By Emma Peterson. 

How climate, competition, lot size and local market conditions influence pricing from coast to coast. 

Between 2024 and 2025, there was an increase in both annual lawn care spending and lawn care prices. But this increase, +$407/year and +6.6% respectively, weren’t necessarily felt the same across the country. In this article, we wanted to take a deep dive into LawnStarter’s 2025 data. To compile this data, the LawnStarter team looked at more than two million mowing jobs across over two thousand U.S. cities. The results were interesting.  

Overall, geography was the biggest factor in determining the cost of work. The highest cost came from the Northeast region, where Connecticut residents paid $63.74 per mow, New Hampshire residents paid $63.22, Massachusetts residents paid $61.91 and New Jersey residents paid $60.04. Overall, the Northeast numbers came together for an average cost of $58.17 per mow. This was a stark 14% higher than the Western region’s average of $50.90. 

Why is it so much more expensive to get a lawn mowed in the Northeast? LawnStarter dove into the data from the two most opposite states – Vermont and Arizona – to find the answer to this question.  

On average, Vermont residents paid $78.15 per mow in 2025. This is a whopping 75% more than those living in Arizona, who paid $45.08. The high prices in Vermont reflect “large rural properties with expansive yards, limited contractor competition in a sparse market and a compressed 6-month season that pushes pros to charge premium rates to cover annual overhead” while the low costs of Arizona are tied to “a major shift away from traditional grass lawns [due to] water restrictions and xeriscaping trends.” 

Using this as an example, we can extrapolate that the different costs between the Western states and those in the Northeast are likely also tied to climate/growing season, community wealth and labor costs. But this general cost difference is not the whole story. The LawnStarter team explained:  

Per-square foot pricing reveals true market cost differences that the headline mow price obscures...A $55 mow in Chicago covers a tiny 3,400 sq ft lot — that’s $15.70/1,000 sq ft. The same $55 in Nashville covers a 9,500 sq ft yard — just $5.80/1,000 sq ft.  

So, the per-square-foot pricing showcase in 2025 Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Dallas and Houston — all major metro areas in the South — showed that they are the most affordable with prices that consistently come in below the national average of $6.30 per 1,000 square feet. Alternatively, the Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington D.C. markets in the Northeast remain at the top of expenses with costs per square feet that are upwards of 3x the national average. 

What does all this data reveal for outdoor lawn care professionals? Not only does it give pros a window into whether they are priced competitively for their market, but it also showcases where the best markets are.  

Want to learn more about your market? Visit www.lawnstarter.com/blog/statistics/lawnstarter-industry-report.  

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.

Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, issues advice for first time attendees to the award-winning event October 20 to 23 starting with planning ahead. Last year, the show drew nearly 30,000 landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and more to the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). The event takes up more than a million square feet of exhibit space (the equivalent of 17+ football fields) and has a 30 acre Outdoor Demo Yard.

“I encourage attendees to have a game plan before attending Equip,” says Kris Kiser, president & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition. “Download the app ahead of time, book your hotel room now and plan what you’ll do and see there. And definitely wear comfortable shoes.”

The Equip app, a must-have guide to the show, is sponsored by CASE Construction Equipment.

Equip offers the following tips for the best experience possible:

Before the show

• 1 - Register now. Registrants receive Equip’s emails about event details, additions and special events. Sign up at EquipExposition.com for $30 before prices double to $60 after September 10. On October 20, the price doubles again. The at-the-door price is $120.
• 2 - Add education, certification classes and training to your registration before sessions sell out. Explore ways to grow your business, address common problems, develop employees and learn new skills and business opportunities at these sessions. Select classes, including the popular From Worker to Leader course, are also available in Spanish. 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.
• 3 - Book travel arrangements and hotel reservations. Last year, show attendees booked most available hotels (many on a complimentary shuttle route). Booking a room now ensures you are close to the event.
• 4 - Bring company teammates. Bring your coworkers, service department personnel, sales team and, if a dealer, your customers. Equip is a fantastic team-building opportunity, from shared educational experiences and testing new equipment, to having fun at concerts. Acting on new knowledge and ideas when you get home is easier with a bonded team.
• 5 - Download the Equip Expo app, sponsored by CASE Construction Equipment. The app, which works with any iPhone or Android phone, is your event guide. Find the Event Schedule with start times for sessions and maps for the entire facility, where the biggest giveaways are held and more. Favorite events or locations to build a custom schedule.
• 6 - Determine the top three business problems you are trying to solve. Identify and prioritize the speakers, exhibits and education offerings that could help you in those areas.
• 7 - Plan your route. Map the route from your hotel to the KEC and other venues and look at available shuttles or rideshares to the event.
• 8 - Learn the main areas of the show.
  • The North Wing has registration, exhibits and badge pickup.
  • The South Wing has exhibits, Mulligan’s Mutt Madness, the Education Center and easy access to the 30 acre Outdoor Demo Yard and the UTV Driving Experience.
  • The West Wing has exhibits, food options (as well as the rideshare pickup/drop off zone) and badge pickup.
  • Freedom Hall hosts Tree Care Arena featuring hands-on workshops by Academy Trained and The Davey Institute.

At the show

1 - Don’t get stuck in traffic. For ease of entry, don’t use the main gate at the show’s rush hour. If you are coming to the KEC later than 10 am on a show day, use the Crittenden Drive or the Preston Highway gates and park on the North side, which is the best way to enter the KEC. Leave via a similar route to avoid any bottlenecks at the main gate. Parking at the KEC during the show is free!
2 - Start your day in the West Wing. Ride shares and shuttles will drop off at the West Wing where attendees will find food and badge pickup.
3 - ​​​​​​​ Avoid lines for badge pickup. Print your badge at the Welcome Reception, sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., at Churchill Downs’ First Turn Club or in the North Wing at the KEC. More locations are scattered throughout Louisville hotels and the Airport.
4 - Talk with others. Equip is a city-wide event. People in your hotel elevator and restaurant are likely attendees. Take time to meet your colleagues as you navigate the halls, stand in line or grab a bite to eat.
5 - Have fun at the events. Go to:

• Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar Inc. on Tuesday evening.
• Mulligan’s 5K Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by Active Dynamics, on Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m.
• The opening keynote on Wednesday morning featuring Mike Holmes, one of North America’s most trusted contractors and star of the HGTV show, Holmes Family Rescue, sponsored by Kress.
• 4th Street Live! Concert on Wednesday evening, sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council.
• The Morning Show at Expo, sponsored by Rehlko, on Thursday morning.
• The Women’s Leadership Reception on Thursday at 4 p.m., sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter/FX Luminaire.
• ENERGIZE on Thursday afternoon, sponsored by Exmark and BOSS Snowplow.
• The Closing Paristown Block Party on Thursday night at Old Forester's Paristown Hall and the surrounding block, sponsored by Gravely.

After the show

• 1 - ​​​​​​​Follow up with the people you met. Swap ideas and remind each other to do “that thing you said you would do” when you returned home.
• 2 - Put new ideas from the show into action. Take that leap, do the “new thing,” roll out better pricing, marketing, services and more.
• 3 - Register for next year’s show planned for October 19-22, 2027 at the KEC.

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

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, biannually moving between Louisville and Orlando. Equip will be held in Orlando in 2029 and 2031 and will be held in Louisville in 2030 and every other year thereafter.

Event to include discussions on CCUS, AI applications and impacts, and more.

The American Cement Association, the national association representing U.S. cement manufacturers since 1916, is pleased to announce the dates and agenda for its fourth annual 2026 Virtual Sustainability Summit. The online event will be held August 25-27, 2026, beginning at noon each day and registration is free. Leaders and subject-matter experts across the value chain will provide updates and insights on key developments advancing the industry’s progress toward net zero, centering on the event’s 2026 theme: “Measurable Progress. Meaningful Impact. Moving Forward.”

Day 1 (August 25) will feature:

• Opening remarks from UNACEM North America CEO Rafael Villalona, who will discuss innovative initiatives at his company’s plants, including a project with the U.S. Forest Service and using woodchips as an alternative fuel;
• Keynote speaker Brian Potter’s exploration of how technology transitions are shaped, examining the role of efficiency and optimization as foundational for sustainable outcomes; and
• Two panel discussions—the first on CCUS, the second on taking a closer look at the various roles of our value chain partners and how they’ll help get the industry to carbon neutrality.

Day 2 (August 26) will focus on the imperative solutions to industry decarbonization—alternative fuels and blended cements—and where the industry is seeing the most success. Afterward, subject-matter experts will examine the newest approaches to facilitating the adoption of the latest technology at cement plants.

Day 3 (August 27) speakers will examine the forces shaping the cement industry's next chapter, including evolving regulations, workforce challenges and the growing influence of AI. Speakers will discuss how to navigate policy uncertainty and build the talent and capabilities needed for long-term success.

Please join us for these important discussions that should not be missed.

Access the full ACA Sustainability Summit agenda, speaker line-up and registration information HERE.

About The American Cement Association

The American Cement Association, founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. ACA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth. For more information, visit www.cement.org.

In this OutdoorTalk™, Karol Weyman is joined by Logan Barker and Jamie Jaramillo from Noble Tile, along with John Zaprala from Heritage Landscape Supply Group, to explore how tile, hardscapes and pool design work together to create exceptional outdoor living environments. The discussion will cover pool finishes, waterline tile, coping, decking materials, outdoor living trends, installation best practices and common project challenges. Attendees will gain insight into selecting the right materials for pools, patios and outdoor spaces while learning how strong supplier partnerships and thoughtful planning contribute to durable, cohesive projects that exceed customer expectations.

Register today!

Summer Field Day: The Landscape & Snow Exp

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | Lake County Fairgrounds | Grayslake, IL

Landscape Illinois’ oldest event is getting a nostalgic return to its roots as Summer Field Day comes back with the spirit of a day at the county fair. Join fellow members for an afternoon of networking, nostalgia, and friendly competition, including: a classic car show, tours of Prairie Crossing, exhibits, networking, lively Lincoln-Douglas debates, lunch, College of Lake County Farmstand, and a pie eating contest.
 
Mark your calendars for this fun summer gathering that celebrates both our association’s history and the Landscape Illinois community today!

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Inspired by the historic Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Summer Field Day will feature a series of lively, good-natured debates where two participants take opposing sides on a green industry topic. Each debate will be short, fast-paced, and designed more for entertainment than education, with debaters making their case, offering rebuttals, and closing before the crowd chooses a winner by applause.

We’re looking for volunteers to step up, think on their feet, and bring the fun as one of our debaters.

Debate today!

Car Show Sign-Up

No county fair is complete without a little shine, nostalgia, and friendly competition. Our classic car show will showcase vehicles owned by Landscape Illinois members and offer a fun chance for fellow car enthusiasts to connect, swap stories, and enjoy a little peer networking when they’re not on the job. Have a classic car you’d like to show off?

Enter your car today!

Exhibitor Registration - Now Open!

Interested in Exhibiting? Register to exhibit today!

Attendee registration will be opening on June 1st!

Questions about this event? Contact AnneMarie Drufke.

Meet the first widely available split system extends ultra efficient heat pump performance to colder climates and compact environments, unlocking maximum energy savings for homeowners.

As summer energy costs continue to climb, A. O. Smith, North America's largest water heater manufacturer, is introducing the most adaptable addition yet to its award-winning lineup of residential heat pump water heaters for maximum efficiency, hot water delivery and protection. The first widely available outdoor split system heat pump water heater (HPWH) in the United States, the new A. O. Smith Voltex® X was designed to excel in applications where standard heat pump products were previously not an option, including in space-constrained locations such as closets, in regions with extreme cold temperatures and in noise-sensitive shared-living environments. The new A. O. Smith Voltex® X is the first widely available outdoor split system heat pump water heater (HPWH) in the U.S.

Developed in partnership with Panasonic, the new Voltex X Split System Heat Pump Water Heater is the most versatile option for consumers who want to save money on their utility bills. With an impressive Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of up to 3.80, the ENERGY STAR® certified system can reduce utility costs by up to 76% compared to standard electric water heaters, offering annual savings up to $600* and qualifies homeowners for upfront savings via local rebates up to $1,800 in some states. To find local rebates in your area, visit hotwater.com.

"Heat pump technology continues to play a vital role in decarbonization and efficiency efforts nationwide," said Roch Naleway, utility segment manager at A. O. Smith. "However, traditional heat pump water heaters to date have only been feasible for homes with enough space and mild temperatures needed to operate most efficiently. With the introduction of Voltex X, we're making heat pump technology and the significant energy savings that come with it, more attainable for a much larger swath of homeowners across the country. Being limited by environmental conditions, such as temperature and space constraints, is now a thing of the past."

While heat pump technology is by far the cleanest way to heat water, it has traditionally been limited when it comes to operating efficiently in colder climates because it requires an ambient temperature of at least 37°F or higher to operate in heat pump mode. Designed for performance and sustainability, Voltex X utilizes CO₂ refrigerant, which has a 99.9% lower global warming potential compared to standard refrigerants, allowing the unit to operate at maximum efficiency and function seamlessly in ambient temperatures as low as -25°F, ensuring reliable performance year-round.

The self-contained heat pump unit is designed to be installed outside and the indoor storage tank comes in three sizes to fit a wide range of space-constrained locations previously not suitable for standard hybrid heat pumps, including closets, garages, utility rooms and basements. The split system design also ensures that unlike the notoriously loud compressors on standard HPWHs, Voltex X is seriously quiet at just 35-40 dBA outside and 0 dBA inside the home for a peaceful environment in shared living spaces.

Additionally, Voltex X is packed with advanced features, including four operating modes. Heat pump mode offers maximum energy efficiency; guest mode provides maximum hot water for up to 7 days; and vacation mode reduces energy use while homeowners are away. With built-in smart connectivity for remote monitoring and control, homeowners can use the free iCOMM™ app to adjust the water heater's temperature setting, change the operating mode, optimize energy usage with local utility Time of Use (TOU) schedules and receive real-time alerts and notifications. The unit also features advanced anti-leak technology, including a smart sensor leak detection, built-in freeze defense to prevent damage and compatibility with an automatic water shutoff valve for added protection. Backed by a 10-year limited warranty, Voltex X provides long-term reliability, maximum energy savings and ultimate peace of mind for homeowners.

The new A. O. Smith Voltex X line is available in 50-, 66- and 80-gallon size storage tank options with up to a 95-gallon first hour rating. The 50-gallon model is also available in three shapes, including short, tall and a lowboy option to fit in low-clearance closets under air handlers or stairs. For more information about A. O. Smith and the new Voltex X heat pump water heater, visit http://www.hotwater.com.

About A. O. Smith

North America's largest water heater manufacturer, A. O. Smith brings a 152-year history of innovation and American manufacturing expertise to developing industry-leading, high-efficiency water heating products that are designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. From creating the industry standard glass lining in 1933, to introducing the first 95% energy efficient water heater in 1986, A. O. Smith has continuously led the water heating industry with a tradition of innovation for almost a century. Today the multi-generational, family-founded business offers a wide range of water heaters, from standard gas and electric water heaters to high efficiency heat pump and tankless models, to meet most homes' unique water heating needs. For more information about A. O. Smith, visit http://www.hotwater.com.

*Comparing to 80-gallon heat pump against pre-2015 similarly sized standard electric using DOE EF to UEF conversion. Savings may vary.

Summer Field Day: The Landscape & Snow Exp

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | Lake County Fairgrounds | Grayslake, IL

Landscape Illinois’ oldest event is getting a nostalgic return to its roots as Summer Field Day comes back with the spirit of a day at the county fair. Join fellow members for an afternoon of networking, nostalgia, and friendly competition, including: a classic car show, tours of Prairie Crossing, exhibits, networking, lively Lincoln-Douglas debates, lunch, College of Lake County Farmstand, and a pie eating contest.
 
Mark your calendars for this fun summer gathering that celebrates both our association’s history and the Landscape Illinois community today!

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Inspired by the historic Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Summer Field Day will feature a series of lively, good-natured debates where two participants take opposing sides on a green industry topic. Each debate will be short, fast-paced, and designed more for entertainment than education, with debaters making their case, offering rebuttals, and closing before the crowd chooses a winner by applause.

We’re looking for volunteers to step up, think on their feet, and bring the fun as one of our debaters.

Debate today!

Car Show Sign-Up

No county fair is complete without a little shine, nostalgia, and friendly competition. Our classic car show will showcase vehicles owned by Landscape Illinois members and offer a fun chance for fellow car enthusiasts to connect, swap stories, and enjoy a little peer networking when they’re not on the job. Have a classic car you’d like to show off?

Enter your car today!

Exhibitor Registration - Now Open!

Interested in Exhibiting? Register to exhibit today!

Attendee registration will be opening on June 1st!

Questions about this event? Contact AnneMarie Drufke.

Award-winning trade show for landscapers, contractors, dealers and outdoor power equipment manufacturers singled out again for excellence.

Equip Exposition, the industry’s largest trade show and educational event for landscapers, contractors, dealers and outdoor power equipment manufacturers, was recently named a finalist in three categories for Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 Grand Awards: “The Marketing Genius Award,” “The Best Attendee Acquisition Model” and “The Stickiest Show Floor in 2025.” 

“TSE’s Gold 100 awards recognize the best trade shows in the country and these nominations are a testament to the hard work our team puts in to deliver gold-standard programing and events for our attendees and exhibitors,” says Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition. “We work year-round to make Equip impactful and welcoming and most importantly deliver real-world business results for everyone who attends.” 

Since OPEI took management of the trade show in-house and rebranded it in 2022, Equip has been nominated for 16 Grand Awards and has brought home trophies for “The Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” the “Against All Odds Award” the “Most Innovative Show” and “Best New Idea.” 

For the fifth year in a row, Equip’s trade show floor sold out months ahead of the show with available exhibit space selling out at earlier dates every year. As the fifth largest trade show in the U.S., Equip drew 30,000 registered contractors, dealers and manufacturers last year to its 1.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space. Last year the show grew its landscaper attendance by 12 percent and dealer attendance by 17 percent. 

This year Equip Exposition will be held October 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, biannually moving between Louisville and Orlando. Equip will be held in Orlando in 2029 and 2031 and will be held in Louisville in 2030 and every other year thereafter. 

“Nowhere else can you see all the industry’s technology in one place. The most efficient way to see the latest innovations is to come to Equip, from the latest smart technologies for outdoor power equipment to developments in hardscape, irrigation, safety and more,” Kiser says.

In the show’s unique 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 UTV Test Track which offers a track with mud, rocks and curves.

Equip also gives its attendees a unique platform to learn from each other through peer to-peer networking events and classroom, training and education sessions. A new education offering called Equip Academy will send workshop content home with attendees and expand what they can learn exponentially.

Event registration also includes a Tuesday opening Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar, a Wednesday Fourth Street Live! Concert downtown sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council and a Thursday closing Paristown Block Party at Old Forester's Paristown Hall and the surrounding block sponsored by Gravely.

Trade Show Executive’s prestigious Gold 100 Awards & 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 Palos Verdes, CA, at a Summit being held September 22-24.

Register for Equip at 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. Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

Journalist credentialing: Journalists seeking to attend Equip are strongly urged to register and obtain media credentials in advance of the show. 

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.  

Professional education, hands-on equipment demonstrations and networking offered in Spanish and English.

Every successful landscaping business is built on skilled people, strong leadership and the right equipment. This October, landscape professionals from across North America will gather at Equip Exposition to sharpen their skills, discover new ideas and connect with others who share their passion for the green industry.

Held October 20–23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Equip Exposition is the largest international trade show for landscaping, outdoor living and outdoor power equipment. The event welcomes landscape business owners, supervisors, crew leaders and field employees who want to invest in their careers and the future of their businesses.

Recognizing the important role that Spanish-speaking professionals play throughout the landscaping industry, Equip will once again offer a growing selection of educational sessions presented in Spanish, making it easier for attendees to learn directly from respected industry experts.

"Landscaping is powered by hardworking professionals from many cultures and communities," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. "Equip Exposition is designed to help every landscape professional develop new skills, discover innovative equipment, build valuable relationships and return home with practical ideas that strengthen their businesses."

Attendees can:

• Experience the newest outdoor power equipment through live demonstrations.
• Compare products from hundreds of manufacturers in one place.
• Learn practical business and leadership skills.
• Discover techniques that improve efficiency, quality and profitability.
• Connect with landscape professionals from across the United States and around the world.

Spanish-language educational opportunities include:

From Worker to Leader: Developing Your Foreman

Presented by Armando Actis, equipment manager for Landscape Illinois and Certified Landscaping Technician Judge

• Wednesday: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 9:30–11:00 a.m.
• Pre-registration required.

This interactive workshop helps experienced crew members successfully transition into leadership roles. Participants learn how to motivate employees, communicate effectively, manage former coworkers, solve everyday challenges and lead productive crews while maintaining strong customer relationships.

Also offered in Spanish are technical turfgrass management courses led by Dr. Manuel Chavarria, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, covering:

• Turfgrass cultural practices
• Irrigation water management
• Weed management
• Integrated pest management

"My classes are designed to give landscapers practical, hands-on knowledge they can apply immediately," said Dr. Chavarria. "The goal is to help professionals manage turfgrass more efficiently, save time and money and deliver better results for their customers."

An event built for the entire industry

In addition to dozens of educational sessions, Equip Exposition offers keynote speakers, networking events, business education and the industry's largest hands-on Outdoor Demo Yard, where attendees can operate the newest equipment before making purchasing decisions. Spanish-language sessions are easy to identify through the "Taught in Spanish" education track on the Equip Exposition website and mobile app.

Whether you're building your first crew, leading an established team or growing your business, Equip Exposition offers valuable education, meaningful connections and practical ideas to help you succeed. The registration fee to attend Equip is only $30 through September 10, 2026 and registration includes the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, where landscape contractors can test drive the latest equipment, entertainment offerings, admittance to the keynote speaker, access to the trade show floor of the KEC and more.  Education sessions are an additional cost and can be reserved for an individual fee or through an Equip Academy pass for $170. 

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

Held in Louisville, Kentucky, Equip is one of the largest trade shows in the United States and nearly 30,000 people attended last year’s show, which was a new attendance record. The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, biannually moving between Louisville and Orlando. Equip will be held in Orlando in 2029 and 2031 and will be held in Louisville in 2030 and every other year thereafter. 

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.  

Summer Field Day: The Landscape & Snow Exp

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | Lake County Fairgrounds | Grayslake, IL

Landscape Illinois’ oldest event is getting a nostalgic return to its roots as Summer Field Day comes back with the spirit of a day at the county fair. Join fellow members for an afternoon of networking, nostalgia, and friendly competition, including: a classic car show, tours of Prairie Crossing, exhibits, networking, lively Lincoln-Douglas debates, lunch, College of Lake County Farmstand, and a pie eating contest.
 
Mark your calendars for this fun summer gathering that celebrates both our association’s history and the Landscape Illinois community today!

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Inspired by the historic Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Summer Field Day will feature a series of lively, good-natured debates where two participants take opposing sides on a green industry topic. Each debate will be short, fast-paced, and designed more for entertainment than education, with debaters making their case, offering rebuttals, and closing before the crowd chooses a winner by applause.

We’re looking for volunteers to step up, think on their feet, and bring the fun as one of our debaters.

Debate today!

Car Show Sign-Up

No county fair is complete without a little shine, nostalgia, and friendly competition. Our classic car show will showcase vehicles owned by Landscape Illinois members and offer a fun chance for fellow car enthusiasts to connect, swap stories, and enjoy a little peer networking when they’re not on the job. Have a classic car you’d like to show off?

Enter your car today!

Exhibitor Registration - Now Open!

Interested in Exhibiting? Register to exhibit today!

Attendee registration will be opening on June 1st!

Questions about this event? Contact AnneMarie Drufke.