9 Can't Miss NEW Experiences at Equip Exposition

By Kris Kiser, President of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

This fall, you can expect new and enhanced experiences at Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition formerly known as GIE+EXPO. The trade show, held Oct. 18-21 in Louisville, Kentucky, brings together nearly 25,000 people and is the place to test before you invest in new products, technologies and ideas.

When we rebranded and renamed the event last year from GIE+EXPO to Equip Exposition, attendee feedback was clear. You wanted more time—outside to try out equipment, to attend education sessions and to network, swap ideas and learn how to grow profitability. We’ve listened and have lined up new experiences and opportunities for you. Here’s what’s new in Louisville this year:

One of the biggest draws (literally) at Expo is the Outdoor Demo Yard. This year, we’ve added nearly eight more acres and have some big, new companies moving outside. It also opens earlier, with additional Wednesday hours from noon-5 p.m.

The tradeshow also will open earlier for attendees Wednesday, starting for dealers at 9 a.m. and landscape contractors at noon.

The Equip Exposition experience kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 18, with the show’s first-ever welcome reception, hosted at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville. All attendees are welcome for food and fireworks from 6:30-9 p.m.

Mulligan’s 5K Run and Walk, sponsored by Ariens Co. and the TurfMutt Foundation and benefiting the Kentucky Humane Society, steps off Wednesday morning and takes participants across the Ohio River on the city’s Big Four pedestrian bridge.

The show’s premium concert event featuring country star Trace Adkins moves to Thursday evening at Fourth Street Live! Our house band— The Crashers—kick things off Wednesday night.

All show attendees are welcome to connect with colleagues at the KEC Friday morning for a networking breakfast and closing keynote address, sponsored by RYOBI, from National Geographic’s Photo Ark creator Joel Sartore.

Located in the Outdoor Demo Yard, this custom-built test track lets you get behind the wheel of the latest utility vehicles from a range of manufacturers and put them through their paces.

More business education Register for new education tracks for landscapers focused on leadership, technology, sales and profitability, growing your team, pool and spa, landscape lighting, tree care and hardscaping—and expanded education for dealers on succession planning, profitability and new technologies.

A new Equip Expo Coffee House sponsored by EGO will be located in South Wing Lobby C to keep you and your team caffeinated throughout the show.

Whether you’re coming to Equip Expo to test the latest equipment, find new technologies for your business or connect with colleagues from around the world—or all three—we’re excited to welcome you to Louisville this fall and showcase the best of what the industry has to offer.

Kris Kiser is president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.

Learn more at: www.equipexposition.com.