GIE+Expo combines greenscapes, hardscapes, education — and fun

Only Mother Nature could make it greener than the 2011 Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+Expo) set for the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 27-29. The GIE+Expo, North America’s 14^th-largest tradeshow, provides golf course superintendents, parks and municipal buyers, and others in the lawn, garden and outdoor products and equipment trades an opportunity to see what the industry is buzzing about for 2012.

Attendees can check out suppliers’ full product lines and latest innovations at 750 indoor exhibits, a 19-acre outdoor demonstration area and a new products arena. Participants can view and use the newest products as well as gain useful knowledge from industry experts who will present a variety of educational sessions and workshops. All educational sessions will be geared to improve, expand or “green up” operations.

Fun is on the agenda, as well, as Charlie Daniels brings his blend of rock, country, bluegrass, blues and gospel to the 4th Street Live! Stage as part of a two-night free concert series. Daniels will perform on Friday, Oct. 28, at 9 p.m. in downtown Louisville. GIE+Expo attendees can unwind after hours and network as they help Charlie Daniels celebrate a milestone birthday.

‘It’s time to grow!’

Once again, Hardscape North America (HNA) will co-locate its tradeshow with GIE+Expo, Oct. 27-29. GIE+Expo attendees will gain access to manufacturers of concrete and brick pavers, segmental retaining walls, sealers, equipment and tools. HNA attendees will have access to GIE+Expo’s exhibitors, along with its 19-acre outdoor demonstration area adjacent to the exhibit hall. Additionally, the combination offers educational opportunities for both greenscape and hardscape professionals.

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) 2011 Green Industry Conference (GIC) runs from Oct. 26–29 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown and the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. GIC usually attracts more than 2,000 landscape and lawn care professionals, who participate in more than 80 courses, seminars and roundtables on a variety of topics. The focus of this year’s conference is “change, evolve and grow.”

“The choice for all of us is clear,” said Philip Fogarty, GIC subcommittee chairperson. “Do we hunker down and hope to survive, or do we change our business models to adapt to new market conditions? At PLANET, we think the choice is clear. It’s time to grow!”

A mini-series called GIE+Expo Workshops is available for lawn and landscape professionals seeking an introduction to the Green Industry Conference, sponsored by PLANET and Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. A few of the course offerings from the GIC program and GIE+Expo workshops include:

Wednesday, Oct. 26

“Vegetative Green Roofs – How to Capture this Hot Opportunity” (ticketed)

C. Merrill Moter III, Joseph & Joseph Architects

Attendees interested in the green roof market will learn about financial incentives, the “green” statement they make, and opportunities for creating urban green spaces. There will be information on specialized techniques and the special microclimate needed for green roof plants. This workshop combines a one-hour presentation along with a bus tour to view several green roofs in Louisville.

“Safety Training That Works!”

Rod Wolford & Beth Larson, FOF Communications

This session focuses on land care workers. Participants will learn how to provide participatory instruction to employees with PLANET’s new OSHA-funded training products. The products are available in English and Spanish.

Thursday, Oct. 27

“Irrigation and Water Management”

“Sustainable Landscapes with Efficient Water Conservation”

Lynda Wightman, Hunter Industries, Inc.

The two-part session focuses on creating and maintaining healthy, environmentally safe and pleasing water landscapes, and staying profitable. Attendees will learn how to:

• Understand the importance of the design, installation and management of a water conserving landscape with an automatic irrigation system.
• Apply nationwide initiatives that are driving specific decisions for efficiency in an irrigation system.
• Apply new programs that will assist in becoming knowledgeable in the field.
• Understanding how efficient irrigation systems can lead to a sustainable landscape.

Friday, Oct. 28

“Real-World Applications of Sustainability”

Paul Fields, Jud Griggs, and Lara Moffat, Lambert Landscape Co.

The Lambert team will show how they have incorporated sustainability into their organization over the years. Attendees will learn how to:

• Educate colleagues, clients, and the community about sustainability.
• Enrich the soil for optimum planting conditions, considering soil structure, nutrient retention and microbial activity.
• Reduce resource expenditure and heat island effects by means of softscape and hardscape choices.
• Maximize water infiltration and minimize water runoff through appropriate material selection.
• Continue sustainable practices in maintenance and organic plant health care for the long-term health, vigor and environmental impact of the garden.

The event will include opportunities to explore the waterfront, parks, sites and sounds that make Louisville unique. Event organizers encourage GIE+Expo 2011 and Hardscape North America participants to explore Louisville attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Urban Bourbon Trail.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, PLANET and the Professional Grounds Management Society sponsor GIE+Expo.

To register, go
here.