Kentucky Conventioneers
Start Your Engines, ICUEE and GIE + EXPO
Bring the Machines to the Bluegrass State
Louisville emits this magnetism. The Midwest metropolis attracts steel and iron. Most already associate Kentucky's scenic river burg with the more elegant things in life - the Derby, the Slugger and the headquarters of Papa John's Pizza. Once the staff at Compact Equipment found out that one-third of all bourbon comes from the fine City of Louisville, we were pretty much sold.
While it's true that whiskey keeps us going here at CE central, it's actually the big machine trade shows that keep us going back to Louisville, Ky. The magnetic hamlet has one of the top 10 largest convention centers of its kind in the United States - the palatial Kentucky Exposition Center - and it draws two of the biggest trade fairs in the equipment business.
The 400-acre property offers more than 1 million sq ft of indoor space (we counted) and perhaps the best outdoor operational venue in the country - a place where they actually let you try before you buy (dig gaping holes, speed race mowers and drive a UTV course like Mad Max).
This October, Louisville will host the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) 2007 and GIE + EXPO. Both are excellent opportunities to shop for new equipment, mingle with the minds behind the machines, do a few shots with expert dealers and get out of the office to experience the majesty of the Bluegrass State.
For utility contractors, ICUEE (Oct. 16-18) is the biggest trade show for professionals who work within the electric, phone, cable, water, sewer, gas, general construction and government infrastructure business. ICUEE only happens every two years and an estimated 17,000 industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend, taking advantage of its one-stop shopping, education, networking and that sweet Papa John's Pizza trailer in the food court.
For landscapers and various green folks, the GIE + EXPO show (Oct. 25-27) is the industry's newest and largest trade show in the lawn, garden and application industry, a combination of the Green Industry Conference and Expo (GIC/GIE) and the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo (EXPO). Displays will include everything from lawn and garden products to compact machinery to the never-ending bratwurst fest from engine makers Briggs & Stratton.
More than 170 exhibits will coincide with a comprehensive concoction of educational sessions, floor shows and even a free concert from classic radio rockers Three Dog Night. Add all of those details to the 20-acre outdoor demonstration area and you have the two best trade shows for utility and landscaping - an added bonus with Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom right next door (that wooden Thunder Run coaster kicks ass).
Compact Equipment and its parent publishing company Benjamin Media Inc. will be at both events in full force. In the magazine over the next two months, we will cover each machine fair extensively, so keep your eyes peeled. Stop by our booth, pick up the latest issue and let CE be your roadmap to the busy Louisville trade show season.
Keith Gribbins
Managing Editor
kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com
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