The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) will rebrand and relaunch GIE+EXPO in 2022 as Equip Exposition. The show will reinvest in the host city of Louisville while starting a new chapter for the industry’s largest trade show.
“The opening of our new office shows the investment our industry has in the event and in its long-standing location of Louisville,” said Kris Kiser, president of OPEI. “With OPEI bringing the management of the show wholly under the association’s umbrella, it was time to reenvision the event while honoring its long history.”
With the launch of Equip Exposition, the OPEI board of directors and Kiser, joined by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Michael Berry, and other invited guests, cut the ribbon on new show offices on Main Street Tuesday night. Equip Exposition will bring on veteran show management staff and Karen Williams, longtime head of Louisville Tourism, as senior vice president of partnerships and development.
Plans are already underway to expand education opportunities and enhance the attendee and exhibitor experience in Louisville:
- Trace Adkins will headline the concert series
- David Feherty will give the opening keynote
- Landscape Management magazine, Bob Clements International and the Professional Grounds Management Society will host a series of educational workshops
- The TurfMutt Foundation will launch the first-ever Mulligan’s 5K and Fun Run in downtown Louisville
“Equip Exposition is where the landscape changes and is the place for landscape contractors, outdoor power equipment dealers, distributors and manufacturers to connect, learn, and grow,” Kiser said. “The trade show remains the best place to connect with your peers, network, and gain a competitive business edge.”
The rebranded show will take place Oct. 19-21, 2022 in Louisville.
