By 2011, GIE+EXPO had grown to 17,500 participants with 750 plus exhibits, and was named the ninth largest trade show in the U.S. by Trade Show Executive magazine.

GIE+EXPO is held in Louisville Ky. each year at the end of October, and is one of the largest national landscape industry education conferences and trade shows in the country. As there are many different elements to this event it can be a bit confusing, especially for first time attendees.

In an effort to understand how GIE + EXPO (produced by OPEI, PLANET, PGMS and co-located with ICPI) has evolved into one of the biggest landscape shows in the country, LCDBM talked with each association about their role and what attendees can expect to see at this year's show.

GIE+EXPO – The Trade Show
OPEI launched the industry's first U.S. trade show in the early 80s, which was called the International Lawn, Garden and Power Equipment Exposition (EXPO). Further expansion happened when PLANET's Green Industry Expo (GIE) merged with the EXPO. OPEI and PLANET then joined with PGMS to create the Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) in 2007.

In 2010, GIE+EXPO created a mega industry event by co-locating with Hardscape North America, giving dealers, retailers and distributors access to ideas, products and education on outdoor home design and improvement. By 2011, GIE+EXPO had grown to the 9th largest trade show in the U.S. according to Trade Show Executive magazine.

OPEI – GIE + EXPO

Concerned about disbursement of poorly labeled E-15 fuel, known to cause engine damage and even void warranties on small engine equipment, the OPEI will launch an Ethanol Education and Consumer Protection Program (Look Before You Pump) at GIE+EXPO on October 23 during Dealer Day.

"We need both legacy and future OPEI customers to understand that they can't assume that what goes in the car, goes in the can anymore," said Kris Kiser, president of OPEI. The "Look Before You Pump' program comprises a series of visuals, videos and materials that are meant to educate consumers and dealers and arm dealers with resources that they can use at the point of purchase with their customers.

OPEI is also offering three free and open-to-the-public educational sessions at GIE+EXPO, such as the talk by Virgil Huhmann, the Committee Chair of the Standard Committee for B71.10. Huhmann will conduct a seminar on the just released revision of ANSI/OPEI B71.10, Standard for Gasoline Fuel Systems – Performance Specifications and Test Procedures

PLANET - The Green Industry Conference (GIC)

The Green Industry Conference, or GIC, takes place during GIE+EXPO. More than 1,200 people attend GIC, with sessions and events taking place at both the Kentucky Exposition Center (where the tradeshow is located) and the Marriott Downtown Louisville hotel.

The conference, hosted by PLANET, the national landscape industry trade association, features 35 education sessions presented by top entrepreneurs and business experts who focus on providing the best marketing, sales, financial, and human resources strategies for growing and improving landscape industry businesses. With five concurrent sessions going on at the same time on Thursday and Friday, there is truly a session to fit every interest and specialty.

Joan Haller, director of education and events at PLANET said, "A new feature this year, the PLANET Learning Lounge, is designed to give attendees the most important information about various hot topics in the industry, conveyed through 20-minute, lightning round sessions."

The Learning Lounge will also double as a networking lounge for attendees, featuring a Genius Bar, where attendees can receive help and support on their most pressing questions, the PLANET Marketplace, featuring PLANET's best selling publications and products, and a coffee bar/lounge area.

PGMS - School of Grounds Management

To kick off the 2013 School of Grounds Management, attendees can join the pre-conference field trip to Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards; followed by a welcoming reception.

This year 11 general education sessions with be offered and will focus on organic practices. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about organic pest control, sustainable irrigation methods, and organic landscape management, to name a few. Tom Shaner, executive director of PGMS said, "While new products and services always await attendees at the tradeshow, this year's educational programs (offered during the PGMS School of Grounds Management and PLANET's Green Industry Conference) are always dynamic and timely. Among the offerings will be the unveiling of the new PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program."

ICPI - Hardscape North America (HNA)

The Hardscape North America show, now in its fourth year at GIE+EXPO, is on schedule for another year of increased attendance, as last year's show grew by an amazing 43 percent.

"There's no question that combining hardscape with landscape, in addition to acres of equipment on display, offers contractors an all-in-one business building experience that they can use to grow their hardscape business," said Jessica Chase, director of marketing and membership at ICPI.

New this year at HNA, top hardscape contractors will compete for the Hardscape North America Installer Championship. Competitors will test their application of industry best practices, safety, quality and craftsmanship in a race against the clock and other top installers.

HNA will also announce the winners of the sixth annual HNA Hardscape Project Awards at a breakfast banquet at the Hyatt Regency Louisville on Friday, Oct. 25. The awards recognize contractors' quality construction and craftsmanship in outstanding commercial and residential hardscape projects in North America.

GIE+EXPO, consistently ranks in the top 20 largest trade shows in the country. With close to 500 exhibits, and a huge outdoor demonstration area, the GIE+EXPO attracts nearly 20,000 customers; some new, but many who come back year after year to see and test drive the latest equipment, products, and services in the landscaping industry.