Celebrate top performers in the power equipment industry at our first annual awards ceremony. OPE Business Leaders Under 40 and Movers & Shakers will be recognized. 

Opening Keynote sponsored by KICKER

Is the economy revving up, idling, or stalling out? Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will walk through where the economy is now, where it’s going in 2024, and where it's likely to be in 2025. He’ll talk inflation, the Fed, interest rates, and what all that means for consumer spending on powersports products.

Curtis will also dive into potential policy changes in Washington, the impact of the 2024 elections on the economy, and more. Be prepared to leave this keynote session armed with actionable knowledge and a sharper perspective on how to navigate the ever-evolving economic tides and steer your business toward greater success.

You can spot trends by studying data, but are you distilling that data to make better business decisions? With 24 years of dealer and manufacturer experience, a team of industry experts from Constellation Dealership Software will guide a conversation on how economic trends are most affecting our industry and what you can do about it.

This group studies data specific to the power-equipment industry, and also across related industries including tractor, RV and marine. They will share knowledge gained through their monthly market data reporting. And dealers should expect to discuss specific topics around sales trends. Harness the power of national and regional outdoor power equipment insights in this interactive discussion.

There are a number of myths about managing your business’s online reputation. The truth is, dealers can do a lot to take charge of their dealership’s image and brand online.

Join Brett Morris, an interactive media expert, as he helps make this SEO exercise understandable. You’ll learn how to enhance your business listings and make your website a magnet for customers so you can continue to grow awareness for your business.

The equipment industry is changing, and so are we! As we work to evolve OPE Business and Landscape Business to best serve you and power-equipment pros, we’d like your input on our ideas. Join us for an open discussion about how our changes can help you grow your business today and tomorrow. 

Glenn Hansen will talk about the most effective methods of using today’s digital communication tools to reach your customers. Is it all about social media, or are there better ways to find, reach, and connect with potential customers?

With years of experience as a magazine editor, advertising pro, and marketer, Glenn has created and shared stories across a range of industries. He’s learned that, while nearly everything about communication tactics has changed, the basics of good communication remain. And they have business-boosting power.

Studies have shown that up to 80% of our future success depends on EI (emotional intelligence) rather than IQ. The truth is, mastering emotional intelligence is the key to unlocking your true potential as a leader and communicator.

Join insightful keynote speaker, Stephen Barth, as he details exactly what emotional intelligence looks like in leadership. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of EI, a gap analysis for your personal path to mastering it, and insights on how to professionally cope with stress and challenges. We'll also discuss how to apply emotional intelligence in your own organizations to develop engaged, productive and committed employees.

How can you find new business opportunities, discover the needs of your market, both existing and new customers? The customer has made a lot of changes to the way they spend their time and money. Other businesses are adapting; even McDonald’s now accepts 13 forms of payment. Are you still accepting only four credit cards, cash and checks?

In our industry, he who adapts first to the different customer wins the business and loyalty of the customers. The rest continue as they did in 2019, selling equipment on price and having a repair center. 

Josh Flynn will share practical strategies and insights for preparing a business for a successful transition, whether due to retirement, a career shift, or a sale. The goal is to ensure a smooth, continuation of the business and ensure a bright future for their employees.

He’ll delve into strategies for maintaining business as usual during the transition period. And you’ll learn how to ensure employee retention, maintain customer satisfaction, and keep the business thriving even through significant change.

In-store events can improve short-term revenue and long-term relationships with existing and new customers. Learn how to run them, target niche audiences, and work with product manufacturers for maximum impact.

In the age of digital meetings and screen time, in-person events hold immense potential. And when done well, they can build relationships with existing customers and attract new buyers to your store.

The service business model is quickly changing. Are you leaving money on the table? Staff shortages, electric products, and big-box stores all impact your service shop. At every point of the service process, you might be acting in a way that costs you money, is inefficient, or is a time killer.

Specific processes, practices, and habits can improve your service shop to make it a top profit center and efficiency winner. We’ll focus on key areas of your service work that can improve your profitability.