Major Trade Show Looking to the Next Few Years of Growth in Louisville

One of the nation’s largest trade shows in Louisville opens its doors and demo yard this week at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Equip Exposition heads into its 41st rendition of its show and is coming off a record-breaking year in terms of attendance and show size. As the show kicks off, the host facility and its client are already looking far into the future at ways to make the show bigger and better, as it recently inked a contract extending its commitment to Kentucky through 2027. 

Just last year, Equip Exposition expanded into the facility’s West Wing and, in 2024, has activated that space again along with 10 other interconnected event spaces, including Freedom Hall, and 30 acres of outdoor space for a demo yard. With virtually every part of the grounds utilized, the Kentucky Exposition Center’s recent renovation and expansion announcement comes at a perfect time for the ever-growing show. 

“For two years running, Equip Expo has maxed out the space available,” said Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. “We’re grateful to have a facility that is ready to grow with us. Thanks to the investment made by the State of Kentucky and partners in the Kentucky Exposition Center’s facilities, we see a bright future ahead for Equip Exposition here in Louisville.”

Shows at the Kentucky Exposition Center, like the Equip Exposition, have enjoyed a bright past and present, but their future promises to be even bigger and brighter. These renovation and expansion projects are estimated to be over $472 million and will offer even more opportunities for clients to retain and host memorable, large-scale events in Louisville. For more information on the planned renovations, visit the Kentucky Venues website.