Registration open for GIE+EXPO 2021

GIE+EXPO’s registration is open for the Oct. 20-22 event at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Online registration, which is only $20 through Sept. 9, is available online here.

As of April 20, GIE+EXPO said 675 companies had already signed on to exhibit at the expo and the co-located Hardscape North America, which is an 18 percent increase over the same time in 2019. More than 70 companies are new exhibitors.

New for this year include the Kentucky Exposition Center’s recent renovations to the outdoor demo area, where attendees can test drive equipment.

“We look forward to attending the GIE+EXPO every year and are eager to get back to the show in 2021,” said Chris Durig, VP of sales with BlueBird Turf Products. “It is the only industry show that provides an audience of distributors, dealers and landscapers at a single event. Additionally, it is the only industry show that provides opportunities for an indoor exhibit as well as outdoor product demonstrations.”

Warren Sellers, show manager, said attendees are also clamoring to get back together in person. According to a recent survey of past attendees, 91 percent of landscape professionals and 84 percent of dealers are likely to attend this year.

“GIE+EXPO has always been a good way to check up on the competition, to see what’s new and talk to the manufacturers of the products we sell,” said Sam Walter, president of Sam Walter & Son in Fairbury, Ill. “We can’t wait to get back to the show in 2021.”

With expanded education on real-world topics such as drones, robotics and connectivity, as well as features that put attendees behind the controls, this year’s show will offer a wide range of dynamic opportunities, including:

• Hands-on drone zone where attendees can fly drones with expert trainers
• Technology summit presented by the National Association of Landscape Professionals
• UTV test track
• Remote Pilot Certification Course presented by the Indiana State University Aviation and Unmanned Systems Program
• Expanded in-tree arborist demos and classroom courses, including continuing education unit opportunities
• Opening keynote, “Leadership and a New World Order: The Need for Resilience,” featuring Retired U.S. Navy four-star Admiral James Stavridis
• Free dealer workshops by Bob Clements International, including a discussion on bulletproofing your business

“Despite the pandemic, business never stopped for those who design, install, and maintain living landscapes. While this year’s show will look different, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Louisville,” said Kris Kiser, managing partner of GIE+EXPO and OPEI president. “We understand how important GIE+EXPO is to our industry, and we are committed to providing the education, resources and networking businesses need to thrive.”

Recently named the sixth-largest trade show in the nation, GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).