The October trade show includes its first-ever Welcome Reception, Mulligan’s 5K Fun Run and Walk, and enhanced networking opportunities.

Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, is enhancing attendee experiences for the 2022 trade show, to be held Oct. 18–21 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

Registration is open for landscape professionals, hardscape contractors, outdoor power equipment dealers and retailers, and manufacturers and other industry members at www.equipexposition.com. Early Bird registration ends after Sept. 9, 2022.

“Attendees will find many changes to enhance their experience at the show in 2022. When we re-branded and renamed the event last year from GIE+EXPO to Equip Exposition, attendee feedback was clear. They wanted more time—to try out equipment outside, to attend education sessions, and to network, swap ideas, and learn how to grow profitability,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition.

“We’ve heard them and are giving show attendees many new experiences, and most importantly, more hours at the show.”

Of the many improvements this year, the ever-popular Outdoor Demo Yard, where attendees can ”test before they invest” in new equipment to see if it’s right for their businesses, has expanded by nearly 8 acres—and is now nearly 30 acres. Landscapers, dealers, and contractors can drive, dig, mulch, cut, trim, mow, saw, and more to see how equipment performs before they purchase.

“Companies that have never reserved outdoor demonstration areas to show their products are lining up to be outside this year,” says Kiser.

An expanded UTV test track also will be available in the Outdoor Demo Yard. Drivers must be at least age 16 and have a valid driver’s license to drive one of the UTVs.

Hours for the trade show are also expanding, both for the indoor exhibition area, which boasts 1,000-plus exhibits covering 675,000 square feet of exhibit space, and for the expanded Outdoor Demo Yard.

Overall, the show opens earlier on Wednesday, starting for dealers at 9 a.m. and for landscape contractors at 12 p.m.

Outdoor Demo Yard hours also start early, with expanded Wednesday hours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional enhancements to the show include:

Registration moving to the North Wing Lobby of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

An express pickup lane for attendees who are pre-registered starting on Wednesday at the KEC, allowing them to scan their registration barcodes and quickly print badges.

Kiosks in the South Wing lobbies where attendees can scan their barcodes and print badges. The airport and select hotels will also offer express pickup starting on Tuesday.

A first-ever Welcome Reception at Louisville Slugger Field sponsored by Husqvarna and Louisville Tourism for all attendees to enjoy food and fireworks, on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The inaugural Mulligan’s 5K Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by Ariens Co., which will benefit the Kentucky Humane Society. Run or walk across the Ohio River on the city’s Big Four pedestrian bridge and in sight of Louisville’s Great Lawn stepping off Wednesday morning, Oct. 19, at 6:30 a.m.

Opening Keynote sponsored by John Deere to be presented by former professional golfer and current broadcaster David Feherty on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. Feherty has covered the PGA for CBS, the Golf Channel, and recently joined NBC Sports in 2016. As the sport’s most in-demand commentator and analyst, Feherty discusses life as a golfer and commentator, while recalling some of his funniest moments from the PGA Tour.

Influencer LIVE, sponsored by Kohler Engines, combines the largest gathering of industry professionals at Equip Expo and the conversational elements of an interactive podcast into one action-packed space. Influencer LIVE provides attendees with a high-energy and engaging atmosphere to hear (and meet) the influential voices that have inspired them to grow and invest into their business. Hosted by Naylor Taliaferro, Paul Jamison, and Caleb Auman. Don’t miss the start—8 a.m. on
Thursday, Oct. 20.

ENERGIZE will be a candid discussion with contractors working in the field happening Thursday, Oct. 20, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This motivational discussion will be hosted by some of the industry’s leading voices, who will give their firsthand perspective on everything from marketing and hiring to sales and purchasing. Hosted by Brian Fullerton, Mike Andes, Blake Albertson, and Paul Jamison.

The high-energy Social Media Lounge, sponsored by Echo Means Business, gives attendees a chance to recharge and connect with the influencers who are shaping the industry.

A closing Keynote & Breakfast sponsored by RYOBI on Friday, Oct. 21, at the KEC to close out the show, which includes a keynote address from National Geographic’s Photo Ark creator Joel Sartore.

New education tracks for landscapers focused on Leadership, Technology, Sales & Profitability, Grow Your Team, Pool and Spa, Landscape Lighting, Tree Care, and Hardscaping.

Expanded education for dealers on succession planning, profitability, and new technologies.

Show management also heard attendees’ request for better food and drink options at the KEC. Changes include:

A new Equip Expo Coffee House sponsored by EGO located in South Wing Lobby C.

Freedom Hall becoming a food hub, in addition to hosting Lucky’s Mutt Madness and tree climbing workshops sponsored by STIHL. Expect food trucks and three days of themed buffets such as Taste of Kentucky, Southern BBQ, and Little Italy.

After a busy day seeing the latest innovations in the industry, attendees won’t want to miss the evening concerts. The show’s house band, The Crashers, kicks things off on Wednesday night. The premium concert event featuring country music star Trace Adkins moves to Thursday evening at Fourth Street Live! and is sponsored by STIHL on the Belgard Stage.

Equip Exposition continues to co-locate with Hardscape North America (HNA), the premier trade show for hardscape contractors, presented by the Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute and National Concrete Masonry Association. Registration at Equip Exposition gets attendees free access to the HNA show.