Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/428735
VIEWPOINT Editor John Kmitta | jkmitta@specialtyim.com The Pulse of the Industry In this issue, part 2 of our Business Planning Guide, we delve into a range of issues for the green industry — from industry trends to human resources to fl eet management, customer service, online marketing and more. But part of solid business planning is taking stock of the industry as a whole, getting involved, networking, pursuing educational opportunities, and keeping up to date on new tools and techniques. The biggest source for such business- growth opportunities is the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), which was held Oct. 22-24 in Louisville, Ky. According to show management, the footprint of the 2014 GIE+EXPO was more than 1.3 million square feet, making it the largest ever for this mega show and, in fact, one of the largest trade shows in the United States. This year, more than 19,000 people from around the world represented an 11-percent increase in registration over 2013. Hardscape North America (HNA), co-located with GIE+EXPO, also had a record attendance with a 22-percent increase over 2013. "It's the biggest GIE+EXPO ever," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which is one of the show's sponsors. "Record attendance, record participation… If you go around the show, you can sense this. The show looks good. We are busting at the seams." Also during the show, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) held educational sessions and workshops. Contractor registrations were up 7 percent, and attendance in the GIE+EXPO workshops for lawn and landscape professionals climbed a whopping 56 percent over last year. New sessions related to snow and ice management were sold out with a total of 276 participants. Workshops on irrigation methods were also new. There were 675 indoor exhibits, which represents a 6-percent increase over 2013 and 13 percent over 2012. The Outdoor Demonstration Area gave attendees a chance for hands-on experience with equipment from approximately 100 exhibitors. For me personally, this was my tenth trip to Louisville for the industry's largest conference and show. And, to my casual eye, it looked and felt bigger and busier than ever. That is obviously not a scientifi c measurement, but if the buzz at the show is any indicator of the industry as a whole, then things would seem to be looking up. But the show should also be a reminder of the benefi t of such industry events for networking and continuing education. After all, what better way to plan and grow your business than to get tips and insight from industry experts and peers alike? Seeing how others are solving the same types of problems will better prepare you to face your own challenges. Also, the trade show fl oor and Outdoor Demonstration Area provide unique opportunities to see, and test drive, new equipment and solutions. For a list of some of the latest innovations from the show, please see page 28. If you weren't able to attend GIE+EXPO 2014, and you are serious about growing your business and your bottom line, you should consider attending GIE+EXPO 2015. At the very least, attend other industry shows, events (both national and regional), seminars, demo days, webinars or any other opportunities to keep up with the latest trends, tools and techniques. The dates for GIE+EXPO 2015 in Louisville are Oct. 21 for OPE dealers, distributors, retailers and media and Oct. 22- 23 for everyone in the industry. The Demo Area will be open Thursday and Friday, Oct. 22 and 23. ■ John Kmitta Associate Publisher / Editor Green Media EPG Media, LLC/Specialty Information Media, 3300 Fernbrook Ln N, Ste 200, Plymouth MN 55447 Web site: www.landscapeirrigation.com Group Publisher David Voll EDITORIAL STAFF Associate Publisher, Editor John Kmitta (847) 720-5613; jkmitta@specialtyim.com Products Editor Steve Noe (630) 499-1017; fax (630) 499-1026; snoe@specialtyim.com PRODUCTION TEAM Art Director Adam Lane Production Manager Karen Kalinyak DIRECT MAIL LIST SALES MeritDirect, Jim Scova, (914) 368-1012; e-mail jscova@MeritDirect.com REPRINT SERVICE Debra Welter, Circulation and Audience Development Manager, e-mail dwelter@specialtyim.com CIRCULATION For subscription inquiries and customer service questions, please call (847) 763-9565, or fax (847) 763-9569 business hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST Publisher's Notice: We assume no responsibility for the validity of advertising claims in connec- tion with items appearing in this special edition. Commercial product names are used for the convenience of the reader. Mention of a com- mercial product does not imply endorsement by Specialty Information Media, or preference over similar products not mentioned. ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES: EAST Chris Pelikan Senior Account Manager Phone: (954) 964-8676 cpelikan@epgmediallc.com MIDWEST Peggy Tupper Senior Account Manager Phone: (763) 383-4429 ptupper@epgmediallc.com WEST Leslie Palmer Senior Account Manager Phone: (248) 731-7596 lpalmer@specialtyim.com www.greenmediaonline.com Business Planning Guide December 2014 5