Here Are 15 Things to See and Do at Equip Exposition 2026

We’re inching closer and closer to Equip Exposition, the industry’s largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, dealers and outdoor power equipment manufacturers. The trade show — held October 20 to 23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center — recently shared 15 can’t-miss experiences and education opportunities for attendees to consider when visiting.

“We build on what works — and continue to evolve while factoring in attendee feedback and industry trends,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip. “People want to test equipment, network, get training and find new ways to make money. Our exhibit space is packed with the latest industry advances and hands on experiences.”

Equip Expo highlighted these 15 can’t-miss experiences:

1. Keynote Address: Mike Holmes, HGTV star and veteran contractor – Sponsored by Kress, hear Holmes bring his “make it right” philosophy to the Equip stage on Wednesday with real world insight on raising standards and demanding quality that pushes the industry forward.

2. Outdoor Demo Yard – Visit the 30 acres outside at the Kentucky Exposition Center, which allows for hands-on testing: drive, mow, chop, dig, trench and more with the latest outdoor power equipment. No other industry trade show has Equip’s hands-on opportunities.

3. The UTV Driving Experience and the UTV Corral – Compare the latest vehicles while putting them through their paces on curves, hills, rocks, bumps and maybe even a little water and mud. Manufacturer representatives will be on hand to answer product questions.

4. Expanded Tree Care Arena – Visit Freedom Hall to see live arborist demos on a 50-ft tree, do interactive training and learn about safety in this growing profit-making niche.

5. Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs – Sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., meet peers and be welcomed to Louisville at the fun kick-off party Tuesday evening at the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. 

6. The West Wing: Drones, New Products & Golf – Take a swing at the Equip Golf Experience, try your hand at flying in the drone zone and tour the other West Wing exhibits. Ride shares drop off here and you can even skip the lines and pick up your badge.

7. New Product Showcase – Tour the New Product Showcase, with more than 40 entries, to see the latest equipment and product developments in the West Wing.

8. The Dealer Breakfast – Connect with equipment dealer industry leaders and meet potential partners over breakfast before the show opens for Dealer Day on Wednesday morning at the KEC. 

9. Mulligan’s 5K Fun Run & Walk and Mutt Madness – Sponsored by Active Dynamics, run or walk the Big Four Bridge early Wednesday morning to help raise funds for the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS). The race starts at the TurfMutt Great Lawn at Waterfront Park, the USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award winner for Best Riverwalk in 2025. On Thursday, adopt a rescue dog from the KHS at Mutt Madness, an annual dog adoption event, in the South Wing Lobby.

10. Wednesday Night Block Party – Enjoy the 4th Street Live concert in downtown Louisville. Meet old friends and find new ones at this popular concert, featuring the Crashers. Sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council.

11. Women’s Leadership Reception – On Thursday at the KEC, connect with women shaping the landscape industry while building relationships that last. Hear from special guest Susan Packard, co-creator of HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, for an evening of leadership and inspiration. Sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter FX/Luminaire.

12. Morning Show at Expo – Hear three powerhouse industry podcasts go live on-stage Thursday morning where they’ll talk about all the real issues that come with growing your landscaping business. Questions from the audience are welcome. Sponsored by Rehlko.

13. ENERGIZE – Hosted by Brian Fullerton, meet industry leaders and engage in discussions on growing, marketing and investing in your landscaping business on Thursday afternoon. Sponsored by Exmark and BOSS Snowplow.

14. Closing Paristown Block Party & Concert – Jam out with live music, awesome local food and even better company at the Equip takeover of Old Forester’s Paristown Hall and the surrounding block, sponsored by Gravely, on Thursday evening. Don’t miss the exclusive tasting of the show’s official bourbon while jamming with your team and new connections.

15. Equip Academy – Continue learning long after the show ends! Every education session at the blockbuster trade show is now available to attendees. For just $170, attendees can access dozens of education sessions online after the show. Price increases after September 10.

More on Equip Expo

Planning your visit is made easy with the Equip Expo app, sponsored by Case Construction Equipment. It’s available for download on Apple and Google.

Time’s running out for early bird pricing! Be sure to register for only $30 through September. After that, ticket prices go to $60 on September 11, and to $120 on October 20. For more info, visit www.equipexposition.com.