LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Registration is now open for GIE+EXPO 2017. The annual tradeshow is set for October 18-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., and online registration is available at www.gie-expo.com.

According to Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), exhibit space sales are already running ahead of this time last year, and organizers anticipate topping 2017's record-breaking numbers. Attendees can expect to see more new products than ever as the number of new exhibitors increases each year. In 2016, 813 companies exhibited at GIE+EXPO and the co-located Hardscape North America, and 180 were new exhibitors. In addition, the Outdoor Demonstration Area, which offers the opportunity to test new products from both shows, is expected to meet or exceed last years' record-breaking 20 acres.

"This year's show is a must-attend event for industry members who are looking to move their businesses to the next level," said Kiser. "The opportunity to see new products, network with colleagues and benefit from educational opportunities makes it an extremely valuable business investment for exhibitors and attendees alike."

New Education for Dealers

New this year, dealers will have the opportunity to customize their Dealer Day education experience. Dealership guru Bob Clements and his team are back by popular demand — but with a twist. The new People - Process - Profit Dealer Boot Camp will feature three free workshops followed by a lunch session on Dealer Day. Running alongside the boot camp sessions, the UTV University is back, allowing dealers to select sessions from each track.

The Dealer Day education program will be capped off with the Dealer "Kick-Off" Keynote featuring Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics, who is one of the country's most informed economists. Beaulieu's keynote, titled "A Good Year Ahead," will provide dealers with a snapshot of the economy today, where it is headed over the next three years and what it means to their businesses.

Following the keynote, dealers, retailers, distributors and the media will get anexclusive sneak preview of the show floor from 3-7 p.m.

Travel Discounts & Prizes

Louisville has been touted as an affordable place to visit, and pre-arranged travel discounts will make it even more affordable. 

Two airlines are currently offering discounts for GIE+EXPO travel. 

Delta Airlines is offering up to 10% discount on flights. Search flights at www.delta.com/meetings, select 'Book Your Flight' and use Meeting Code: NMQ4P. For groups of 10 or more, call (800)-328-2216.

United Airlines is offering up to 10% discount on flights. Search flights at www.united.com and use code: ZYC7218034. Or call United Reservations Meetings at (800) 426-1122.

In addition, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau provides attendees with the lowest available room rates at event hotels. A list of pre-arranged hotel rates is available at www.gie-expo.com. Click on "Hotels & Travel." Attendees who book a hotel online will automatically be entered for a chance to win a travel prize package, including one complimentary hotel suite, two personalized bourbon bottles for you and a guest, two restaurant gift cards and more! 

Attendees who prefer to make hotel reservations by phone can call the Louisville Housing Bureau at 800-743-3100 Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT.

GIE+EXPO 2017

GIE+EXPO's 2017 dates are Wednesday, Oct. 18, Dealer Day and Oct. 19-20 for all industry participants. The annual event is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). HNA is sponsored by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI).

For information and online registration for the tradeshow: www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points: Facebook, info@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and 800-558-8767/812-949-9200.