#United States #Louisville #Equip Exposition #Outdoor Power Equipment #Landscaping

Equip Academy to Support Growth in the Landscaping Industry

The newly launched Equip Academy is an innovative initiative designed to assist contractors and landscapers in navigating the evolving challenges of the business environment. Presented by the prominent Equip Exposition, this training platform combines in-person and online educational opportunities tailored specifically for industry professionals.

Kris Kiser, the President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)—the organization behind the Equip Exposition—noted the pressing issues faced by landscaping businesses today. From fluctuating prices to recruitment challenges, effective training and marketing strategies are now more vital than ever.

"The economy is rapidly changing. Pricing, equipment, recruitment, training, service portfolios and marketing can make or break the success of any landscaping business," Kiser stated, emphasizing the purpose of Equip Academy. In 2025, the event attracted almost 30,000 attendees to Louisville, showcasing the significance of this venue in fostering industry connections.

With the aim of enhancing education access, Equip Academy offers attendees flexibility in learning formats, catering to their preferences. For $170, participants can purchase an Academy pass that grants unlimited access to various educational sessions. This approach ensures that even if attendees miss a session at the live event, they can catch up later online. Kiser highlighted, "There’s no way you could attend every education session we offer in Louisville during the four-day show. But with the Equip Academy, you can catch what you missed at home."

In 2026, Equip Academy will present an array of topics tailored to current market demands:

• - Hiring and Retention: Strategies on attracting and retaining essential employees in a competitive labor market.
• - Top 150 Strategy: Insights from leaders of companies featured in the Landscape Management Top 150, focusing on successful business methodologies.
• - New Business Opportunities: Guidance on diversifying service offerings, such as lighting, irrigation, tree care, and chemical application.
• - Leadership Training: Developing managerial skills and visionary thinking for effective leadership in landscaping.
• - Women’s Leadership: A unique focus on addressing the challenges faced by women in the industry, featuring a reception sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne, and Hunter/FX Luminaire, with keynote speaker Susan Packard.
• - Growth Mode: Practical advice for younger companies to adapt and thrive in today's professional landscape.
• - Seasonal Business Strategies: Tips on expanding operations to include snow removal and other seasonal services.

In light of recent uncertainties in the labor market, Kiser reinforces the importance of Equip Academy as a valuable resource for landscape contractors dealing with business challenges. Many companies are sending leadership teams to gain insights and connections through the features of the show, which also include education sessions conducted in Spanish.

Every participant who completes a class at Equip Academy will receive a certificate of completion, adding credibility and acknowledgment to their professional development.

The keynote speaker at Equip 2026 will be Mike Holmes, a well-known contractor and host, who is expected to share valuable real-world insights that can elevate industry standards and practices. Equip Academy's education partners encompass reputable entities such as Landscape Management magazine, the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, Texas A&M University, and others, contributing to a robust educational experience.

The Equip Exposition, set for October 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, will also facilitate networking among contractors, experts, and manufacturers through various events, including a welcome reception at Churchill Downs and a closing concert at Paristown Pointe.

Registration for the event is just $25 until May 31, 2026, and the Academy pass will rise after September 10, 2026, thus incentivizing early registration. The Equip Exposition not only highlights cutting-edge products and practices in landscaping but also promises to foster collaboration and growth within an industry valued at over $31 million annually in Louisville.

For further details about registration and the multitude of sessions offered, interested participants can visit the official website at www.equipexposition.com.

This initiative signifies a commitment to empowering the landscaping workforce, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in a dynamic business landscape.