Industry’s biggest, must-attend event is rolling out the red carpet for dealers this year. Organizers of the GIE+EXPO lawn and garden extravaganza at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville on October 24-26 are designating an unprecedented “Dealer-Only” day for the first time ever, when only dealers, retailers and distributors will be allowed into the indoor show area.

This gives dealers a more relaxed atmosphere to meet with key suppliers and alleviates many dealer visitor concerns about sharing wholesale pricing and program information with landscapers—another big component of GIE+EXPO’s visitor base.

‘Dealer-Only’
Though the show floor doesn’t open until 3 p.m. on the October 24 Dealer-Only Day, the action gets started early with technician training classes (see below), plus highly interesting rental dealer seminars that all dealers should attend. Recently added to the program and billed as “rental” seminars, the topics are of major concern to all dealers: “EPA Compliant Engines and Dealer Obligations” and “E15 Fuels: A Huge Problem.”

The sessions will discuss the latest EPA standards and their significant impact on how dealer technicians service these products and also the serious risk of using E-15 fuel in most power equipment as E-15 fuel is now available in some states.

Dealers will hear engineers and technical experts from companies such as Honda, Husqvarna, Ditch Witch, Toro and others discuss changing technologies and where they may go in the future. Sessions run from 1-3 p.m. October 24 and cost $25 total and include lunch and a “free gift.” Dealers can sign up online when registering for GIE+EXPO or call show management at 800-558-8767. Dealers who have already registered for GIE+EXPO can use their Registration Dashboard.

Meanwhile the Dealer Resources Pavilion just off the show floor will be open at 9 a.m., sponsored by Stihl, Inc., ARI, Husqvarna, Ideal Computer Systems, Bob Clements International, c-Systems Software Inc., Cub Cadet, Engine & Equipment Training Council, Gravely, Heftee Industries, Lista International Corp. and the North American Equipment Dealers Assn.

After the show floor opens to dealers only at 3 p.m. October 24, ARI, Husqvarna and Ideal Computer Systems are sponsoring a 25-cent beer and hotdog reception in the Dealer Resource Pavilion from 5-7 p.m.

The dealer-only action intensifies after the reception begins, when Stihl, Inc. announces the winner of a $5,000(!) cash Stihl Dealer Giveaway at 6:30. Entry cards will be included with dealer badge packets and must be dropped off at the Stihl booth by 6 p.m. Wednesday for the 6:30 drawing.

Technician Classes
New this year on the Dealer-Only Day October 24, Bob Clements International will oversee technicians’ classes offered through the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) and the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC). All the technicians’ classes are EETC- and Power Pro-certified. Classes are 1.5 hours long, and available at three different times on Wednesday: 9:00-10:30 a.m., 11:00-12:30 p.m., and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

For specific questions about the classes, call Bob Clements International, 800-480-0737. You may sign up for classes when you register for GIE+EXPO, or on-site at the show. Classes are $30 each. Here’s a quick preview of the available classes:
• Basics in Electrical Diagnostics—This course is designed to teach basic small engine electrical system troubleshooting and repair skills. East Hall Room 1.
• Basics in 2-Stroke Engine Diagnostics
—This course covers the service and repair procedures for the 2-stroke engine. East Hall Room 3.
• Basics in EFI Systems
—This course will help technicians understand and troubleshoot: basic components common to EFI systems, multiport vs. single point delivery; how air fuel mixtures; diagnosing EFI. East Hall Room 4.

Dealer Events Day 2
On GIE+EXPO’s second day, Thursday October 25, dealers can start with a big opportunity: The Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast at 8 a.m., sponsored by Stihl and Ariens. This event gives dealers a great opportunity to network with others dealers and hear from top OEM executives covering both business management ideas and big picture industry issues.

The Dealer Resource Pavilion will include an Internet café, lounge and leading suppliers’ information booths this year. As always, the Pavilion will be available to dealers, retailers, technicians and distributors only, and is located adjacent the show floor. Dealers of all sizes will benefit from a variety of resources and seminars available through this year’s outstanding education program; Bob Clements of Bob Clements International will lead education sessions for dealers and managers.
Reservations for the sessions are not required, but you must be registered for the show to attend. All seminars are free to dealers and managers.

Here’s a quick look at the free dealer seminars:

• Keys to Improving Technician Efficiency, Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

• Pricing and Flat Rating Service Work, Wednesday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

• Strategies for Improving Parts Profitability, Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

• Branding and Marketing Your Business, Thursday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

• Developing a Successful Business Plan, Friday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

• Negotiating and Closing the Sale, Friday, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

‘Fabulous Friday’
Also new for 2012 is Fabulous Friday, a day filled with prizes on the last day of the show. Some years show visitors and booth traffic slacks off the last day, but here are several big reasons to stay till the end:
Four lucky winners will take home between $1,00 and $4,000 during “$10,000 Friday Giveaway” Day. The “$10,000 Friday Giveaway” Day will start at 1:00 p.m. A winner will be chosen every hour for a giveaway of $1,000 at 1 p.m., $2,000 at 2 p.m., $3,000 at 3 p.m. and $4,000 at 4 p.m. All registered attendees of GIE+EXPO are eligible to win. An entry form will be mailed along with badges, and can be entered by returning it to the Nissan Commercial Vehicles booth, booth 7084, by noon on Friday. You must be present to win.

Kentucky native and returning GIE+EXPO performer Candy Coburn will be performing on Friday night at 4th Street Live! Prior to the concert, Candy will sign autographs at the ICPI booth, booth 1202, from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Special Giveaways
In addition to “$10,000 Friday Giveaway” Day, several companies will be offering giveaways at the show. Grasshopper is offering one winner a three day, two-night stay for two at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. Gravely will have a commercial mower giveaway. Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, LLC, has a $1,100 Lennox fireplace insert kit up for grabs. Nissan Commercial Vehicles will be giving away a 2013 Nissan NV cargo van. Nite Hawk Sweepers will be giving away apparel in their booth, 11084. VisionScape will give away a one-year professional subscription to Virtual Property Architect 3D landscape design software as well as $1,500 in 3D landscape design services. In addition to the show sponsored cash prizes, Latux Diamond Blades will have one $2,000 cash giveaway and one $1,000 cash giveaway at 3:30 p.m. Friday in their booth, #1230.

Pre-registration for a three-day pass to GIE+EXPO is $25; on-site registration is $50. To register on-line, visit gie-expo.com. Rental dealer sessions (with lunch) are $25, register through the show. Technician classes are $30 per session; register by contacting Bob Clements International, 800-480-0737. There is no charge for the Dealer Resource Pavilion, but dealers must be registered and have a dealer badge to enter.