40th ANNIVERSARY EVENT APPROACHING

Organisers of the Equip Exhibition trade show that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky from October 17 to 20, say this year's 40th Anniversary event will be better than ever.

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip said, "If you don’t come this year, you’ll have missed something. Landscape contractor attendance is up by 39 percent over last year, which is a record, and dealer registration is up by 10 percent. This shows the relevance and importance of Expo."

Kris added, “With California now moving to full implementation of their combustion engine equipment ban, this year, look for extensive new offerings by manufacturers to comply with these new and upcoming regulations. Over 40 manufacturers are putting new products in the New Product Showcase.” 
 
Every year, Equip say they invest in and commits to making the user experience unique in response to the industry’s needs, demands and market changes. 
 
“It will be the same show you’ve always loved - just better,” Kris says. “This year, we’ve invested in an expanded UTV Track, will have our first-ever, stadium-sized, free concert at the Yum! Center, expanded education for our Hispanic industry members and more."

Some of the highlights this year include:

New education and training sessions to help landscape contractors and dealers make more money and grow. Sessions focus on topics like growing and managing your business for greater profits, hiring and retaining key employees, and new technology.  
 
Arena concert with Third Eye Blind. This free concert, open to all Expo registrants and their guests and friends, will be held on Thursday night, October 19, at the KFC Yum! Center. 
  
30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard. Equipment manufacturers show off the newest equipment and attendees can “try it before they buy it.” It’s a place to mow, mulch, cut, dig, drive, and test the latest outdoor power equipment in the industry. 
 
Expanded UTV Test Track. More than a dozen new UTVs from 10 manufacturers can be through their paces 
 
Inaugural Women’s Leadership Reception. More than 200 women in the industry are slated to attend the first-ever Women’s Reception on Thursday evening.
 
Tree climbing workshops.Climbing technique sessions on a live tree in Freedom Hall give an up close and personal look at better tree care. 
  
Keynote address. Hear polar explorer Ben Saunders share his journeys which include 12 major expeditions covering just over 4,500 miles (7,250km) on foot in the high Arctic, Greenland and Antarctica since 2001.