Save the Date for the Women’s Leadership Reception at Equip Exposition
Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 23, as Equip Exposition brings back its Women’s Leadership Reception. This event — set from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center — is designed to help women leaders in the green industry connect and build their professional networks. It’s a great addition for those women attending Equip Exposition, which runs from October 21 to 24, 2025.
“Women are an important part of our almost 30,000 attendees and exhibitors who come to Equip, and we’re proud to offer the Women’s Reception and other networking opportunities to bring women leaders in the green industry together,” said Kris Kiser, president & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns the award-winning trade show.
A panel discussion, “Power Players: Women Shaping the Future of the Industry,” will take place before the reception at 4:00 p.m. Attendees can hear the panelists discuss their experiences in the landscaping and outdoor power equipment industries. The panel includes:
- Sara Hey, president of Bob Clements International
- Shelia Matthews, chief people officer at Wilson360
- Bre Schoultz, the content creator behind Chickanic
How to Attend these Events at Equip Exposition
All women attendees of Equip Exposition are welcome to participate in the panel and reception. That includes women registered as exhibitors, landscapers, contractors, distributors or dealers. Attendees planning to attend the reception — which is sponsored by Belgard, Hunter Industries and SiteOne — do need to RSVP when they register for Equip Exposition. Get all the info on registering here. Hurry, early bird pricing ends September 4.
Shuttle transportation will be provided from the reception to the Kentucky International Convention Center for the Equip Exposition signature concert. This year’s musical event features Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson, sponsored by Gravely.
“More women in the industry also means more representation, which helps normalize female leadership, and it opens doors for the next generation of girls who might never have imagined a career in landscaping and lawn care,” said Katlyn Rinaldi, CEO of L.G. Mowing in Massillon, Ohio. “Seeing other women overcome similar challenges reminds me that I’m not alone, and it’s helped me grow in confidence as a business owner.”
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.
