The popular event features keynotes from HGTV co-founder Susan Packard & green industry leader Judith Guido.

Equip Exposition, the award-winning international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition trade show, announced today its 2026 programming dedicated to women in the green industry. The show’s popular Women’s Leadership Reception will feature media trailblazer Susan Packard, as well as Judith Guido, who is recognized as one of the highest-ranking women in the green industry. The event, sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter FX/Luminaire, will take place Thursday, October 22, at 4 p.m. 

“Our women’s programming offers a valuable opportunity to expand your network while engaging with influential women who are shaping and transforming the industry,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association which owns and manages the trade show. 

Susan Packard, a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, is one of the speakers for the Women’s Leadership Reception. “I will be sharing the one factor that makes all the difference for employees to be happy at work, with stories and examples from creating HGTV, one of the fastest-growing programming networks in history,” Packard says.

Fellow keynote speaker Judith Guido has spent her career building leading green industry companies, including taking one public on the NYSE. “Susan and I have both built executive careers in male dominated industries by delivering results and leading with resilience,” Guido says. “We’re passionate about and committed to helping women build careers and lives they never thought possible – through education, bold ideas, strong relationships and smart problem solving – and we’re excited to share our insights, experiences and what it takes to grow, lead and win in business and the green industry.”

Previous participants consistently rank the Women’s Leadership Reception as a must-attend experience. "In a male-dominated industry, there's something powerful about a room where women can sit across from each other and understand the struggle without saying a word,” says Sara Hey, president of Bob Clements International. “You don't have to explain the context. You don't have to translate. You just get to be in it together, learn from each other and leave with a network of women who actually know what your day-to-day looks like. If you're coming to Equip, don't miss this one."

For more about the Women’s Leadership Reception watch: https://youtu.be/xZV-MzX6_mo.  
 
Each year, award-winning Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry. Last year Equip broke attendance records, attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the Kentucky Expo Center (KEC).

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando that year and thereafter biannually. Equip Expo will return to Louisville in 2030.

Early Registration: Registration for Equip 2026 is open and pricing for attendee registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Hardscape North America continues to co-locate with the show. 

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

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.  

Blockbuster trade show’s exhibits will cover more than a square mile and offer a wealth of opportunities for landscapers, contractors, dealers and manufacturers.

For a fifth year in a row, Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, has sold out its available exhibit space at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). OPEI owns and manages the blockbuster show, which will be held October 20-23, 2026.

“We have 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, including the Outdoor Demo Yard. Every inch of the Kentucky Exposition Center that can be used for exhibit space is now sold,” says Kris Kiser, president & CEO of OPEI. “That translates to more than a square mile of exhibits, or the equivalent of 20 football fields. There are thousands of products and services that can help landscapers, contractors and dealers expand and better their business.”

Kiser noted that demand for space means that exhibitors must plan ahead and reserve space well in advance. The award-winning trade show sold its last exhibit space in May 2026. Last year the last booth sale was in June. In 2024, the trade show sold its final booth in August and in 2023, the last slot was sold in early October, a few weeks before the show opened. 

Kiser noted that due to high demand to participate in the show, the Equip staff continually work with KEC officials to re-imagine space and are creative about ways to add value for attendees. Last year they opened up Freedom Hall to exhibit sales for the first time. In 2025, Equip also moved and expanded the UTV Test Track to deliver an even better experience for attendees.

“Equip is epic, and people are excited to be at the show and part of this dynamic industry. This is the place where innovators roll out new products and talk about where this industry is headed. It’s where landscape contractors try out new equipment and meet the people who design and make it,” says Kiser. 

There’s still plenty of tickets left for attendees, who can register for the early bird price of only $30 through September 10, 2026. Ticket prices go to $60 on September 11, 2026, and to $120 on October 20, 2026. 

Last year Equip broke attendance records, attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the KEC. The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando that year and thereafter biannually. Equip Expo will return to Louisville in 2030.

To zero in on what attendees want to see at a mega show where the exhibit area spans square footage that is greater than 20 football fields, organizers recommend using the Equip Expo app, sponsored by CASE Construction Equipment, which helps attendees prioritize and navigate to their “must-see” exhibitors.

Equip Exposition also 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 classroom, training and education sessions. 

caseThis year the show is debuting Equip Academy, a new in-person and online training package designed to help contractors and landscapers confront today’s current business challenges head on.

Networking and peer learning is an important part of the show. There’s a Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar, Inc., a keynote address by HGTV’s Mike Holmes sponsored by Kress, a 4th Street Live concert sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, and a Paristown Pointe Block Party & Concert sponsored by Gravely. Susan Packard, a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, will keynote the Women’s Leadership Reception, which is sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter/FX Luminaire.

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

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, golf cars and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com.  

Each year Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry.

Equip Academy, a new in-person and online training package presented by the industry's epic annual trade show, Equip Exposition, aims to help contractors and landscapers confront today's current business challenges head on.

“The economy is rapidly changing. Pricing, equipment, recruitment, training, service portfolios and marketing can make or break the success of any landscaping business,” says Kris Kiser, president and ceo of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association which owns and manages the award-winning trade show. Equip drew nearly 30,000 people to Louisville last year.

"With Equip Academy, we're building an education platform that supports how our landscapers and contractors prefer to learn – whether in-person at Equip or online after the show," says Kiser.

Attendees can buy individual education sessions for a fee, but an Equip Academy pass for $170 will give attendees access to dozens of education sessions.

"There's no way you could attend every education session we offer in Louisville during the four-day show. But with the Equip Academy you can catch what you missed at home," says Kiser.

In 2026, education tracks will help attendees focus on sessions that help address many issues, including:

• Hiring and retention: Learn how to attract and keep critical employees
• Top 150 strategy: Learn from the leaders at companies on the Landscape Management Top 150
• New business opportunities: How to offer lighting, irrigation tree care and chemical application and to grow your business
• CEO/leadership for landscapers & contractors: Design a vision and better manage as leader-in-chief
• Women's leadership: Discuss the unique needs of women in the industry and then attend the Women's Leadership Reception, sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter/FX Luminaire, with a keynote address by Susan Packard, a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network
• Growth mode: Develop your younger company and learn how to deal with new professionals. Get amped by The Morning Show at Expo, sponsored by Rehlko and ENERGIZE sponsored by Exmark and BOSS Snowplow.
• Snow removal amped: Discover how to take your business through all seasons and grow this lucrative service line

"With recent market and labor uncertainties, Equip is the best value to get help with business challenges for landscape contractors," says Kiser. He noted many companies bring crew leaders and even entire teams.

Some education sessions are also delivered in Spanish, and every attendee finishing an Equip Academy class will get a certificate of completion.

HGTV host and veteran no-nonsense contractor Mike Holmes will be Equip 2026's keynote speaker and is sponsored by Kress. He will offer real-world insight on raising standards and demanding quality that pushes the entire industry forward.

Education partners include:

• Landscape Management magazine
• Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals
• CultureID 
• Texas A&M University
• The Davey Institute
• Academy Trained
• Equipment and Engine Training Council
• Hardscape North America
• Irrigation Association 
• Kentucky Horticulture Council

In addition, the show, scheduled for October 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), provides landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers a unique platform to learn from each other through dedicated peer to-peer networking events. These include a Tuesday Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., a Wednesday night 4th Street Live Concert sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council, the closing Paristown Pointe Block Party & Concert sponsored by Gravely, and more.

Registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026 at EquipExposition.com. Equip Academy costs an additional $170 and the price will go up after September 10, 2026.

Each year Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry. Last year Equip broke attendance records attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando and thereafter biannually. Equip will return to Louisville in 2030.

Registration for Equip 2026 is open and pricing for attendee registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Hardscape North America continues to co-locate with the show.

Equip brings more than $31 million to Louisville.

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

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.

Event attendees to find inspiration, advice to take business to the next level.

Equip, the award-winning international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, announces its keynote speaker series at the October 20-23, 2026 show. Celebrity speaker Mike Holmes, one of North America's most trusted contractors and star of the HGTV show, Holmes Family Rescue, will be Equip's Wednesday morning opening keynote. Susan Packard, a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, will keynote the Women's Leadership Reception Thursday afternoon.

"This October, we're launching the Keynote Series, offering four industry-specific events that will host not only esteemed industry insiders but celebrity speakers to inspire and entertain our attendees," said Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages the trade show.

Mike Holmes is known for his no-nonsense approach, high standards and commitment to "making it right." His work on television has reshaped how homeowners think about building, renovation and the importance of hiring qualified professionals. His recent series, Holmes Family Rescue, airs on HGTV US, Discovery+ and HBOMax.

Susan Packard is known as a tireless advocate for women who aspire to success and accomplishment, and she will share her experiences and practices of good emotional health. This year, the popular leadership event, which connects women in the industry, is expanding to two hours from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Thursday and is sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter FX/Luminaire.

Rounding out the keynote speaker series experience is The Morning Show, sponsored by Rehlko and ENERGIZE, both of which will address key challenges landscape contractors who operate in the front lines face when operating and scaling their operations.

The Morning Show will bring three leading green industry podcasters to one stage and is hosted by Paul Jamison, Naylor Taliaferro and Caleb Auman. This session focuses on the real experiences that contractors faced this year as they attempted to grow themselves and their business.

ENERGIZE, where leaders in the landscape talk sales, marketing and learn how to win, will be hosted by Brian Fullerton, owner of the Fullerton Unfiltered Podcast and Brian's Lawn Maintenance.

"These four main stage events will inspire, entertain and give business owners the vision and tactics to grow in a way that can only be done by fellow industry pros that have experienced the same pains and opportunities that our attendees experience," says Kiser.

The blockbuster trade show each year draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry. Last year Equip broke attendance records attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando and thereafter biannually. Equip Expo will return to Louisville in 2030.

Registration for Equip 2026 is open and winter pricing for attendee registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Hardscape North America continues to co-locate with the show. Equip Exposition brings more than $25 million to Louisville.

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

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