I’ve started a new tradition at my house with my two sons, Joe, age 8, and Cary, age 5, that subtly stresses the importance of increasing our storehouse of knowledge each day. After we’ve settled down to dinner I turn to each of them in turn and ask, “So, what did you learn today?” Even after years of this practice, I still too often get the response “Nothing.” or “I learned something, but I forgot what it was.” At this point, they are excused from the table to go grab a book and learn something to share with the family. “Polar bears’ hair is actually clear, not white. I didn’t know that. The Spanish word for fox is ‘zorro’. Well, now we’re all a little wiser.”

I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to improve my knowledge of the landscape industry every day. I even have the privilege of attending trade shows such as the GIE+EXPO that took place in Louisville, Kentucky, in October. This annual event featured 425,700 square feet of floor space filled with tools, machinery, plants and products. There are press conferences, demonstrations, educational sessions, and even some casual opportunities for networking and entertainment. Then there is the outdoor demo area, with 19 acres filled with equipment for attendees to gain hands-on experience. I tried out ZTR mowers, stand-on mowers, skid steers, mini-track loaders, mini excavators, edgers, chainsaws, and talked with marketing agents, attending landscapers, and equipment experts – all hawking the superiorities of their brand.

In these tough times it’s difficult to justify the expense of attending a trade show. It’s easy to get into a rut and keep doing whatever has been working for you, using whatever equipment you’re familiar with. It’s the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude. It’s important to occasionally get out to one of the major trade shows and improve your knowledge. Consider adopting an attitude of “If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.”

Although GIE+EXPO is a great opportunity, you can also look for smaller trade shows and seminars closer to home. Many public gardens host speakers and seminars. Webinars are gaining popularity as a convenient method. Nurseries and professional organizations are great resources, particularly as we move into the proverbial “off season.”

There was so much great info at the GIE+EXPO to be had, my head was spinning. “A stand-on mower with the platform centered over the axles will allow you to make faster turns. That’s great. A concentrated potassium-base weed killer will achieve total kill in three days and is rainfast in 30 minutes. Wow, wait ’til I tell my kids at dinner tonight.”