Showcasing events are always exciting opportunities to meet new people and see new products. Michelle Dawn Mooney hosted Kris Kiser, CEO and President of OPEI and Bob McCue, Director of Product Management at Walbro, to talk about the upcoming Equip Expo and all the exciting exhibits showcasing the industry’s latest innovations.
Kiser, the CEO of the trade association which owns and now operates the Equip Exposition (formerly GIE+ Expo) has said that the 39 year old showcase is, for the first time in its’ history, completely sold out. With over 20,000 attendees planning to stop by, Kiser noted that the exposition is uniquely positioned within the industry. He said, “The Equip Exposition is the trade show for equipment manufacturers to demonstrate and showcase their products to the commercial audience,” he continued, “It’s an indoor exhibit hall as well as outdoor exhibit.”
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the exposition is placed to allow room for a widespread array of demonstrations from exhibitors in pool, spa, landscaping, and other industries.
McCue, who has spent 34 years at Walbro in customer services and is now in the parts and services group, remarked on Walbro’s position for the exposition. He said, “Well, for Walbro I would say we are a Tier II supplier. So, when somebody’s looking at a piece of equipment, we’re doing fuel systems, we’re doing ignition systems, we’re doing complete fuel-tank assemblies for many of the fuel-injected products.” For Walbro, this exposition means connecting with people they might not normally have a chance to. McCue stated, “But really, this is our one opportunity to connect to the dealer network.”
The Equip Exposition has added in new dealer and exhibitor specific engagement arenas and events as well as social gatherings to help encourage new partnerships and connections. Kiser recommended attendees come with a game plan and look at the event programming sheets. He said, “It’s a big show, there’s a lot to see and a lot to do.”
