GIE+EXPO To Go On

Jennifer Polanz

Organizers recently announced the GIE+EXPO—an international landscape, outdoor living and equipment expo—will be held as planned October 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, with all the necessary safety protocols in place needed to respond to COVID-19.

“Everyone is asking if GIE+EXPO is happening. What I can say is the show is expected to go on. We’re planning for it,” says Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), a managing partner of the event.

OPEI is working with its tradeshow partners, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) to design a safe event that will offer programming and education that addresses the challenges faced as a result of the pandemic. The Hardscape North America show also will be co-located with GIE+EXPO.

Kris says the show will likely be much more spread out with an expanded footprint to ensure safety, and the city of Louisville, along with restaurants, shuttle companies, hotels and other venues, are preparing protocols to be open for safe and responsible operations.

“We know our world is different, but we will incorporate and utilize the safety protocols of the professionals,” he says. “So register early, and, again, bring those comfortable shoes.” Registration is open at gie-expo.com. GP