First- and Second-Time Attendees Contribute to Growth of GIE+EXPO and HNA
The Industry’s Premier Gatherings Continue to be a Launch Pad for New Products
While attendees visit GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo) and Hardscape North America (HNA) to see new products, exhibitors are there to find new customers. In recent years, the co-located trade shows have delivered on both fronts. The attendee base — dealers and contractors — has grown steadily with an average increase of 11% over the last four years. A large percentage of these are first- and second-year attendees, which means exhibitors benefit from a new audience of buyers each year.
Average New Attendees in 2016 & 2017
- 55% of HNA dealer attendees were 1st or 2nd year.
- 65% of all HNA contractor attendees were 1st or 2nd year.
- 46% of GIE+EXPO dealer attendees were 1st or 2nd year.
- 62% of GIE+EXPO landscape contractors were 1st or 2nd year.
According to Nino Nicolia of Nicolock Paving Stones, his company benefits from exhibiting because it allows them to showcase their product line directly to potential customers and key decision makers. “Being able to meet these people and enabling them to see, touch, and feel our product has allowed us to continue to develop new markets and continue a strong growth pattern,” he said.
“This is the perfect place to launch new products because it puts us in front of a lot of new people in a short amount of time,” said Jim Hafendorfer, owner of Jungle Jim’s Accessory Products, a long-time exhibitor. “It is a great opportunity for landscapers, dealers and distributors alike to see the latest technology in the industry.”
With over 1,005 exhibits indoors and out in 2017, there were hundreds of new products on display. Show organizers are changing the floor plans for 2018 to make room for even more exhibitors and more space for veteran booths that are expanding, all to unveil products.
“The show is awesome. This is my first time, and I didn’t expect it to be so big and to see so much new equipment,” said 2017 attendee Scott Baechle of Top Turf Care LLC in Springfield, MO. “One of the reasons I came is to demo equipment. I can see it all in one spot, test how it performs and decide what I want to purchase.”
2018 Details
GIE+EXPO and HNA are set for Wednesday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 19 in 2018. As a result of the shows’ continued growth, a new format will be implemented, allowing contractors an extra day on the show floor. The indoor show floor will open exclusively for dealers, retailers and the media at 12pm on Wednesday. Then, beginning at 3pm and continuing Thursday and Friday, the entire industry will be invited to visit the indoor exhibits. The Outdoor Demonstration Area will be open Thursday and Friday.
