Looking at attendance figures that were sure to set a record within the hour, and noting that “Well, we sold every inch,” at the Kentucky Expo Center (KEC) in Louisville for Equip Exposition 2022, Kris Kiser, CEO of show owner Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), was truly excited about the show’s growth and success in the two years since it skipped 2020 due to the pandemic. At 39 years and through several name changes, the Equip Exposition is showing remarkable longevity over four decades, with an ability—borne of necessity—to repeatedly reinvent itself and remain relevant, Kiser said.

Drawing More Exhibitors

The number of 24,936 visitors who had registered during the first two days was sure to break 25,000 on the show’s last day, Kiser noted, amidst record square footage sold and record sponsorship revenues. Kiser believes multiple factors are adding to the growth: The industry is undergoing major changes with the electric equipment revolution, with more companies coming into the market and branching into new product lines. Also, the missed year in 2020 led many to see the value of the event, which has set attendance records both in 2021 and now 2022, he believes. The re-branding from GIE+EXPO to Equip Exposition has also helped draw more exhibitors and visitors, he said.

Such growth has led to several issues, but “good problems to have” such as selling so much booth space there were very few places to sit. Also, the food court area had to be moved to the basketball court in Freedom Hall on the far north end of the show. These are challenges for an event that draws visitors from all 50 states and 49 countries—and show officials are always looking for ways to expand.

Kiser also mentioned that despite a great run of success in Louisville, he senses there are some who’d like to take a look at moving the event. There’s been turnover on the OPEI board and new faces and executives who may want to take a look at it, especially as a way to gain more international visitors. The idea comes up every so often, Kiser added, noting that while the KEC is a great facility and location it also needs modernizing, but being able to find another facility that has room for an adjacent demo area is a tall order.