Get ready for the biggest event of the year in the landscaping industry – Equip Expo. This massive gathering at the Kentucky Exposition Center is a must-attend for landscapers and outdoor power equipment professionals. You’ll find everything from the latest tools and technology to cutting-edge business strategies, all designed to help your landscaping business thrive.
At Equip Expo, you’ll have the chance to explore a vast array of exhibits, take part in hands-on demonstrations, and learn from industry experts. The event offers countless opportunities to network with fellow professionals, discover new trends, and gain insights to boost your productivity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Equip Expo has something valuable to offer every landscaper looking to grow their business and stay ahead of the curve.
Event Overview and Highlights
Equip Exposition has once again proven itself as the premier event in the landscaping industry. With over a million square feet of exhibits and 30 acres of outdoor space, this year’s show broke records in both attendance and exhibit space sales. You’ll find yourself among more than 27,000 registered attendees from all 50 states and 46 countries, showcasing the event’s global appeal.
Scale and Attendance
The Kentucky Exposition Center was bustling with activity, as the show expanded to include the West Wing due to high demand. Landscape contractor registrations saw a significant 20% increase compared to last year, while dealer attendance rose by 5%. This growth highlights the event’s importance in the industry.
Key Exhibits and Demonstrations
You’ll have the opportunity to explore a vast array of exhibits and hands-on demonstrations. The 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard allows you to test products firsthand, digging, cutting, mowing, and mulching before making any purchasing decisions. Inside, you’ll find the popular Drone Zone, where you can fly drones with expert trainers. For those interested in off-road vehicles, the UTV Driving Experience lets you put the latest models through their paces on challenging terrain.
New Product Launches
Equip Exposition is the place to be for the latest innovations in the industry. The New Product Showcase in the West Wing gives you a centralized location to discover cutting-edge offerings. This year, you’ll find exciting launches like STIHL’s new battery-powered zero-turn mowers and gasoline-powered walk-behind mowers, Bobcat’s ZT5000 zero-turn mower, and ECHO’s expanded eFORCE 56V battery-powered product line. Honda even showcased its prototype Autonomous Work Mower, offering a glimpse into the future of lawn care technology.
Educational Opportunities
At Equip Expo, you’ll find a wealth of learning opportunities to enhance your skills and grow your business. From inspiring keynote speakers to hands-on workshops and valuable certification programs, this event is designed to help you stay ahead in the landscaping industry.
Keynote Speakers
Get ready to be inspired by industry leaders and experts. Kevin O’Connor, host of “This Old House,” will deliver the keynote address, focusing on energizing landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers. O’Connor’s seasoned experience as a contractor makes him relatable to attendees, and he’ll share valuable insights on building your business and addressing industry trends.
Don’t miss the Morning Show at Expo, an interactive event combining industry professionals and podcast-style conversations. You’ll also have the chance to participate in an honest discussion with contractors working in the field, covering topics from marketing and hiring to sales and purchasing.
Workshop Tracks
Equip Expo offers a diverse range of educational sessions tailored to business owners, chemical applicators, landscape professionals, contractors, and hardscapers. You’ll have the opportunity to attend powerful sessions led by thought leaders like Don Rheem, who lectures on employee engagement and leadership.
For a unique experience, visit the Drone Zone to gain hands-on experience flying drones, a technology that’s transforming landscape marketing, design, and construction. The UTV Test Track allows you to test-drive the latest vehicles on challenging terrain, giving you a firsthand feel for their capabilities.
Certification Programs
Enhance your professional credentials at the new Certification Center. You can take courses in weed management, pesticide application, tree and plant health management, and more. These certifications can help you expand your service offerings and increase profitability.
Chemical applicators licensed in Kentucky, Indiana, or Ohio can earn CEUs for Ornamental and Turf Pest Control. The event also offers turfgrass sessions in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. With affordable pricing and partnerships with The Davey Institute and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, these certification programs provide excellent value for your professional development.
Networking and Social Events
At Equip Expo, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with industry peers and enjoy exciting entertainment. The event offers a perfect blend of professional networking and social activities to enhance your experience.
Welcome Reception
You’re invited to kick off the event at the first-ever Welcome Reception on Tuesday from 6:30-9 p.m. This exciting gathering takes place at Louisville Slugger Field, just 9 minutes from the Kentucky Exposition Center. Enjoy food, fireworks, and the chance to mingle with fellow attendees. For your convenience, shuttles are provided from major hotels like the Crowne Plaza, Galt House, Marriott, Omni, and Hyatt.
Industry Mixers
Throughout the event, you’ll find numerous opportunities to network with over 25,000 attendees from all 50 U.S. states and 54 countries. These mixers allow you to connect with landscape contractors, outdoor power equipment dealers, distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, and more. Don’t miss the Happy Hour at Freedom Hall on Wednesday after the exhibit hall closes, featuring live entertainment by The Crashers.
Entertainment Offerings
Equip Expo goes above and beyond to provide top-notch entertainment. On Thursday, you’re in for a treat with a special “thank you” concert at the KFC YUM! Center. Country music legend Trace Adkins will headline the show, with singer-songwriter Dylan Scott opening. This arena concert is a gesture of appreciation for the event’s partners and promises to be an unforgettable experience. Best of all, your registration badge serves as your ticket to all three nights of entertainment, including additional performances at Fourth Street Live! and the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Industry Trends and Innovations
At Equip Expo, you’ll witness firsthand the transformative power of technology in the landscaping industry. The event showcases the latest advancements that are reshaping how managed landscapes are cared for, offering you a glimpse into the future of outdoor power equipment and innovative tools.
Emerging Technologies
You’ll have the opportunity to explore and test-drive cutting-edge equipment, including robotic mowers, battery-powered machines, and the latest utility vehicles. The 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard allows you to get hands-on experience with these innovations, mowing, mulching, cutting, and digging with state-of-the-art tools. Don’t miss the chance to fly drones in the Drone Zone, where you can work toward pilot certification while at the show.
Sustainability Initiatives
The industry is rapidly moving towards more sustainable practices, with a significant focus on battery and electric-powered equipment. You’ll find an extensive range of these eco-friendly options at the expo, from handheld tools to larger commercial stand-on and ride-on units. This shift is driven by increasing regulations, sustainability goals, and customer demand for quieter, cleaner operations.
Market Forecasts
Experts predict a continued surge in electrification and autonomous equipment adoption. The session “Battery Transitions: Incentives, Regulations, and Innovations” will provide valuable insights into these trends from landscapers, manufacturers, and regulators. As the industry evolves, you can expect to see more connected solutions and efficiency-enhancing machines, all aimed at helping you streamline operations and boost productivity in an ever-changing landscape.
Conclusion
Equip Expo has once again proven itself as the go-to event for landscaping professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. With its massive scale, diverse exhibits, and cutting-edge product launches, the expo has a significant impact on shaping the future of the industry. The educational opportunities, networking events, and entertainment offerings provide a well-rounded experience, allowing attendees to grow both professionally and personally.
As the landscaping industry continues to evolve, Equip Expo serves as a vital platform to explore emerging technologies and sustainable practices. The event’s focus on innovation and sustainability reflects the changing needs of the market and provides valuable insights to help businesses adapt and thrive. By bringing together industry leaders, manufacturers, and professionals from around the world, Equip Expo plays a crucial role in driving progress and fostering collaboration in the landscaping sector.
