ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) industry just got a new home and dealer training program, UTV University, at the Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) and Hardscape North America, the world's largest trade show for the garden, lawn and outdoor power equipment industries, announced the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). OPEI is the majority partner in the trade show to be held October 19-21, 2016 in Louisville, Ky.
UTVs are the chosen workhorse of those with big loads to haul in all territories. The addition of training sessions at GIE+EXPO for UTV dealers is a sign that this market segment is coming of age, notes Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI.
More than 400,000 UTVs were sold in North America in 2015, and the industry projects sales will grow even further, as UTV dealers have an abundance of current and prospective customers. On average, consumers purchase more than $1,700 in accessories on UTVs, so dealers need to be well-versed in the options available.
"Nearly two out of three UTV buyers accessorize their units, and one in three buys the UTV with accessories pre-installed, so there is profit to be made by showcasing and upselling accessories with the sale of UTVs," Kiser said. "Even better for UTV dealers, 40 percent of UTV buyers purchase their accessories from UTV dealers."
Including UTV's in the mega trade show make sense, added Kiser, because UTV safety standards are managed collaboratively with OPEI as the trade association representing the utility market. GIE+EXPO also includes every segment of the outdoor power equipment industry including the UTV manufacturers.
The UTV education sessions will be held the first day of the show, October 19, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The education program will have a trade focus and will feature classroom-based sessions conducted by recognized powersports industry experts from Powersports Business.
"GIE+EXPO has grown significantly, and is the largest home to showcase the utility products," said Kiser "In fact, we're anticipating our largest show ever in 2016, which is coming off the heels of last year's record-breaking attendance."
In 2015, GIE+EXPO's footprint was 1.35 million square feet, over 30 acres and the size of 27 football fields, making it the largest ever for this mega show and, in fact, one of the largest tradeshows in the United States. The show was attended in 2015 by more than 21,000 people from around the world, representing an 11 percent increase in registration over the previous year.
About OPEI
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry's annual international trade show. OPEI's Education & Research Foundation is the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.
About GIE+EXPO
GIE+EXPO is an annual event sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). It is the industry's largest showcase for outdoor power equipment distributed through dealers, retailers and distributors for consumer, professional and rental use; lawn and garden products/outdoor leisure items distributed through home centers, dealers and retailers; and light construction and landscape equipment used by general contractors, landscapers, golf course superintendents and parks and recreation crews. For more information, visit www.gie-expo.com.
Media contacts
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com
Suzanne Henry, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 434-989-2108, suzanne@fourleafpr.com
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SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
