#United States #Kentucky #Louisville #Equip Exposition #OPEI

Equip Expo Achieves Record Attendance

The Equip Exposition, a premier international trade show dedicated to landscaping, outdoor living, and equipment, has once again surpassed expectations by attracting a record number of attendees. This year's event welcomed nearly 30,000 registered participants from across the globe, showcasing impressive growth levels among both landscapers and dealers alike.

Held from October 21 to 24, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky, the expo is not only the largest of its kind in the United States but was also recently dubbed the Greatest Trade Show of 2024 by Trade Show Executive magazine. This recognition underscores Equip's significance as a vital gathering point for industry professionals and enthusiasts.

Executive leadership from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which manages the expo, expressed enthusiasm for the continued success of the event. Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI, stated, "As we celebrate our fourth year as Equip, the ongoing record-breaking attendance and expand in exhibitor space highlights the importance of this event within our industry. We've successfully drawn attendees from all 50 states and 52 countries."

The expo's credentials as the third-largest trade show in the U.S. are complemented by an exhibition space exceeding 1.2 million square feet, offering ample room for networking and learning opportunities. Each year since OPEI assumed full ownership in 2022, the attendance figures and booth reservations have consistently reached new heights.

Notable Features and Activities

This year's Equip Expo boasted a variety of engaging activities for participants. The show opened with a Welcome Reception at the iconic Churchill Downs raceway, followed by a keynote address from Jesse Cole, the creative force behind the Savannah Bananas. Attendees were treated to live entertainment with a concert headlined by Big and Rich, featuring Gretchen Wilson. Additionally, the annual TurfMutt Fun Run and 5K once again drew significant interest from fitness enthusiasts.

A highlight of this year was the introduction of the Equip Creator Space, which allowed attendees the chance to directly connect with industry influencers. In a heartwarming community initiative, the expo also hosted Mulligan's Mutt Madness, a nationwide dog adoption event in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society, successfully finding homes for 13 dogs.

Educational Opportunities

Equip Exposition is renowned not just for its scale but also for its rich lineup of educational programs. This year, workshops were offered in both English and Spanish, covering essential industry topics such as irrigation, outdoor lighting, erosion control, and tree care. Equip collaborates with several partners in this educational endeavor, including Landscape Management magazine and the Irrigation Association, ensuring a broad spectrum of knowledge sharing.

Looking ahead, plans for the 2026 Equip are already in motion. Exciting features like a custom small-batch bourbon contest, which will be named by a show attendee, are in development alongside an expanded Tree Care Arena. The Kentucky Exposition Center, where the expo is held, is undergoing a $400 million expansion project set to impact future shows.

With potential adjustments for future years due to construction, the OPEI Board of Directors is considering rotating the event to new cities temporarily. However, they remain hopeful to return to Louisville once renovations are complete, cherishing nearly four decades of tradition at this iconic location.

Conclusion

As Equip Exposition continues to break records, the future looks bright for attendees and exhibitors alike. Plans are already underway to enhance the experience even further, maintaining its status as the premier event for the landscaping and outdoor equipment industry.