The 2012 GIE+EXPO was filled with opportunities for dealers to network, see new products and learn some valuable information from one of the many classes offered. The special Dealer Day, held Wednesday, was a huge success with manufacturers and dealers alike agreeing that the dedicated day helped facilitate one-on-one time for gathering new product and program information.
The various classes and seminars held in the new Dealer Resource Pavilion were filled to capacity, and in more than one instance Bob Clements of Bob Clements International was calling for more chairs in his classroom. “Wednesday (the dealer only day) was a game changer, and people were really excited,” Clements said. “We had 300 people in one seminar and had nothing but dealers, so we loved it. We’re already looking at ways to expand next year and do more training.”
Dealers were pleased to have a dedicated time on the show floor, and many exhibitors held special receptions in their booths Wednesday night. For example, Stihl offered dealers live German music, brats, beer and a chance to win $5,000. Husqvarna and Ideal Computer Systems sponsored a 25 cent beer and hot dog dealer reception at the Dealer Resources Pavilion.
Todd Teske, President, Chair and CEO of Briggs & Stratton, said, “Everybody we talked to thought it was a tremendous success. It gave me, personally, an opportunity to talk directly with dealers, which I love. A year ago there was talk about how to make the show better for dealers, and just taking a walk around on the dealer day it was outstanding. We got a good chance to talk to a lot of dealers.” Noting that show organizers wanted to do something special for dealers this year, he added “This was an absolute home run.”
Dealers came out in force and the show floor was packed, with pre-registration numbers up 20% over 2011. John Hamm of Sugar Loaf Power Equipment in Chillicothe, Oh. was pleased with the Dealer Day and all the opportunities it presented. “It seems like the vendors came prepared for Dealer Day, with more equipment than usual,” he said.
Meeting with manufacturers while also having the opportunity to learn from Bob Clements was a huge pull for people like Robert Reynolds of Bobcat of Bowling Green in Bowling Green, Ky. Reynolds is preparing to completely redesign his dealership and enjoyed seeing the 2013 products that will soon be on his shelves.
Bob Clements offered a variety of classes throughout the entirety of GIE+EXPO, while on Wednesday NAEDA, Bob Clements International and the Engine & Equipment Training Council jointly sponsored technician classes that provided credit under both the NAEDA and EETC technician certification programs. Jim Roche, EETC executive director, had nothing but good things to say about the technician classes and heard dealers saying they wanted more.
“One of the most popular was the EFI systems session done by Scott Mack with Kohler,” Roche said, adding that each class saw lots of interest and he noted that 148 technicians participated in the training sessions offered. “We were very happy with the turnout, and we’re planning on doing it again,” he said. “For years we’ve been trying to get technician training sessions at the show, and the dealers and technicians were excited.”
The consensus among suppliers and show officials pointed to GIE+EXPO’s Dealer Day as a rocking success. “It looks like we have a success on our hands,” said Warren Sellers, show director. “By the end of the first day we had exhibitors asking for expanded booth space for 2013,” he added.
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