Early bird registration week for the 2018 GIE+EXPO broke records for being the biggest ever with more than 3,000 attendees registered the week of Sept. 3, show officials said.

The number puts overall attendee registration 12 percent ahead of last year at this time. More than 24,000 participants are projected to be in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 17-19 for the annual trade show.

“Every indication points to the 2018 show being bigger than it has ever been on all fronts,” said Warren Sellers, show director. “Participation from all segments of the industry is going strong. Add to that the synergy that’s being generated by the new Wednesday format as well as exhibitors who are stepping up participation on the show floor—both indoors and out—and this is shaping up to be our best event yet!”

Additional stats for this year’s GIE+EXPO include:

• The servicing dealer registration category is up 12 percent over last year, and the contractor categories are up 11 percent.
• Attendee registration for Hardscape North America is currently up 11 percent over last year.
• Exhibitor participation is up with about 1,000 total GIE+EXPO and HNA exhibits, indoors and out. Eighteen percent of those are new exhibitors.
• The Outdoor Demonstration Area will cover more than 20 acres.
• More than 120 products are expected in the New Products Spotlight and 21 exhibitors will be hosting press conferences.