OPEI 11-2023 quarterly report

EQUIP EXPOSITION BREAKS RECORDS WITH MORE THAN 27,000 AT SOLD-OUT SHOW With more than a million square feet of exhibits and 30 acres outside, Equip Exposition once again broke records in atten- dance and exhibit space sales. The award-winning trade show expanded its usual foot- print at the Kentucky Exposition Center to add the West Wing this year due to space demands. The blockbuster trade show for the international landscape, outdoor living, and outdoor power equipment industry takes place every October and brings more than $21 million annually to Louisville. “The 2023 show was our largest to date – in attendance, in booth sales, sponsorships, and in education sessions,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Exposition. “It shows you how much companies and manufacturers want to be part of Equip Exposition and showcase their products to landscap- ers, dealers, and the entire industry. It is the place to be every October if you’re in this business.” With co-location partner Hardscape North America, Equip Expo fully occupied the North, East, and South halls of the

KEC with newly added square footage in the West Wing. Kiser adds, “We’ve now grown to fill all of the halls and have added a big part of the West Wing to our footprint. Not to mention, we have maxed out on outdoor demo space, which is one of our most popular features. It’s the only show in the industry where you can dig, cut, mow, mulch, and test equipment before buying. This year we also added select workshops in Spanish, a women’s reception, and an expand- ed UTV track outside.” This year’s Equip Expo brought together more than 27,000 registered attendees from all 50 states and 46 countries. Landscape contractor registrations increased by 20% over last year, and dealers were up 5%. Plans for 2024 are well under way, including a Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs, which will mark the 150th an- niversary of the Kentucky Derby in May 2024 with upgrades to the racetrack, as well as another arena concert at the Yum! Center in downtown Louisville. Registration for the 2024 show is now open. Admittance to the 2024 Equip Exposition is currently at the early bird price of $25 per person.

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