Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Awards Name Equip Expo a Finalist in 4 Categories

Sold-out show also in the running for greatest trade show 2024.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equip Exposition, the industry's largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, dealers, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers, was recently named a finalist in four categories for Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Grand Awards.

Equip Exposition was named a finalist for "Best Use of Technology and Data," "Best New Launch," the "Against All Odds Award," and "The Greatest Trade Show of 2024" by the publication, which covers the exhibits industry. 

"The Grand Awards recognize the most impactful shows in the country. These nominations are a testament to the hard work of our team, and the effort they put in to evolve Equip each year based on attendee feedback," says Kris Kiser, President of OPEI, which owns and manages Equip Exposition. "Equip Expo continues to deliver gold-standard programming and events for our attendees and exhibitors."

Since OPEI took management of the trade show in-house and rebranded it in 2022, Equip has been nominated for 12 Grand Awards, and has brought home trophies for "Most Innovative Show" and "Best New Idea."

This year marks the fourth time in a row Equip's trade show floor has sold out — the fastest in history. The award-winning and 5th largest trade show in the U.S. saw a record-breaking 28,500 registered contractors, dealers and manufacturers last year.

"Nowhere else can you see all the industry's technology in one place. The most efficient way to see the industry's innovations is to come to Equip Exposition — it's where you can see the latest smart technologies for lighting, equipment, irrigation, safety and more," Kiser says.

In the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, attendees can "get their hands dirty" by mowing, mulching, cutting, chopping, digging, driving and more with the latest, most cutting-edge equipment. They can also get behind the wheel and try out the latest four-wheel workhorses on the newly expanded UTV Test Track which offers a track with mud, rocks and curves.

Equip provides landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers a unique platform to learn from each other through peer to-peer networking events and unique classroom, training and education sessions. There's a Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar, a Wednesday night 4th Street Party sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, and a Thursday concert with Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson at the Kentucky International Convention Center sponsored by Gravely, and more.

Trade Show Executive's prestigious Gold 100 & Summit recognizes the top trade shows held in the U.S. and offers associations and independent show organizers an opportunity to highlight their achievements. The awards will be presented in Palm Springs, CA, at a Summit being held October 14-17.

Photo Selection: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9y1vwq3bb0mbygm97qdlp/AHYbKswjawxMzcTl9graDkA?rlkey=l7mkynsauict4kwjyml746zxl&dl=0 

Embeddable Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@equipexposition 

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 five largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, 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