(Louisville, KY)-With a top-notch lineup of experts, the GIE+EXPO Workshops has expanded to six sessions for 2012 and will cover timely issues to help lawn care and landscape pros improve profitability.
This mini-series is available for contractors who want an introduction to the Green Industry Conference (GIC), sponsored by PLANET, and Hardscape North America (HNA) Conference, sponsored by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI).
Both conferences will take place in conjunction with GIE+EXPO, which will be co-located with HNA in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
The tradeshow takes place October 25-26. GIC, the HNA Conference and the Professional Grounds Management Society’s (PGMS) School of Grounds Management will begin October 24. ICPI will offer hardscape installer and technician training October 23-24.
GIE+EXPO Workshop Schedule:
. Thursday, October 25
10 – 11:30 a.m. Hardscape Session 1
Production Management and Crew Motivation on the Hardscape Jobsite
Frank Gandora, Creative Hardscape
Creating and winning a bid is only half the story. Profits are made or lost on the job site. Learn valuable techniques that will motivate your crew, increase production and ensure a profitable project.
1 – 2:30 p.m. Session A
Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It
Dan Gordon, Turf Books, PLANET Member Consultant
What numbers are important in building a profitable land care firm and how do successful owners/managers use those numbers to manage growth? This talk will focus on financial and operational statistics that can help you gain insight into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to your firm’s current and future success.
3 – 4:30 p.m. Session B
Avoid Social Media Time-Suck: 21 Practical Tips for Managing Your Time Online More Effectively
Chris Heiler, Landscape Leader, PLANET Member Consultant
Building a presence online for your company is essential. Doing so can be an overwhelming challenge. How are you supposed to keep up with it and still run your business? This rapid-fire presentation will cover 21 practical strategies to help you avoid the social media time-suck.
. Friday, October 26
10 – 11:30 a.m. Hardscape Session 2
Adding Hardscape Installation to Your Company’s Success
Pat McCrindle, MPS, Inc. McCrindle Paver Systems
New to hardscapes? If you are considering adding it to the list of services your company offers, this workshop will answer some of your questions. Learn about the equipment, training and capital investment needed to get started, and start planning the best structure for your work crews and how to promote your new services. One of the top trainers in the industry, Pat McCrindle brings with him the knowledge accumulated over numerous years of hands-on experience as a contractor and business owner.
1 – 2:30 p.m. Session C
The Lifecycle of a Landscape Business
Ken Thomas, Envisor Consulting, PLANET Member Consultant
Every phase of business brings its unique struggles and challenges. Landscape businesses are no different. In this presentation, Ken Thomas will take you through the typical life and growth cycles of landscape companies and share his experiences in dealing with the uniqueness of each stage.
3 – 4:30 p.m. Session D
Developing a Marketing Plan that Works!
Lara Moffat, LM Creative Consulting, PLANET Member Consultant
Like every process, marketing is a balance of art and science. And as a vital component of a company’s business plan, marketing should be addressed strategically. This session will detail how to create a marketing campaign that is effective, consistent and manageable for your client base, market and business.
An early-bird registration fee of $10 is being offered for a tradeshow pass until September 9. Beginning September 10, the fee will increase to $25. The onsite registration fee will be $50.
Go to www.gie-expo.com to register and also to reserve your place in the GIE+EXPO Workshops, which are $50 per session. As a bonus for signing up for Hardscape Session 1 or 2, you will receive FREE access to a series of live demonstrations throughout the day on Thursday and Friday. The live demos are offered through Hardscape North America.
HNA Hardscape Demonstration Schedule
Thursday, October 25
. 11 a.m. – Noon
Setting the Stage for your Hardscape Project
Pat McCrindle, MPS, Inc. McCrindle Paver Systems
. 1 – 2 p.m.
Beyond Basic Paver Patterns
Pat McCrindle, MPS, Inc. McCrindle Paver Systems
. 3 – 4 p.m.
Tools to Go
Frank Gandora, Creative Hardscape, and Pat McCrindle, MPS, Inc. McCrindle Paver Systems
Friday, October 26
. 11 a.m. – Noon
Stepping it Up: Raised Patio Construction
Tim Huinker, Anchor Wall, and Rich Lahren, Hebron Brick & Block Company
. 1 – 2 p.m.
Facelifts for Pavers: Approaches to Restoration and Maintenance
Richard Colletti, Seal ‘N Lock System Corporation, and Pat McCrindle, MPS, Inc. McCrindle Paver Systems
. 3 – 4 p.m.
Finishing Touches for Hardscape Projects (More than Just a Pretty Space)
Jeff Hesser, Cast Lighting LLC, and Pat McCrindle, MPS, Inc. McCrindle Paver Systems
GIE+EXPO-the 9th largest tradeshow in America-is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), PLANET and PGMS. HNA is sponsored by ICPI and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and National Concrete Masonry Association.
