LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Oct. 20-23, landscapers, contractors and outdoor power equipment operators will gather at the Kentucky Exposition Center for Equip Exposition, which provides four days of education, networking, product testing and entertainment. This year, the show, produced by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), will give attendees additional support with the launch of Equip Academy, which is an education platform featuring all of the show’s offerings online.
Attendees receive a certificate of completion when they finish any Equip Academy class. They can choose to purchase a pass for $170 to access the entire catalog — until the price increases after Sept. 10 — or pay for individual sessions. Whichever option is best for them, this service is designed to give attendees a chance to benefit from all of the show’s quality education — even if they don’t do it live.
“There’s a lot going on and a lot of competing things for your time, so we wanted to make that available,” said OPEI’s President and CEO Kris Kiser.
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Part of what’s going on at the show, which can’t be made available online, is the Outdoor Demo Yard, a demo experience where attendees can test drive products to compare and contrast options for their business.
“We’re a get dirty show,” said Kiser. “We’ve got more than 30 acres outside in the dirt. If it’s raining, you’re going to get wet. If it’s dusty, you’re going to get dusty, but it’s real-world conditions. Test before you invest, get on this equipment, use this stuff. We’re very unique in that regard.”
Education to Navigate Industry Challenges
With the support of education partners like the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, the Equipment and Engine Training Council and Hardscape North America, Equip Exposition will include a robust roster of education sessions — some offered in Spanish — to help attendees tackle the current business challenges they face. Education tracks include:
- CEO/Leadership for Landscapers and Contractors, which provides best practices so leaders can create a vision for their companies and best manage them.
- Growth Mode focuses on how to navigate managing new professionals while developing a young company.
- New Business Opportunities illustrates how professionals can increase their bottom line by offering new services, such as irrigation tree care, chemical application and lighting.
- Snow Removal Amped demonstrates how businesses can build this lucrative service line and be profitable all year round.
- Women’s Leadership includes a discussion about the distinct needs of women in the industry, and the Women’s Leadership Reception featuring a keynote address from media entrepreneur Susan Packard.
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This is part of Equip Exposition’s dedication to giving attendees the experience they want, making the show a good return on their investment.
“It’s something they’ve asked for,” Kiser said. “We’re trying to create an experience for them that genuinely gives them business opportunity. We want this show, this programming and the classes at Equip Academy to help someone grow their business or improve their business. The goal is to give somebody a true value proposition.”
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