Show organizers predict another record year for GIE+EXPO as exhibit space sales soar. GIE+EXPO is set for Oct. 17-19 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.
By the end of February, 413 companies had signed contracts for exhibit space, as compared to 315 at the same time last year. Twenty-one of those companies are new exhibitors. This, combined with space increases by returning exhibitors, has led organizers to predict a 25,000-net-sq.-ft. increase in the show floor when the show opens in October.
“We’ve reached 200,000 sq. ft. faster than ever, and the increase in square footage will bring even more new products to the show floor. Think of the addition as the equivalent of 12 basketball courts,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “This show continues to be the gathering place for the entire industry, and thanks to its continued growth, this fall will be another must-attend event for landscapers, dealers, hardscapers and other industry professionals.”
Returning exhibitors are attributing their decisions to reserve larger spaces to the growing attendance at the show and the desire to be able to introduce more new products. Stihl, ODES Industries, Hurricane Power and Echo are among the returning exhibitors that have increased their exhibit space.
A larger show floor isn’t the only change attendees can expect from the 2018 event. The 2018 GIE+EXPO will also feature a new format, allowing contractors an extra day on the show floor and access to the outdoor demonstration area for three days.
