Landscapers, contractors, and outdoor power equipment dealers can develop their skills and take advantage of new trends impacting their industry thanks to expanded education and certification classes at Equip Exposition this October 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).
Exploring new business opportunities is the focus for an entire track at the award-winning show, which drew more than 27,000 participants from all 50 states and 46 countries last year.
“Equip Expo’s mission is to help landscape, contractors and equipment dealers, advance their businesses,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns Equip Exposition. “Come to Louisville to see the latest and most innovative equipment and leave with a new perspective and greater knowledge that you can immediately apply.”
Or as Roy Thomas of McIntosh Grounds Maintenance says, “We always say Equip is going to sell you a mower. The education will teach you how to make money with that mower.”
Education and workshop sessions offered include such topics as:
• Recruiting and retaining employees
• Scaling your business
• Understanding key financial metrics to boost profitability
• Developing crew leaders into better managers
• Pesticide management and application
• Irrigation repair, installation, and design
• Outdoor lighting design and installation
• Outdoor pool design, installation, and maintenance
• Tree and shrub pruning and plant health
• Working with private equity to expand – or sell – your business
• New industry technology
• And much more!
Spanish language workshops will be back by popular demand and will highlight developing your foreman as a leader among other topics.
Equip Expo’s new Certification Center will provide continuing education units (CEUs) for turfgrass cultural practices, turfgrass nutrient management, weed management in turfgrass, interpreting pesticide labels in the turfgrass industry, and more.
An exam for Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialists (CAIS) will be offered, with reduced pricing for Irrigation Association members.
Peer-led events
Landscaper-led events are back at Equip and continue to offer landscapers a platform to connect and grow together. Hear honest conversations between leading voices in the industry about marketing, hiring, sales and leadership at ENERGIZE, which takes place Thursday, October 17, at 2 p.m.
Also, the Morning Show at Expo, held Thursday, October 17, at 8 a.m., sponsored by Kohler Engines, will combine the largest gathering of in-industry professionals at Equip and guest interviews that help contractors find opportunities in their businesses. Both events are included with your Equip registration.
The Dealer Management track will help outdoor power equipment personnel think through whether it’s smart to open a new location, how to exceed sales goals, keeping departments working together smoothly, and delivering great customer experiences.
“If you're looking to grow your business, this is the place to be,” sums up Mandy Muschler of Lochness LLC.
Contractor education partners at this year’s show include Landscape Management, the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, the Irrigation Association, and the Pool and Hot Tub Association. Dealer education is provided by the Equipment and Engine Training Council and Bob Clements International. Attendees also have access to sessions produced by Hardscape North America and the Professional Grounds Management Society.
Some class registrations are an additional cost to registration for Equip Exposition, which is also why now is an excellent time to take advantage of spring promotional pricing of $25 for Equip Expo registration. This pricing ends on May 31. Register now before prices go up to $30 on June 1, 2024 during Early Bird registration. Register here today.
For more on the education offerings at Equip visit https://www.equipexposition.com/education.
