and ensure a profitable project.
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Hardscape Workshop 2: Hardscape as a Profit Center
Frank Bourque
In this session, landscape professionals will learn how to differentiate their businesses from the competition and implement proven systems to gain the maximum return on investment by adding hardscape services.
1:00-2:30 p.m.
NALP Workshop 1: 50 Sure-Fire Ways to Reduce Cost & Increase Profits
Bill Arman and Ed Laflamme, The Harvest Group, National Association of Landscape Professionals Consultants
This session will include real-world case studies and practical advice to help landscape professionals attract, motivate and keep great people and maximize market share with powerful estimating and pricing strategies.
3:00-4:30 p.m.
NALP Workshop 2: A Critical Analysis of the Six Estimating Systems Used in the Green Industry Today
Jim Huston, J.R. Huston Consulting, National Association of Landscape Professionals Consultant
Attendees will gain an understanding of six estimating methods and the tools to identify the weaknesses and strengths in each; how to analyze a bid; and how to define and calculate direct costs, general and administrative overhead costs, a break-even point, gross profit margins and net profit margins.
Friday, Oct. 20
8:00-9:30 a.m.
NALP Workshop 3: The Success Marketing Strategy for Growing Your Landscaping Business
Christopher Yates, Success Landscape Marketing, National Association of Landscape Professionals Consultant
In this workshop, the author of “The Complete Guide to Marketing Success for Landscapers” will break everything down in a practical way to help businesses generate more clients, referrals and revenue.
8:00-9:30 a.m.
NALP Workshop 4: Teamwork – In Every Aspect of Your Life!
Rich and Crystal Arlington, Rich Arlington & Associates, National Association of Landscape Professionals Consultant
Rich & Crystal Arlington will explain how to work together as a team at work and at home. Attendees with learn how to create a professional environment, use technology as an effective tool and utilize each other’s strengths to build unity in a business and personal relationship.
10:00-11:30 a.m.
NALP Workshop 5: Tips and Trends for Hiring and Retaining Employees
Kent Kohn, Pro-Motion Consulting, National Association of Landscape Professionals Consultant
What are businesses doing to attract and keep employees? What is the most important policy to maintain when hiring and firing? What are the most common hiring mistakes? How do you hire the best talent? How can an employer appeal to different generations? Landscape professionals will learn answers to these key employment questions and more.
10:00-11:30 a.m.
NALP Workshop 6: Sustainable Winter Management
Phill Sexton, chief knowledge officer, Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA)
Sexton will present the results of his two-year study about sustainability issues of the winter management industry. Additionally, he will discuss solutions to consider for the industry to further its credibility as a profession.
1:00-2:30 p.m.
NALP Workshop 7: How to Develop a Well-Trained, Safe and Effective Workforce! Do We Really Know How to “Train Our Trainers?”
Fred Haskett, The Harvest Group, National Association of Landscape Professionals Consultant
This presentation examines the current state of training programs and systems in our information-rich environment. It offers a simple and implementable system that will arm any organization’s trainers with the self-confidence to train their team members to execute tasks consistently and thoroughly in order to achieve a safe, competent and effective workforce.
3:00-4:30 p.m.
NALP Workshop 8: The 4 Keys to Crush Your Goals
Jeffrey Knight, director of education, Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply
The problem with goals is that many of them lack imagination or they are simply tasks that should never be categorized as a “goal” in the first place. Imagine what you could achieve if you conditioned yourself to stay in a mental state that constantly takes advantage of things that contribute to your success.
Hardscape Demonstrations
(Held in the tented Hardscape North America Outdoor Arena in the Outdoor Demonstration Area)
The format for the Hardscape Demonstrations will be a continuous build, which will happen during show hours in the Outdoor Arena with one-hour featured demonstrations. The presentations will be led by Bill Gardocki, owner of Interstate Landscape Co.
Oct. 19
11:00 am-12:00 p.m.
Segmental retaining wall construction with a focus on double tiered walls and proper geogrid specification, placement and use.
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Installation of base material and pavers for interlocking pavements and Go Pro time-lapse for construction jobs.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Permeable base and paver installation.
Oct. 20
11:00 am-12:00 p.m.
Tools of the trade.
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Hardscape lighting.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Outdoor kitchens.
Each HNA demonstration is eligible for one ICPI Certified Installer Continuing Education (CE) Credit. Attendees should pick up a CE tracking form at the HNA registration desk at the tradeshow.
Registration in advance is required for the workshops and demonstrations. NALP Workshops: $85; Hardscape Workshop: $50. Those who only want to attend the HNA Demonstrations can upgrade their tradeshow registration for $50 to include all six live demos.
