Equip Exposition Celebrates 40 Years at the Kentucky Exposition Center
Annual event generates approximately $21 million in economic impact for the Commonwealth
One of the largest trade shows in the country is headed back to Louisville this week. In its 40th year, Equip Exposition has expanded its event at the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center to be bigger than ever. The trade show is celebrating a major milestone in showcasing the latest and best products for landscapers, dealers, hardscapers, and contractors over four decades. The show has evolved from being a small portion of the National Farm Machinery Show in 1984 to one of the five largest trade shows in the United States, bringing more than 25,000 people from all 50 states and 49 countries to the city. The show features more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, including 30 acres of Outdoor Demo Yard and a UTV Test Track. “We’re proud to call Louisville our home for the last 40 years,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip Exposition. “Louisville is an ideal location for Expo, and the city is as much a partner and part of Expo as our exhibitors and attendees.” “In the event and hospitality business, it’s more common to see annual events use a different host city each year. However, when an event starts at a location and comes back to the same location decade after decade and proudly calls that place “home,” it’s a special relationship,” said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “It has been our honor and privilege to watch Equip Exposition grow and thrive within our facility, and we cannot wait to see what the next 40 years have in store.” The show has taken pride in its home and continuously finds ways to give back to the community, including opening a show office in downtown Louisville, hosting a free concert for attendees at the KFC YUM! Center, and finding ways to benefit local charities like the Kentucky Humane Society with their Mulligan’s Mutt Madness national dog adoption event. Equip Expo and the co-located Hardscape North America trade show run October 17-20 and requires attendees to register to attend. Equip Exposition is a city-wide event, hosting experiences in partnership with city and state partners at iconic venues around Louisville, including the Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville Slugger Field, and Churchill Downs Racetrack. Key events happening during Equip Exposition for attendees include: Mulligan’s Fun Run & Walk 5K, powered by Ariens, will benefit the Kentucky Humane Society. Run/walk across the Ohio River on the city’s Big Four Bridge on Wednesday, October 18. Mulligan’s Mutt Madness allows attendees to add a furry family member to their pack. The annual dog rescue event sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society, brings rescue dogs available for adoption to Freedom Hall on Thursday, October 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free Third Eye Blind Concert will be Equip Expo’s first-ever arena concert. The show also includes singer-songwriter Dylan Scott and is sponsored by the Bobcat Company and SENIX. Catch the show Thursday, October 19 at 6 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center. Mulligan’s Bark Park, a permanent dog park in downtown Louisville, will be unveiled. This was made possible by the OPEI TurfMutt Foundation.