The 2022 Equip Exposition takes place October 18-21 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The international landscape, outdoor living and equipment event aims to educate green industry professionals, explore new business growth opportunities and provide efficient work processes.
From OPEI:
Education Tracks
New education tracks for landscapers are designed to boost bottom lines. Here's the lineup:
Sales and Profitability
Overviews sustainable snow management, estimating and bidding, benchmarking for profit, pricing and supply chain hacks.
Technology
Covers new software, drone technology, irrigation troubleshooting and estimating and bidding. Expect a two-day, 13-hour course that will equip registrants for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam necessary for commercial drone use.
Grow Your Team
Highlights how company culture impacts performance and profitability, recruiting and retaining team members and promoting a diverse industry.
Leadership
Focuses on developing a second in command, mergers and acquisitions in the landscape industry and what you need to know about selling your business.
Tree Care
Presented by The Davey Tree Expert Company in collaboration with The Women's Tree Climbing Workshop. This track covers safety, climbing gear, tying into a tree, common tools, climbing systems, working the tree, pruning, rigging and tree removal techniques. Real trees will be used to demonstrate techniques in the "living laboratory" in Freedom Hall.
Pool & Spa
Covers construction and design, how to incorporate pool and hardscape into backyard design and define relationships between designers and architects.
What to Expect
"Attendees can explore new, profitable business opportunities with expanded education at this year's Equip Exposition," says Kris Kiser, president & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). "This trade show is the best place to learn about new business segments, network, learn, try out equipment, see what's new and gain a competitive business edge."
- With people spending more time in backyards and using them for entertaining, work and play, hardscape and outdoor lighting are becoming a lucrative business. Landscape and hardscape contractors can attend six live sessions presented by Hardscape North America. These classes cover industry best-practices, business strategy and construction techniques taught by a team of hardscape experts.
- A free session called "The California Equation" overviews new equipment mandates and their widening impact. A panel of experts will discuss how the industry is adapting to changing regulations in California, and how trends in the Golden State are impacting business across the country. This session is open to landscapers, dealers and manufacturers.
- Influencer LIVE provides attendees with a high energy and engaging atmosphere to hear (and meet) the influential voices that have inspired them to grow and invest into their business. Hosted by Naylor Taliaferro, Paul Jamison and Caleb Auman.
- Energize will be a candid discussion with contractors working in the field. This discussion will be hosted by some of the industry's leading voices, who will give their first-hand perspective on everything from marketing and hiring to sales and purchasing. Hosted by Brian Fullerton, Mike Andes, Blake Albertson and Paul Jamison.
- Equip Exposition offers outdoor power equipment dealers and retailers two new education tracks in 2022. Equipment dealers will find training with Bob Clements and Sara Hey to help grow their businesses, including advice on unconventional hiring strategies, a peek at what the dealership of the future will be like and how to price service jobs. Dan Shell and Jessica Johnson will lead a panel discussion on how to take your business to the next level.
- The Equipment & Engine Training Council returns with their popular technician training program on a wide range of engines and technologies.
- After gaining new skills through training, attendees can kick the tires and test drive the latest equipment in the Outdoor Demo Yard, which has expanded to nearly 30 acres and is included with every Equip Exposition registration. A larger UTV test track allows attendees to put the latest UTVs through their paces on curves, hills, rocks and bumps.
- Attendees also will get more time on the very big show floor, with the trade show opening at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 19, for landscapers. They'll find the latest equipment, technology and solutions to growing their businesses among the 1,000+ exhibits covering 675,000 square feet of exhibit space.
