Equip Expo Earns Three Gold 100 Award Nominations

The landscaping and outdoor equipment’s largest trade show is in the spotlight again, with Equip Exposition receiving three nominations at this year’s Trade Show Executive’s (TSE) Gold 100 Grand Awards.

Receiving finalist spots in the “Marketing Genius Award,” “Best Attendee Acquisition Model,” and “Stickiest Show Floor in 2025” categories, the show hopes to add to its trophy cabinet later this year. Officials from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the group that helps organize the annual showcase, say Equip Expo has already been nominated for 16 of TSE’s Grand Awards since 2022.

“TSE’s Gold 100 awards recognize the best trade shows in the country and these nominations are a testament to the hard work our team puts in to deliver gold-standard programing and events for our attendees and exhibitors,” says Kris Kiser, president of OPEI. “We work year-round to make Equip impactful and welcoming–and most importantly deliver real-world business results for everyone who attends.” 

Last year, Equip Expo drew about 30,000 registered contractors, dealers, and manufacturers to Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center, containing 1.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. For 2026, the show aims to bring in even more business, which could lead to further awards.

Upgrading year over year

The Equip Expo has already sold out its show floor for the fifth year in a row, months ahead of schedule, officials say. Available exhibit space continues to sell out at earlier dates every year, with the show growing its landscaper attendance by 12% and dealer attendance by 17% in 2025.

This year’s show features a 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, promising that attendees can “get their hands dirty.” The yard will feature mulching, cutting, chopping, digging, and driving, complete with cutting-edge equipment. The show will also allow attendees to get behind the wheel of various machines on its UTV Test Track.

“Nowhere else can you see all the industry’s technology in one place,” Kiser adds. “The most efficient way to see the latest innovations is to come to Equip— from the latest smart technologies for outdoor power equipment to developments in hardscape, irrigation, safety and more.”

Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 Awards & Summit will take place in Palos Verdes, California from Sept. 22-24. Shortly after, the 2026 edition of the Equip Exposition will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, from Oct. 20-23. Early bird tickets are available on the trade show’s website until Sept. 10.