UTV University announces speaker lineup
UTV dealer training sessions offered at GIE+EXPO
The combination of education provided by UTV experts and 900 exhibits featuring new products — both indoors and in a 20-acre outdoor demonstration area — makes a trip to the Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) a valuable business investment. The world’s largest tradeshow for the outdoor power equipment, lawn and garden markets, GIE+EXPO is set for Oct. 18-20 in Louisville, Kentucky.
For the second year, GIE+EXPO and EPG Media will host a UTV University featuring powersports dealer training specialists and a roundtable discussion on the first day of the show, which is Dealer Day.
“Including UTVs and education specifically for UTV dealers in the mega tradeshow is a natural fit because UTV safety standards are managed collaboratively with OPEI as the trade association representing the utility market. GIE+EXPO includes every segment of the outdoor power equipment industry including the UTV manufacturers,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), a majority partner in the trade show.
UTV University will feature Mark Mooney, a 35-year veteran of the powersports industry, who has managed dealerships, improved bottom lines and owned a multi-line metric dealership. Mooney has trained sales teams throughout the U.S.
Other presenters include corporate coach Ty Bello and entrepreneur Steve Shankin. Bello is the founder of Team @ Work, which focuses on sales growth, leadership and business development. He is an industry leader in coaching of OPE, powersports and UTV dealerships. Shankin was named a 2016 Industry Leader by Powersports Business magazine. His company manufactures UTV accessories and is a UTV design firm that works with UTV OEMs.
Running alongside the UTV University, the People – Process – Profit Dealer Boot Camp by dealership guru Bob Clements will give attendees the option to customize their learning experience. Clements, who is considered one of the top dealer consultants and trainers in the country, is a huge draw at GIE+EXPO. Dealers flock to his sessions to pick up advice for increasing profitability, said Kiser.
The two tracks will culminate with a keynote by noted economist, author and award-winning presenter Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics.
“Alan is one of the country’s most informed economists. Adding him to our lineup provides an outstanding opportunity for dealers to gain insights on the state of the economy and learn how to benefit from the present environment,” said Kiser.
Both tracks and the keynote are included with trade show registration. Dealers can choose sessions from each track or bring their team and split up to take in all sessions.
“The training classes at GIE+EXPO help you re-evaluate your business. Sometimes you do things the way you’ve always done them, and the classes spur you to think outside the box and think of ways you can do things to be more profitable and better,” said James Stoneham of Stoneham’s Motorsport in Waynesboro, Pennsylvnia, whose brand lineup includes Mahindra, Polaris, CFMOTO and American LandMaster.
Following the education programs, indoor exhibits will open exclusively for dealers from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday. In addition to UTVs, attendees will find outdoor power equipment, light construction and landscape equipment and lawn and garden products.
The indoor exhibits and 20-acre outdoor demonstration area, which allows dealers to test drive UTVs and other equipment, will be open all day Thursday and Friday.
GIE+EXPO broke records last year with more than 21,000 attendees from around the world, representing a 12 percent increase over the previous year. Indoor booths covered 676,000 net square feet and the hands-on Outdoor Demonstration Area was larger than ever.
“GIE+EXPO is the largest home to showcase utility products,” said Kiser. “In fact, we’re anticipating an even bigger show in 2017, which is coming off the heels of two record-breaking years.”
The $15 early bird registration fee includes UTV University, three Dealer Boot Camp sessions, the keynote and admission to indoor and outdoor exhibits. For information or to register, visit www.gie-expo.com.
UTV University
Presented by Powersports Business and OPE magazines
Wednesday, Oct. 18
9-10 a.m. – Mark Mooney
Street Smart Dealership Management with Book Smart Backup
10-11 a.m. – Steve Shankin
How to Guide Customers Through Their UTV Buying Decision
11 a.m.-Noon – Ty Bello
Sales Coaching is not a Trend, but an Adventure for UTV Dealers
Noon-1:15 p.m. – Roundtable Discussion with UTV Industry Experts
Hosted by John Kmitta, Associate Publisher, OPE magazine. Featuring Dave McMahon, Editor in Chief, Powersports Business magazine
1:30-3 p.m.
Dealer “Kick-Off” Keynote
Alan Beaulieu, ITR Economics
Sponsored by Gravely & STIHL
Dealer Boot Camp
Presented by Bob Clements International
Wednesday, Oct. 18
9-10 a.m. – Dealing with Conflicting Personalities — Employees, Customers and More!
10-11 a.m. – Processes — the Basics for Your Service and Parts Departments
11 a.m.-Noon – Understanding your Numbers in Service, Parts and Sales
Noon-1:15 p.m. – Dealer & UTV Retailer Box Lunch Special: Employee Compensation
Pre-registration is required. $25, includes lunch
