If you’re headed to GIE+EXPO in Louisville this October, odds are you’ll be impressed by the amount of buzz surrounding this year’s show. After a virtual year, people are excited to explore the latest industry advancements firsthand—and we couldn’t be more ready.
Dive into our list of trade show tips and event highlights below to make the most of your trip.
1. The Basics:
GIE+EXPO
Kentucky Exposition Center
October 20-22, 2021 - Louisville, Ky.
Don’t miss a chance to experience the smooth ride and world-famous cut of Grasshopper Mowers for yourself. Featuring hard-working FrontMount™ and MidMount™ mowers with implements that deliver all-year productivity—our indoor booth #9136 has it all, with experts standing by to answer your questions. Then head to outdoor booth, #7542D, to test-drive the equipment.
2. Get Ready To Demo
With a 20-plus acre outdoor demo area open on Thursday and Friday, you get to feel Grasshopper performance first-hand and ask representatives any questions before you make a purchase.
Plus, every eligible attendee receives an entry to win $15,000 toward a UTV from participating manufacturers at the UTV Corral.
Must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license to operate the equipment.
3. Technology Summit (Wednesday, October 20)
Optimizing today’s technology to build your business—and staying ahead of future trends— is what this summit is all about.
Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the class is $129 and includes 3 sessions on Oct. 20.
4. Opening Keynote With Retired Four-Star Admiral, James Stavridis
Wednesday, October 20 – 2:00-3:00 PM
Free with your trade show registration, the keynote speaker is a prominent naval leader, serving as the head of the NATO Alliance from 2009-2013. Awarded over 50 medals (including 28 from other nations), Admiral Stavridis joins the convention to talk leadership amid today’s challenges.
5. Practice Flying In The New Drone Zone
Learn to fly a drone on a flight simulator—then step onto the exhibit floor in the netted 4,000-sq.-ft. Drone Zone alongside an expert trainer. Free hourly sessions will teach the basics of how to use drones for GIS mapping, water management, thermal imaging, and more.
6. Can’t-Miss: Mutt Madness (Thursday, Oct. 21)
Take a break from business for a bit and hang out with adoptable puppies from Kentucky Humane Society from 11:00- 2:00 PM in Freedom Hall.
7. Food Truck Thursday
Come hungry on Thursday because food trucks are booked for the floor of Freedom Hall to serve up some famous Louisville grub.
8. Explore Your Host City—And Snag Some VIP Discounts
Home of the famous Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger® Museum and world-renowned bourbon, Louisville’s a lot more than just our host city. Plus, there are a lot of discounts with your GIE+EXPO pass around every corner.