ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The 2016 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo), held October 19-21 at the Kentucky Expo Center (KEC) in Louisville, kY., topped the last two year’s records for attendance and exhibitors. More than 22,600 people from around the world represented a 12% increase in registration over last year. Thirty-three percent of dealer and 44% of lawn and landscape attendees were first timers.

The annual industry event draws all segments of the outdoor power equipment and lawn & garden industry. GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

High Growth Across the Board

  • Over 900 exhibits in total at GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America (HNA), and 230 new exhibitors were at the event.
  • The New Products Showcase sold out with a record number of companies (76) spotlighting more than 100 products that were introduced within the past year.
  • The indoor booths show was 676,000 net square feet or (the size of 14 football fields); the indoor show floor was 80,000 square feet larger – a 17% increase over 2015.
  • The Outdoor Demonstration Area covered 20 acres, up from 19 acres last year.
  • HNA increased in size by more than 25% over 2015 and was moved to the North Wing this year to accommodate its growth.
  • More than 30 exhibitors hosted press conferences.

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the managing partner of GIE+EXPO, says, “Exhibitors and attendees alike were pleased with the expanded offerings this year.” A first-ever UTV University, with special education and offerings for the UTV market, drew 370 dealers and powersports retailers.

Looking Ahead
The dates for the 2017 show in Louisville, Ky., are October 18 for dealers, distributors, retailers and media and October 19-20 for everyone in the industry. The Demo Area will be open Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20. HNA, which first co-located with GIE+EXPO seven years ago, has an agreement to co-locate through 2018. Online registration will be available early in 2017.