Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/114021
INDUSTRY NEWS Dealer and technician seminars announced for GIE+EXPO 2013 Recent INDUSTRY surveys have turned up a long list of challenges that dealers are facing: low profit margins, cash flow, weather, competition from online and retail outlets, finding qualified help, increased operating costs, where to spend advertising dollars, pressure from manufacturer/supplier partners, service pricing and more. To address many of these pressing issues, outdoor power equipment dealership consultant Bob Clements has crafted a seminar program for the 2013 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), which will take place at Louisville's Kentucky Exposition Center Wednesday, Oct. 23, through Friday, Oct. 25. In addition to benefitting from management sessions, dealers can also bring their technicians to GIE+EXPO for skills training that will enhance the value of their service department and provide their team with exposure to the latest trends, techniques, tools and equipment. Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), one of the sponsors of GIE+EXPO, said, "If we can help dealers be more profitable, the entire industry benefits. I encourage dealers to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their strategies and offer their techs additional training and industry awareness." Back by popular demand, Dealer Day will be held Oct. 23, exclusively for dealers, retailers and distributors to meet oneon-one with exhibitors, attend seminars, and preview new products featured at GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America (HNA), which will co-locate once again with GIE+EXPO. The dealer and technician seminars are part of Dealer Day. On Oct. 23, the indoor exhibits will be open from 3 to 7 p.m., with a welcome reception on the show floor starting at 5 p.m. On Oct. 24 and 25, GIE+EXPO, HNA and the Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open to all industry participants. The Dealer Resource Pavilion will be open Oct. 23-25, offering products, advice and techniques to generate high performance. Free GIE+EXPO Seminars for Dealership Owners and Managers Presented by Bob Clements International Kentucky Exposition Center Oct. 23-25 WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23 11 a.m.-noon: "Take on the Box Stores, the Economy and Internet Sellers...and WIN!" 2-3 p.m.: "Find and Hire the Right People for Your Dealership" THURSDAY, OCT. 24 11 a.m.-noon: "Improve Your Margins without Losing Your Customers" 2-3 p.m.: "How to Maximize Your Advertising Dollars" FRIDAY, OCT. 25 11 a.m.-noon: "Change the Experience and Improve Your Profits" 2-3 p.m.: "How to Handle Objections and Close More Sales" GIE+EXPO Seminars for Technicians EETC Continuing Education Units and Power Pro approved Offered through the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) and the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) Kentucky Exposition Center Oct. 23 WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23 8:30-11 a.m.: Advanced Electrical Diagnostics ($45) 12:30-3 p.m.: Advanced Two-Stroke Engine Diagnostics ($45) 8:30-10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-noon, 1-2:30 p.m.: Basics in Diagnosing Hydraulic Systems ($30) 8:30-10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-noon, 1-2:30 p.m.: Basics in Diesel Engine Diagnostics ($30) GIE+EXPO — the ninth largest trade show in America — is sponsored by OPEI, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). Online registration for GIE+EXPO is now open. For more information about GIE+EXPO 2013, go to gie-expo. com or call Sellers Expositions at (800) 558-8767 or (812) 949-9200. For in-depth descriptions on each of the dealer and technician seminars, visit www.outdoorpowerequipment.com and read the complete story under "Daily News." EETC announces plans for annual conference The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) announced Feb. 5 that it will host its 17th annual conference April 1013, 2013, in Bloomington, Minn. The conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America. "The EETC's annual conference has always been a great event for our members to learn, network, and share information with their peers," said Erik Sides, new executive director of the EETC. "As usual, the agenda will be filled with great training sessions and learning opportunities. Bloomington will serve as a great setting and is ideal for our needs." Also note that the EETC offices have recently relocated to York, S.C. The new address is 3880 Press Wallace Drive, York, SC 29745, and the new telephone number is (704) 608-8046. E-mail address is eriksides@me.com. For more information, visit www.eetc.org. 10 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com