Online registration is now open for the 2012 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo), which will be held in Louisville October 24-26. Prizes are available for those who register early.

Two lucky registrants will win the two grand prizes – $1,800 travel packages to the show. Each package includes a $500 gift card for expenses, a luxury hotel suite for three nights in The Galt House or Seelbach Hilton Hotel, $100 in gift cards for local restaurants, $50 for souvenirs at the Visitor Information Center and VIP seating at the GIE+EXPO concerts. The legendary rock band Kansas will perform on Wednesday and the 2012 AMC-award-winning Eli Young Band will perform on Thursday. 

Register before May 31 and you will also be entered to win tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup races, June 30, in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. The Sprint Cup features racing heavyweights like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.

And, GIE+EXPO’s Refer-a-Friend program will award an Apple iPad to one lucky winner. To enter, register online and then send an online invitation to a friend.  When that person registers you will be eligible for the iPad drawing. Instructions will be included in your registration confirmation email, and the winner will be announced at the show.

New Format

The show has a new format this year, including a Dealer Preview Day on Wednesday, October 24, open exclusively to dealers, distributors, retailers and media.  On Thursday and Friday, the exhibits and 19-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all registrants.

Educational opportunities for all industry segments will begin on Wednesday.  New certification classes for technicians will be held Wednesday at 9:00-10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. Classes from Bob Clements International for dealership owners and managers will run Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-noon and 2:00-3:00 p.m.

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) will begin their Green Industry Conference (GIC) at the Louisville Marriott Downtown on Wednesday and continue it at the Ky. Exposition Center (KEC) on Thursday and Friday.  The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) will open their annual School of Grounds Management at The Galt House on Wednesday and continue through Saturday at KEC. 

The GIE+EXPO Workshops for lawn & landscape professionals are being expanded this year to eight sessions on Thursday and Friday at KEC. 

Go to www.gie-expo.com to register and learn more about online-registration giveaways, show updates and events. An early-bird registration fee of $10 is being offered until September 9. After that, pre-registration will be $25. The onsite registration fee will be $50.

GIE+EXPO — the 9th largest tradeshow in America — is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), PLANET and PGMS. Hardscape North America, which is sponsored by ICPI and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and National Concrete Masonry Association, will again co-locate at GIE+EXPO. 

In addition to the website, information can be obtained on Facebook and by contacting Sellers Expositions at 800-558-8767, 812-949-9200 or info@gie-expo.com. When potential attendees and exhibitors "Like" GIE+EXPO on Facebook they will be entered to win $1,000!

Here's a look at some of what Rural Lifestyle Dealer saw at this year's show.