Equip Expo 2026 Tackles The 5 Greatest Business Challenges Facing Landscapers and Contractors Head On
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Finding good employees. Protecting profit margins. Getting more done with fewer people. Winning profitable customers. Preparing a business for whatever comes next. The managed landscaping industry is confronting these challenges every day. Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, will bring landscape professionals and contractors together this year with industry experts, dealers, business experts, industry leaders and equipment manufacturers for four days of hands-on equipment demonstrations, business education and networking that provides answers.
"Landscapers aren't just coming to Equip this year to see what's new – they're here to learn how to compete and thrive given uncertainty around interest rates, fuel costs, immigration policy and many other key drivers of our industry," says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition. The event will be held October 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. "Those who attend in 2026 will definitely have an edge given what Equip will be delivering this year."
Here are five major business challenges facing landscape professionals—and the ways Equip will help tackle them.
1. Finding and Keeping a Skilled Workforce
Finding qualified employees is difficult, and keeping good ones and developing them into effective crew leaders can be just as challenging.
Equip Academy's Leadership & Culture education track focuses on building stronger teams, developing leaders and creating workplace cultures that support productivity, accountability and employee retention. Select crew leadership education is also offered in Spanish, helping companies invest in the development of more members of their workforce.
2. Controlling Costs While Protecting Profit Margins
Rising labor, fuel, equipment, material, insurance and operating expenses put constant pressure on landscape company margins. Landscapers and contractors have to understand what work actually costs, price it appropriately and identify where profit may be slipping away.
Several of Equip Academy's education programs address bidding, sales processes, revenue opportunities and importantly - profit leaks. Additional business education gives owners and managers opportunities to benchmark their operations and learn from other successful landscape companies.
Nearly 1,100 exhibits also give contractors the opportunity to compare equipment, technology, products and services in one place and evaluate which investments make the most sense for their operations.
3. Doing More Work With Fewer People
When labor is difficult to find, productivity becomes increasingly important. The question for many contractors is simple: How can each crew accomplish more during the workday?
Equip Expo's 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard gives landscape professionals the opportunity to operate equipment before they buy it. Contractors can compare machines and technologies and evaluate firsthand how new equipment might improve productivity, reduce manual labor or help crews work more efficiently.
The UTV Driving Experience provides another hands-on opportunity to compare vehicles under real-world conditions.
Inside the exhibit halls, attendees can explore the latest developments in outdoor power equipment, software, robotics, connected products and other technologies.
4. Winning—and Keeping—Profitable Customers
Growing a landscape company isn't simply about adding more customers. Contractors need the right customers, profitable work and opportunities to increase the value of existing relationships.
Equip Academy offers education to help contractors strengthen the sales process, improve bidding and uncover additional revenue opportunities with existing customers.
Equip also gives landscape businesses an opportunity to explore entirely new profit centers and adjacent services with education and exhibits covering services such as landscape lighting, irrigation, tree care and hardscaping.
The new Tree Care Arena combines demonstrations and education for professionals interested in tree care, while the co-located Hardscape North America provides access to hardscape products, equipment, demonstrations and education.
5. Building a Business Ready for What's Next
Economic uncertainty, changing customer expectations, rising costs and rapid advances in equipment and technology make long-term planning increasingly complicated.
Equip Academy's Scaling the Business programming explores the stages of company growth, organizational structure and lessons from successful landscape business owners. Contractors can also investigate new services and technologies that may help diversify revenue and strengthen their operations.
Just as important are the conversations that happen outside the classroom. Equip gives attendees an opportunity to compare notes, ask questions and learn how their peers are responding to many of the same challenges through a dozen networking events, including at ENERGIZE, the Welcome Reception, the new Paristown Point closing party, and other gatherings.
More Than an Equipment Show
Equip combines nearly 1,100 exhibits, a 30-acre outdoor demonstration area, hands-on equipment experiences, Equip Academy education, the Tree Care Arena, Hardscape North America and contractor networking opportunities in one place.
For landscape professionals, that means the opportunity to see what's new while also addressing the bigger question: What can make my business better?
"Landscape contractors are entrepreneurs," said Kiser. "They're constantly looking for ways to improve their operations, take care of their people, serve their customers and build stronger companies. Equip Expo gives them the opportunity to see, learn, test and connect—all during Equip."
Equip attendees come from across the U.S. and 52 countries.
For registration, education schedules and additional information, visit EquipExposition.com.
Embeddable YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@equipexposition
Journalist Credentialing: Journalists seeking to attend Equip are strongly urged to register and obtain media credentials in advance of the show.
Media contacts
Ami Neiberger, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877 [email protected]
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, [email protected]
About Equip Exposition
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and is one of the top three largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, including "Greatest Trade Show of 2024," and is co-located with Hardscape North America. Equip publishes "equip" magazine and is owned and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, parts, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars, and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com.
SOURCE Equip Exposition
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