News Equipment Landscaping
GIE+EXPO tops 2019, 2018 attendance marks with return to in-person trade show

“This year’s strong showing is huge for us and the industry as we look toward next year and the transition to Equip Exposition,” Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and managing partner of the show, said. “The trade show remains the best place to connect with your peers, network, and gain a competitive business edge. We’re excited to evolve the show, and can’t wait to see everyone in Louisville Oct. 19-21 next year.”

Highlights of the show included:

• Education sessions saw a dramatic increase in registrants, with a 47 per cent increase over 2019 and a 92 per cent increase over 2018.
• An indoor, hands-on Drone Zone where attendees could fly drones with expert trainers
• An outdoor UTV Driving Experience where attendees could drive and compare the latest vehicles while putting them through their paces on curves, hills and rocks
• In-Tree Arborist Demos in a 60-foot tree inside the expo center, and Classroom Courses, presented by the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, sponsored by Davey Tree and ECHO
• The third annual Lucky’s Mutt Madness, a national dog adoption event sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation and in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society

• Trace Adkins will headline the concert series
• David Feherty will give the opening keynote
• Landscape Management magazine, Bob Clements International, and the Professional Grounds Management Society will host a series of educational workshops
• The TurfMutt Foundation will launch the first-ever Mulligan’s 5K and Fun Run in downtown Louisville