The Kentucky Exposition Center, Equip Expo's home for the last 41 years, has broken ground on a nearly $400 million renovation and expansion project. When it's completed in 2027, it will reorient the layout of the facility and open up new premium exhibit space.

Here's what's coming, what it means for the show, and what exhibitors should know while construction takes shape.

Rendering of the Kentucky Exposition Center expansion, targeted for completion in 2027.

What's being built

The project rolls out in two phases.

• Phase 1. A 350,000-square-foot multi-purpose building of Class A space, plus meeting rooms and offices, built just east of Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing.
• Phase 2. The West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion redeveloped into a single, connected 249,000-square-foot multi-purpose building with Class A exhibit space, large pre-function space, and new meeting rooms.
• Food and beverage. Enhancements to existing operations will create a total of 40,000 square feet to serve and feed guests.

Aerial rendering of the expanded Kentucky Exposition Center campus.

What it means for Equip

"We're excited about the renovation and expansion of our home site, but do expect some disruption during the course of our show while the projects take shape," said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI and Equip Exposition. "The upgraded facility will give us access to new, premium space when the project is complete."

"The upgraded facility will give us access to new, premium space when the project is complete."

What exhibitors should know

Kiser encouraged exhibitors to remain engaged during the process. "Our booth space is predicated on a seniority system. Since we're a sold-out show, exhibitors already on the floor will be given consideration to new premium space when it's available," he said.