Podcast Summary: Fullerton Unfiltered

Episode 947: The Buzz Around Equip Expo 2026… Here’s What We Know!
Host: Brian Fullerton
Guest: Chris Kaiser (President, OPEI)
Date: April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this engaging and information-packed episode, Brian Fullerton sits down with Chris Kaiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), to unpack the latest developments for Equip Expo 2026 and beyond. The conversation blends industry insight, practical advice, and exciting announcements—including a major update on venue changes and the future of this "Super Bowl" for green industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or new to the field, this episode delivers value, connection, and actionable takeaways about growing your business, leveraging industry events, and staying on top of emerging trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Equip Expo: The "Super Bowl" for Green Industry Professionals

• Overview & History

  • Now in its 43rd year, Equip Expo is considered the premier event in the industry.
  • Always in Louisville, Kentucky—but that’s about to change ([02:30] Chris).
  • Attendance has nearly doubled in just three years, from 17,000 to 30,000, making it the city’s #3 moneymaker behind the Derby ([02:30] Chris).

• Growth & Recognition

  • Recognized as one of the fastest-growing 50 trade shows in the U.S.
  • OPEI took over ownership in 2022, instituting rapid expansion and innovation ([03:40] Chris).

2. OPEI: The Industry’s Voice in Washington

• Role & Influence
  • "OPEI is the trade association for equipment manufacturers..." ([04:36] Chris).
  • Advocates and lobbies at federal and state levels, works with EPA, and connects with industry in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Provides shipment reports, forecasting, and owns the Equip Exposition and Turf Mutt Foundation.

3. Market Trends: Battery, Robotics, and AI

• Technology Shifts

  • "AI tools... any AI tool that makes the attendee experience... more valuable, we are looking at software and AI tools in that space." ([05:50] Chris)
  • Robotics, automation, and battery tech are rapidly advancing.
  • Gas-powered equipment still dominates commercial market, but battery growth is strong, especially on the consumer side.

• Economic Uncertainty & Tariffs

  • Tariff fluctuations are a major challenge: “It’s just uncertainty. And our guys are in product cycles, right? It’s three, five, ten year product cycles. And so it just becomes very challenging.” ([08:18] Chris)
  • Fuel costs, global events, and political shifts have a direct impact on pricing and forecasting.

4. The Value of Equip Expo: Learning, Networking, and Fun

• Education & Peer-to-Peer Learning

  • “One of the things we do at Expo is try to get you folks together where you can learn from one another. That’s genuine learning, the peer to peer.” ([11:17] Chris)
  • Equip Expo offers free and paid classes, expert speakers, and intentional opportunities for real business growth.

• Memorable Experiences: Jesse Cole’s Keynote

  • The 2025 keynote by Jesse Cole (Savannah Bananas) was a major highlight:
    • "That was, we invested in Jesse Cole. Hit it out of the park." ([14:07] Chris)
    • Crowds packed the room and spilled into overflow spaces—“There were people all around the monitors watching.” ([13:24] Chris/Brian)

• Business ROI and Community

  • Not a public show, but a B2B event focused on providing concrete ROI for attendees—whether through deals, education, or networking ([15:58] Chris).
  • Create connections directly with company engineers, top executives, peers, and industry leaders.
  • “I always say, you gotta go at least once. Make the pilgrimage!” ([15:19] Brian)
  • Brian’s company now sends new crew leads to Equip Expo for the ‘big picture’ experience ([18:50] Brian).

5. Community Events & Social Media Influence

• Rise of Influencer Culture
  • “I watched you and others form…a posse. But you have real followers and the thing I like is that you want to help folks grow their business, help them understand equip…” ([20:19] Chris)
  • Community-organized meetups like Energize, The Morning Show, and various group events are officially supported and thriving.

6. Hot News: Equip Expo Going Bicoastal

• Orlando Joins the Rotation

  • "In our 45th year, we're going to rotate into Orlando. It's a premier facility for trade shows." ([24:37] Chris)
  • Start in 2029: The show will alternate annually between Louisville and Orlando through at least 2033.
  • Orlando offers increased international accessibility, more hotel rooms, and state-of-the-art meeting space.
  • Enhanced opportunities for global attendees and large dealer meetings.
  • Louisville will remain unique for its outdoor, hands-on exhibits (you can literally dig in the ground).
  • New KEC building coming to Louisville in 2027; expansion to bring in trailer, pool & spa, and other allied industries ([26:45] Chris).

• Quote:

  • "It's becoming a two-city show… You got to go to Orlando and you got to go to Louisville." ([26:04] Chris)

7. Pro Tips and Planning Advice

• Brian and Chris’s Tips:
  • “Go with intentionality…I'm going there with a list of things I want to see, people I want to meet, and a couple questions…” ([21:52] Brian)
  • Book hotels and flights ASAP: “Get your hotel now. Particularly if you're going to fly, get that ticket now. Everything goes up as you know, the stocks dwindle.” ([30:49] Chris)
  • Wear comfortable shoes—“She’s a big girl!” ([31:18] Chris)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Chris Kaiser on Industry Trends:
  • “Technology continues to grow and evolve. There are challenges. The tariff business injects uncertainty in the marketplace…” ([07:47])
• On Great Keynotes:
  • “We invested in Jesse Cole. Hit it out of the park.” ([14:07] Chris)
• On ROI:
  • “...You got to go home with something that helps the business.” ([15:58] Chris)
• On Changing Venues:
  • “Orlando is one of those. It’s a preeminent meeting space, but importantly, it has enhanced travel opportunities. The show is evolving globally.” ([24:37] Chris)
• On Planning:
  • “Plan. Get your hotel now…This show, you have to plan for it. In addition to your comfortable shoes…She's a big girl.” ([30:49] Chris)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:30] — Equip Expo’s history, significance, rapid growth
• [04:36] — The role of OPEI as a trade association and advocate
• [05:50] — Tech trends: AI, robotics, batteries, and challenges
• [13:24] — Jesse Cole’s keynote: a memorable Equip Expo moment
• [14:07] — Commitment to experiential & educational ROI
• [24:37] — Major announcement: Equip Expo to rotate to Orlando
• [26:45] — Louisville expansion, new building, and future planning
• [30:49] — Chris’s best planning advice and closing thoughts

Final Thoughts

Chris and Brian urge all green industry professionals—regardless of company size or experience level—to experience Equip Expo at least once. The event’s blend of education, exposure to technology, business networking, and industry camaraderie delivers unmatched ROI. With Equip Expo expanding to a two-city format, new opportunities and experiences await attendees for years to come.

“We want the show to work for our attendees and our exhibitors—100% and 100%.” ([21:40] Chris Kaiser)

Register early and prepare for an unforgettable, career-boosting experience.
For more information and registration: equip-exposition.com
Use promo code "BRIAN" for half-off registration (while available).