LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thousands of landscaping and contracting professionals will converge on the Kentucky Exposition Center this fall as Equip Exposition 2026 returns to Louisville for its annual four-day showcase of equipment, education and networking opportunities.

The event, which runs Oct. 20-23, will feature a combination of indoor exhibits and 30 acres of outdoor demonstration space where attendees can test and compare landscaping, contracting and equipment manufacturing products in working conditions.

Organizers describe Equip as the industry's largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, equipment dealers and outdoor power equipment manufacturers. "People want to test equipment, network, get training, and find new ways to make money," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns the exposition.

This year's headliner is HGTV personality Mike Holmes, host of "Holmes Family Rescue," who will deliver the Wednesday morning keynote. Holmes is known for his "make it right" philosophy and his work shaping how homeowners approach building and renovation. Susan Packard, a media entrepreneur who helped create HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, will keynote the Women's Leadership Reception on Thursday.

Among returning features is the Outdoor Demo Yard, where attendees can operate equipment including utility vehicles on a course with hills, curves, rocks, water and mud. An expanded Tree Care Arena in Freedom Hall will showcase live arborist demonstrations on a 50-foot tree, positioning tree care as a revenue opportunity for landscaping businesses.

The event extends across Louisville's hospitality venues, with a welcome reception at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, a block party and concert featuring The Crashers at Fourth Street Live on Wednesday, and a closing celebration at Old Forester's Paristown Hall on Thursday. Mulligan's 5K Fun Run & Walk on Wednesday morning will benefit the Kentucky Humane Society.

Registration costs $30 through Sept. 10, rising to $60 on Sept. 11 and $120 on Oct. 20. Equip Academy, offering online access to recorded education sessions, costs $170 before Sept. 10.

The expo comes as organizers prepare for a significant change: Beginning in 2029, Equip will shift to a biennial rotation between Louisville and Orlando, with events scheduled for Orlando in odd-numbered years and Louisville in even-numbered years. That makes the next several Louisville shows particularly important for the city's convention and hospitality industries.