Equip Exposition will offer several Spanish-language education classes for landscapers and contractors during the award-winning trade show held October 21-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).
“Many Spanish-speaking landscapers and contractors are developing sizable businesses—and our Spanish language education offerings are popular. We offer classes to help these entrepreneurs develop their skills and knowledge so they can manage their businesses more efficiently and make more money,” said Kris Kiser, president & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition.
The educational session, “From Worker to Leader: Developing Your Foreman,” taught by Armando Actis, Equipment Manager for Landscape Illinois and a Judge for the Certified Landscaping Technician final exams, will look at developing your crew chief as a valuable leader, who successfully directs, motivates, and critiques employees while working side by side with them.
Managing former peers and friends can be especially challenging, and in these workshops, attendees will learn new skills and practice them through role-playing scenarios. They will also learn how crew leaders can more effectively handle tight deadlines, narrow margins and increase customer satisfaction.
The “From Worker to Leader” sessions have proven so popular that Kiser says attendees snapped up registrations quickly last year and two sections were sold out by mid-June.
"I don't care if you're a landscape, hardscape or construction crew leader, you still have to walk a fine line between working next to an employee, directing, motivating and critiquing, all at the same time,” said Actis. “Attendees in these classes appreciate the opportunity to work together and act out scenarios — and have to solve real-world problems with the crew in the field.”
“Great class, lots of information,” said Tony Clogg of Landscape and Snow Associates of a previous year’s sessions. “Our team really liked the on-the-job site examples.”
Turfgrass management and chemical application classes will also be part of the trade show’s Spanish-language education offerings in 2025.
Courses in turfgrass cultural practices, aerification, weed management and pesticide label interpretation, will be offered in both English and Spanish and taught by Dr. Manuel Chavarria from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
“This class is really about giving landscapers a well-rounded, hands-on learning experience,” Dr. Chavarria explained. “Our goal is to help them manage turfgrass more efficiently, which not only saves time and money but also leads to better results for their clients.”
Feedback and demand for these classes has been so positive that both English and Spanish language versions will be offered.
The trade show drew over 28,500 people last year. Attendees who register at EquipExposition.com before July 31, 2025 will be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree. Find out more at equipexposition.com
For information on exhibit space sales and sponsorships, contact the Equip Exposition office at [email protected] or call 502-536-7050.
