Seminars, technician certification, Q&A feedback, networking, best-practice tips — there are many reasons dealers flock to GIE+EXPO's exclusive Dealer Resource Pavilion. And, the presence of interested, engaged dealers is a draw for exhibitors who want to be involved.

Go to: GIE+EXPO Dealer Events Schedule

Eight exhibitors, so far, have stepped up to have a presence in the Pavilion — ARI Network Services, the Engine Equipment & Engine Training Council, Heftee Industries, Husqvarna, Ideal Computer Systems Inc., Lista International, the North American Equipment Dealers Association and Stanley Vidmar.

The Pavilion is one of the key features at the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) at the Ky. Exposition Center in Louisville. It is the location for free seminars for outdoor power equipment dealership owners and managers, led by dealership consultant Bob Clements. This year the pavilion will feature a show room, along with a parts and service department where Bob and his team will share their latest ideas and tips on how to improve sales, parts profits and service efficiencies regardless of the size of the dealership. Key points in each of the six classes throughout the three days of the show will be illustrated in the parts and service department. If you are looking to move your store to the next level, this year's show is a must-attend event.

Dealer Day

GIE+EXPO's 2013 dates are Oct. 23-25. Wednesday, Oct. 23, will be an exclusive preview day for dealers, retailers, distributors and media. The Pavilion will be open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and indoor exhibits will be open 3 - 7 p.m. During a welcome reception on the show floor, 5 -7 p.m., many of the exhibitors will host games, food, festivities and prizes in their booths, including a $5,000 giveaway sponsored by STIHL Inc.

On Thursday and Friday the tradeshow and the adjacent Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all in the industry.

Tech Training & Certification

Tech training — priced $30-$45 for each class — will be in the Ky. Exposition Center's East Hall on Wednesday. Offered through the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) and Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC), the training is approved for EETC Continuing Education Units and Power Pro Approved. No other venue offers hands-on tech training on two-stroke engines, electrical diagnostics and the basics of diagnosing hydraulic systems and diesel engines, all in one day. The training will focus on testing and repairing to help improve the quality of work, reduce comebacks and improve technicians' billable rates. EETC will offer discounted opportunities for certification testing.

Lunch & Learn for Rental Dealers

Asession for rental dealers was introduced last year at GIE+EXPO and will be back by popular demand on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1 - 3 p.m. The $30 fee covers lunch and both sessions below.

Part 1  Effective Advertising for Rental Stores

Newspaper? Other print? Radio? TV? Direct mail? Internet? Social Media? A panel of leading advertising and marketing personnel will share the information and tools rental dealers need when planning a call-to-action campaign targeting a large, medium, small or very small audience. You already know that advertising is an investment and not just an expense, but feedback from the panelists will help you learn ways to optimize these investments to ensure the highest possible return.

Part 2  "You Think You Know" Game Show

This will be a lot of fun for participants and those who just prefer to watch. In the "Jeopardy" style, all participants win and some will win very valuable prizes! If you think you know lots about the companies and products of the rental industry, then you should sign up to "Learn. Play. Win!"

Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast

STIHL and Gravely will sponsor a Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast, 8 - 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24. The $25 fee covers breakfast, discussions on a variety of management topics and all the best-practice advice dealers can absorb to take back for immediate implementation in their businesses.

Free Concerts

The free concert series is set for GIE+EXPO 2013 at 4th St. Live!, the city's popular downtown entertainment and dining venue. Wednesday night will feature country music star Craig Morgan, Thursday will be Three Dog Night and "The Voice" singer Angie Johnson, and on Friday night Holly Williams and Olivia Henken will take the stage, which will be sponsored all three nights by Nissan Commercial Vehicles.

Registration

Now the 9th largest tradeshow in North America, GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc., Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). For information and online registration for the tradeshow, seminars and Dealer Resource Roundtable Breakfast: www.gie-expo.com.