The Utility Expo 2025 Attracts Record Crowd

By Pam Kleineke October 14, 2025 View Profile

The Utility Expo attracted more than 22,600 utility construction and infrastructure professionals to Louisville last week. Taking place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the show shattered previous attendance records and gathered people from all 50 states and 59 countries.

Over three days, attendees had to opportunity to explore 1.5 million sq ft of hands-on equipment demos, jobsite simulations and interactive product displays. The Utility Expo was the place to see the latest breakthroughs in underground utility, electric transmission, telecom and water/wastewater technologies shaping the future of the industry. Live demonstrations and test drives made The Utility Expo a premier destination for discovering field-ready solutions.

“This year’s Utility Expo set a new benchmark for innovation and hands-on learning in our industry,” said Brianne Somers. “The remarkable turnout demonstrates the industry’s drive to adopt smarter, safer and more sustainable solutions for utility construction.”

New Equipment and Technology

According to the press release, 20 leading manufacturers used the event to showcase their new equipment and technology.

The Utility Expo shared these highlights:

Hyundai Construction Equipment debuted its HT38 Compact Truck Loader in North America. The HT38 CTL can lift a .8-cu-yd standard bucket to a pin height of 10 ft, 9 in.
Diamond Mowers unveiled four mulching attachments: two drumheads for open and depth control models, a belt drive disc design and a 50-in. model for excavators.
Vermeer showcased the ML180 mini loader which features advanced electric-over-hydraulic controls, a suspended undercarriage and air-ride suspension technology. The ML 180 helps address persistent operator fatigue and productivity challenges in traditional stand-on mini loaders.
John Deere introduced two redesigned compact excavator models: the 17 P-Tier and the 26 P-Tier. Built to John Deere specifications and shaped by extensive customer feedback and testing, both models feature enhancements that improve versatility and ease of operation.

The Quick Pitch Showcase also made its debut this year. This event connected 30 small, mid-sized and new-to-show companies with attending media during a special pre-show breakfast — giving journalists a first look at emerging technologies and products before the show floor opened.

“As a first-time exhibitor at The Utility Expo, the Quick Pitch Showcase was an incredible opportunity for us to introduce our company and products to the media,” said Steve Wojtaszek with 3S Craftings, LLC. “It was a welcoming environment that truly set the tone for a successful first show.”

Exciting Competitions

The HDD Rodeo made its debut at The Utility Expo this year and drew high-energy crowds as horizontal directional drilling crews competed for speed and precision against one another.

From the press release:

PG&E Team #2 took home the top prize with a time of 50 minutes and 20 seconds. The team took home a custom Barbco Fire Ring, a Wyo-Ben remote controlled cooler, a CrewPlex Communications System and a $100 Utility Expo merchandise gift card for every team member. The top three crews received free admission to the 2026 HDD rodeo (valued at $5,000). The event was produced in partnership with Benjamin Media and supported by main event sponsors American Mfg HDD Products, Ditch Witch West, Kondex, Underground Magnetics and Vermeer.

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) also hosted its National Equipment Operators Championships. This popular event used construction equipment for challenges like hole-in-one putting, soccer, cornhole and a pipe placement.

Even More to See and Do

There was so much to see and do at The Utility Expo. Here are some other highlights the press release covered:

Field Classrooms with immersive 90-minute jobsite-style classroom sessions covered topics such as pipeline rehab, HDD safety and emerging jobsite technology.
A Safety Luncheon Symposium brought experts together for actionable discussions and insights on reducing risk and maximizing productivity.
The award-winning Community Zone featured expanded programming that energized attendees through music, networking and industry spotlights.

“This year’s Utility Expo brought our industry together in powerful new ways — fostering innovation, collaboration and a strong sense of community among utility professionals,” said Show Chair Brian Metcalf. “The future of utility construction is bright, and The Utility Expo will continue to be where that future takes shape.”