2009 GIE+Expo to showcase lawn and grounds equipment, education and entertainment
For golf course superintendents, parks and recreation directors, municipal buyers, grounds maintenance personnel and others involved in the lawn and outdoor equipment market, the Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+Expo) is the place to be in late October.
The 2009 GIE+Expo returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville Ky., where 600 exhibitors will showcase the latest lawn and garden equipment, outdoor leisure products, rental lines, outdoor power equipment and related items in a 500,000-square-foot exhibit hall. There is also a 19-acre natural turf outdoor demonstration area where attendees can test items on display.
Scheduled for Oct. 28-31, GIE+Expo is expected to attract 20,000 participants from more than 30 countries around the globe.
This year’s tradeshow floor will feature a New Products Arena, where new products will be displayed throughout the show. Exhibitors will introduce new products to attendees and the press on the Arena Stage during scheduled times. “Research indicates the No.1 reason people attend this tradeshow is to see new products,” said GIE+Expo Show Director Warren Sellers. “The New Products Arena will highlight those and serve as a great orientation area for an overview of the latest items.”
GIE+Expo will be held in conjunction with the Professional Landcare Network’s Green Industry Conference and Professional Grounds Management Society’s School of Grounds Management, so attendees can take advantage of industry education, business seminars, certification courses and multiple networking opportunities.
The education session lineup includes the following:
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Tree Preservation During Construction — The session will examine the basic biological imperatives that trees must meet and the simple, pragmatic methodologies that can be implemented to maximize tree retention. Presenters will discuss tree value and the need to communicate value during the design phase and before construction implementation.
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Sustainable Landscape Development: Beyond Being Green — From site preparation and plant selection to getting it in the ground and maintaining it for the future, the presentation will cover how attendees can get the most — both environmentally and economically — out of their landscapes.
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Smart Irrigation Made Simple — Putting Weather-based Irrigation to Work for You — Landscapes consume 58 percent of urban water and typically are over-watered by 30 to 300 percent. Public and private sectors alike are being forced to reduce landscape water use. Grounds maintenance professionals who understand how to leverage smart controllers can gain a competitive advantage in a changing market. Attendees will learn how to improve irrigation management best practices, select the right smart controller for any project, and prepare for new legislation and watering restrictions.
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Meeting the Sustainability Challenge through Effective Leadership — Facilities managers and their staffs will play a vital role in sustainability as organizations commit to reducing their carbon footprints. Effective leadership will be key in keeping employees motivated to accomplish the goals of the new paradigm. The session will cover basic leadership principles and teach attendees how to successfully use leadership skills.
Free concerts galore
Attendees will rock the night away with platinum-selling artist and 1980s sensation Eddie Money on Thursday, Oct. 29. Special guests are the Briggs Bluesbusters, which is the Briggs & Stratton house band.
On Friday, Oct. 30 the singing group The Grass Roots performs at 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville. Fourth Street Live! is Louisville’s dining and entertainment district, featuring a mix of national and regional restaurants and clubs.
Later on Friday, attendees will be on their feet and in the street when The Blues Brothers kick off Friday night’s 4th Street Live! Street Party.
For more information on the Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+Expo), visit www.gie-expo.com.
At a Glance
GIE+EXPO 2009
Oct. 28-31, 2009
Kentucky Exposition Center
Louisville, Ky.
Wednesday, October 28 – Saturday, October 31
Green Industry Conference and School of Grounds Management
Thursday, October 29
Indoor Exhibits — 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Outdoor Demonstration Area — 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, October 30
Indoor Exhibits — 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Outdoor Demonstration Area — 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 31
Indoor Exhibits — 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
