Equip Expo is SOLD OUT! Big Changes Ahead & a World Record Attempt w/ Kris Kiser

Summary

Green Industry Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Equip Expo is SOLD OUT! Big Changes Ahead & a World Record Attempt w/ Kris Kiser
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Host: Paul Jamison
Guest: Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Theme: Inside Scoop on Equip Expo 2026: Sold-Out Status, Venue Rotations, a Guinness World Record Attempt, and Practical Advice for Attendees

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Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Paul Jamison sits down in Louisville, Kentucky with Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, to discuss the sold-out Equip Expo 2026. They cover the growth of the event, exciting new changes—including upcoming rotations to Orlando—a Guinness World Record attempt with Relco, and why Equip Expo is a must-attend for lawn care and landscaping professionals.

The discussion is loaded with actionable tips for attendees, behind-the-scenes insight, and industry camaraderie, all delivered in a warm and energetic tone.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting & Event Preview

• Location: Louisville’s Turfmont Great Lawn, a premier community spot and the venue for a Guinness World Record mowing attempt (01:34).
  • Kris Kiser: “The Turfmont Great Lawn…my foundation sponsors this…a gathering spot for the city.” (01:34)
  • The upcoming world record attempt will use a field marked like a football field for a speed mowing record with Relco’s new engine product.

2. Equip Expo 2026: Status & Growth

• Sold Out Early: Exhibit spaces are sold out earlier than ever before (02:12).
  • Kris Kiser: “We’re sold out…Earliest ever…Registrations are running a little ahead of last year, so each year we set a new benchmark.” (02:12)
• Growth Over the Years: Attendees increased from 17,000 pre-2022, nearly 30,000 in 2025, with expectations to cross that line this year (04:42, 05:23).
  • “We grew from 17,000 to 30,000 attendees.” (04:42)
  • “Last year we got 29,988…scratching 30,000.” (05:23)

3. Venue Updates & Future Rotations

• Orlando Addition Starting 2029: After Louisville, Orlando will rotate in as a host city due to its large, accessible facilities (02:41, 03:18).
  • Paul Jamison: “I go to the PGA show down there…such a great space for a trade show.”
  • Kris Kiser: “Very, very few places can hold us…north of a million two square feet.” (03:32)
• Unique Qualities of Louisville: Louisville offers unmatched outdoor demo opportunities—key for the industry.
  • “One of the reasons we’re going to rotate every other year is Louisville has a very, very unique outdoor setup.” (03:32)
  • The show’s team and offices are based in Louisville.

4. Event Experience: What to Expect

• Advice for Attendees:

  • Don’t try to do the whole show in one day—arrive early and stay for the full experience (07:31).
    • Kris Kiser: “Don’t do this show in a day. Come early, spend the money, get a hotel and take it all in. That’s the way to maximize it.” (07:31)
  • Networking and peer learning are as valuable as sessions.
    • “Those interactions…is where learning takes place.” (12:15)

• Major Events:

  • Opening Reception: Tuesday evening at Churchill Downs’ First Turn Club, with food, drinks, and iconic Louisville hospitality (08:35, 12:11).
  • Concert & Closing Reception: Concert at 4th Street Live on Wednesday; closing party at Paristown Point—a new venue with food, music, and bourbon tasting (08:35).
  • Show Floor: Over 1.25 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits, equipment trials, and software demos (07:31).

• Community Feel:

  • Kris Kiser: “For me, this…is a family reunion. I get to see people once a year. All 50 states, 52 countries, and so we’re a global show here in Louisville.” (15:05)
  • The show fills up hotels and restaurants throughout the city, fostering valuable peer-to-peer exchanges.

5. Podcasting & Influencer Presence

• Expanded Podcast Pavilion:
  • Origin story: Podcasters were once stuck in a janitor’s closet — now, they’re central to the event, with a dedicated main ballroom for live podcasting (13:47).
  • Paul Jamison: “Thursday we’re going to be podcasting from room B103 starting at 8am…the main ballroom…standing room only.” (13:47)
  • Influencers including Naylor, Cornell Mac, Caleb Allman, John Pajak, and others will participate.

6. Logistics, Tips & Discounts

• Registration Discount: Listeners can use code “PAUL” for 50% off tickets (15:28).
• Hotel & Travel Advice: Book ASAP; Louisville sells out fast and prices rise closer to the show.
  • “Hotel…blocks will fill. And the hotels know they can sell, they’re going to sell the rooms out.” (15:54)
  • “If you want to be where the hip folks are, it’s NuLu out east…shopping and food.” (15:54)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Show Growth & Reach:

  • “We fill up the place. 30,000. We fill up the place. So if you’re in a hotel…in an elevator, the odds are very good you’re going to be with somebody going to equip.” — Kris Kiser (12:15)

• On the Importance of Community:

  • “This is my 20th year and so it’s my 20th show. And I think they just get better every year … It’s a family reunion.” — Kris Kiser (15:05)

• On Attendee Value:

  • “It’s good for business. We wouldn’t be here in our 43rd year, the biggest we’ve ever been, if we weren’t doing something right.” — Kris Kiser (07:31)

• On Social Media & Podcasters:

  • “I’m very grateful for you guys. You help the business…trying to help landscapers succeed…and the value of these managed green spaces…it’s a team.” — Kris Kiser (06:18)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 01:16 | Setting the scene: Louisville and world record attempt | | 02:12 | Sold-out status and growth of Equip Expo | | 03:18 | Future rotation to Orlando | | 04:42 | Transition from GIE to Equip; attendee growth stats | | 07:31 | Why pros should attend—networking and business value | | 08:35 | Schedule: Opening reception and major events | | 12:11 | Hospitality and peer networking at the event | | 13:47 | Podcasting’s growth at Equip Expo | | 15:05 | Kris reflects on 20 years of Equip | | 15:54 | Lodging and travel advice from Kris |

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Conclusion

This episode provides a lively, inside look at why Equip Expo has become the green industry’s can’t-miss event, with Kris Kiser sharing both practical attendee advice and an infectious sense of community spirit. Between the world record excitement, the record-breaking growth, and a rotating venue expansion, Equip Expo is set to offer more than ever for lawn care and landscaping professionals aiming to level up their businesses.

Key CTA:
Don’t wait—register early using code PAUL for 50% off and secure your hotel now for the best rates and availability!

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Transcript

[A]

I'm Kiana and I leveled up my business with Shopify. Once I figured out that Shopify was a thing, I never turned back. I can create a site with my eyes closed. Shopify thinks ahead of us, you know, and it thinks about the customer more than anything. Every day I'm thinking about some other new business, but Shopify is doing it to me because it's so easy to use. It's like I can't stop. I'm addicted. Start your free [e-mail].

[B]

Hello and welcome to the green industry podcast, your go to guide for building a more profitable and thriving lawn care and landscaping business. Your host, Paul Jamison is the author of five best selling books including cut that grass and make that Cash and his latest, level up your money, all available on Amazon and Audible. Now get ready for more expert insights and practical strategies to boost your business and level up your life. Here's Paul Jamison.

[C]

Welcome to Louisville, Kentucky. Today on the program we have the president of the Outdoor power equipment institute, Mr. Chris Kaiser.

[D]

Paul, nice to see you. Thanks for coming up. Yeah.

[C]

We are in your neck of the woods today in Louisville.

[D]

You are home. So equip home. My home turf. Mutts home.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

And hopefully the home of a new Guinness record.

[C]

Absolutely. It's the Guinness World Records here. And what, what is our venue here?

[D]

We are on the Turfmont Great Lawn. The turf. My foundation sponsors this. We provide monies for the Great Lawn to the Waterfront park group. I'm on the Waterfront park board of directors and this is a gathering spot for the city. So lots of derby stuff. Thunder, the Glow up balloon race all happens here on the community park. But today Relco is going to set a Guinness record in mowing this. It is sprayed out as a football field and it's regulation size. And we're going to set a speed record with their new engine product.

[C]

Fantastic. Well, Chris, how's registrations and everything looking for Equip Expo 2026?

[D]

I'm not supposed to say until June 1st because that's when our second payments are due, but we're sold out.

[C]

Wow.

[D]

Earliest ever. And we've, you know, found a. Every year we try to find a few more square feet, but we're sold out. So it looks good. Registrations are running a little ahead of last year, so each year we set a new benchmark. So we're very excited about the show this year and importantly, we're excited about the Orlando rotation starting in 2, 9. But we're delighted that you came all the way up Here from Florida to be here for this event. So we're looking forward to it.

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. So when you say sold out, you have exhibitors, but there's only space for a thousand or so. And those are all sold out.

[D]

Yeah, all the exhibit spaces are sold out. And so existing footprint. That's real estate that they get right of first refusal on. We have a number of folks on our wait list, and we've got a lot of folks on a relocation. You know, there's prime space and a lot of folks want to be in certain places. So we've got a lot of relocation requests now. Next year with a new building, you know, they open a new building out to kec. We're going to move to a point system, and that'll help us set up for Orlando and so people can pick their real estate.

[C]

Yeah, I'm really excited for Orlando. I go to the PGA show down there, and I was walking the halls and I was like, man, this was. This is such a great space for a trade show. And then a few weeks later, I got the news that you guys are coming there. So great choice.

[D]

Anyway, there are very, very few places that can hold us. We're north of a million two square feet. Very, very few facilities that can handle us and have some outdoor space. Now, Louisville's quite unique. One of the reasons we're going to rotate every other year is Louisville has a very, very unique outdoor setup that, you know. Well, we'd like actually for them to expand on that, improve that, and we're going to work with the KEC on that as they go through their next phase of redevelopment. But Louisville's still home for the show. Our staff is here. Our offices are literally across the street.

[C]

Oh, really?

[D]

Yeah. This. The turf mud's here almost every day. So this is her walking. Her walking spot.

[C]

Restroom. This restroom facility. Yep.

[D]

If I let her out, she'll come right over here and go, it's beautiful. Real world conditions. Yeah, it's beautiful grass, and it takes a beating. That's one. Again, one of the things we champion is the turf grass. And this is gets underwater this time. Derby time. Last year this was fully submerged, and it bounces back again. It's testament to the resilience of turf grass.

[C]

So what year did you guys take over Equip? It used to be the GIE Plus Expo. There was some changes. What year was that?

[D]

2. 2. So in 22, we took full ownership of the show and brought the management in house. Until that time, it had an independent management firm, and we Created the staff here, opened an office on Main street, And since then, 232425, we've sold out every year. We've grown it every year. We grew from 17,000 to 30,000 attendees. Really?

[C]

So it was 17,000.

[D]

19.

[C]

19. Okay.

[D]

Yeah, we lost. We lost the COVID year, of course. So 20. We. We didn't have a show. So we've grown it materially now again, we think we're going to significantly grow the show in Orlando, globalize the show, internationalize the show. It's, you know, it's an easier place to get to by, by playing.

[C]

So what was the attendance in 2223 and 2 4?

[D]

It grew each year. And so it would have been in the 20s. And we finally got to like 28.5 year before last. And last year we got. It's 29, 9 88. It's. We're scratching 30,000. Okay.

[C]

So this year at this stage of the year, compared to last year, is the registration the same less or more?

[D]

Just a little ahead, really. We're a little ahead.

[C]

So we could possibly get 30,000 this year.

[D]

And it's, you know, an election year can be a headwind year and there is some uncertainty with tariffs, gasoline prices, travel costs, etc. That uncertainty is a bit of a damper. But we are now we're. We're tracking right where we were last year.

[C]

Let's go 30,000. That would be fantastic. You've been on podcast and I think that's had a lot of, you know, to do with so much social media content around all of this. So what's that been like for you to. You're, you know, you're making the circuits, you know, all the podcasters names, you

[D]

know, I'm very grateful for you guys. You helped the business and you. The thing I like and you and I talk about it is you're trying to help landscapers do better, landscapers succeed, learn the B2B opportunities that the show presents. And so I really very much appreciate the work you do. I love being here with you to talk about this kind of thing and the value of these managed green spaces. It's what we do, it's what our people do and equip, hopefully empowers folks to do that, take their business to the next level. And you and the other influencers, I see them standing out here, help our attendees do that. So it's a team and I, you know, me, I love it.

[C]

Yeah. Naylor is supposed to be here. He's out. I text him where you at he's

[D]

like, I'm out on a boat. I'm like, he's out on a boat. Well, we do have some water out there.

[C]

I don't think he's on the Ohio River. I think he's back home in Virginia. So he's not here.

[D]

But glad you made it. We had quite a bit of weather today, so they'll have real world conditions. The field's pretty wet as they try to get this record in. But yeah, it was raining pretty tough this morning.

[C]

Well, thankfully our audience has been growing like crazy on social media. There's a lot of people that haven't been to Equip Expo. They hear me talking about it. Why should somebody who's on the fence come to Louisville, Kentucky for Equip Expo this year?

[D]

You know, it's, it's, it's good for business. We wouldn't be here in our 43rd year, the biggest we've ever been, if we weren't doing something right. We try to listen and so we listen to you, we listen to our attendees and we try to bring them education and counseling and keynoters and you name it, in, in ways to improve their business. And that's what we want. And so the exhibitors bring the latest and greatest, the best equipment, software. It's a test before you invest, environment so you can see it inside where it's nice and dry and air conditioned or you can get outside and get on the machine. So it's one of those things. But I do encourage folks if you're going to come, it's a big show, right? It's a million 250,000 square feet indoor, outdoor and we have social stuff and all the peer to peer opportunities to engage with one another as we're learning takes place. But don't do this show in a day. Come early, take, spend the money, get a hotel and take it all in. That's the way to maximize it.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

And it's really a Tuesday evening through Friday afternoon show. What happens on Tuesday evening for the opening event?

[D]

We have an opening reception. We're at the iconic Churchill Downs. We've been there now, this will be our third year. You folks seem to really like it out there. It's a beautiful spot, the First Turn Club. We squeeze it, get about 6,000 people in there. But it's a beautiful spot to get to the iconic Churchill Downs for the opening. We'll have a concert Wednesday night at 4th Street Live and a new venue for our closing and it's called Paris Town Point. It does have A concert venue, a couple food venues and importantly, Uncle Bougie's is there. It's a bourbon tasting experience and so its own little community just off of Broadway, east of downtown. So we'll take care of you if you get here. You just gotta get here

[C]

real quick

[F]

before we move on. If you're tired of buying equipment blind or running your crew the same way, hoping something changes, get yourself to Equip Exposition this October in Louisville. Test drive the best equipment from every major manufacturer in one place. Come see me at the morning show. Check out Equip's education sessions built for guys actually running crews. Use my code, Paul registration to save 50% on your pass. The link is in today's show notes. Most jobs go to the first contractor that picks up the phone. But you can't answer the phone when

[C]

you're on a lawnmower.

[F]

So here's a solution. It's called Voice Assist by CallRail. I'm going to show you how it works. I'm going to call a pest control company that uses Voice Assist. Take a listen.

[C]

Hi.

[E]

Thanks for calling the pest patrol. I'm Betty, a virtual assistant. What's bugging you?

[F]

Hey, Betty, I wanted to see if you could schedule somebody to come out, take a look at my property and give me a quote for pest control. I was looking for yearly service.

[E]

Sure, I can help with that. Do you have any questions about our services before we get started? Collecting some details.

[F]

What would it cost to come once a quarter?

[E]

We offer a quarterly service plan with four treatments per year. The cost typically ranges from $350 to $480 annually. Keep in mind, final pricing depends on an in person evaluation.

[F]

Yeah, let's get one scheduled.

[E]

Can I have your first and last name, please?

[F]

Paul Jamison.

[E]

I've got several openings. For example, on Thursday, March 19, we have 10am 10:30am 11am and more throughout the afternoon. Would any of those work for you?

[F]

Yeah, 10am Works.

[E]

Your appointment is confirmed for Thursday, March 19th at 10am and a confirmation email has been sent. Could you share the address of the location where you'd like the service?

[F]

Sure. It's 1234 Main Street.

[E]

Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

[F]

Oh, that's it. Thank you so much, Betty.

[E]

Thank you for your call.

[C]

Well, did you hear that?

[F]

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[C]

And there's food and drinks at the opening reception of Churchill Downs.

[D]

You we have food, drinking everything. We are, you know, Louisville's known for its legendary hospitality, its food and cocktails and we take care of you in all three of those places. We want you to have a good time. We, we very much believe in the peer to peer experience. We're citywide 30,000. We fill up the place. So if you're in a hotel and you're in an elevator, the odds are very good you're going to be with somebody going to equip. Same thing in a restaurant. We fill the place up. So those interactions is where learning takes place, is how did you handle the latest tariff or the latest tax consequence. And we want you to have some fun while you're here. A lot of work goes on during the show hours. We want you to have some fun when you have some free time.

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. And then Wednesday the shows opens at 9am for dealers, noon for the regular tickets.

[D]

You bet. So dealer time. We have a dealer breakfast that's new that morning. The keynote is at 11 o'.

[C]

Clock.

[D]

We have Mike Holmes from HGTV coming in. He knows our stuff pretty well.

[C]

We got big shoes to fool because last year Jesse Cole from the Savannah Bananas was that was epic.

[D]

You know, it was tough act to follow and you said that right. He Mike's a great guy, but Cole was off the chain.

[C]

That was awesome.

[D]

Yeah, we lucked out with him and that's what we wanted. We like to bring folks you're not going to normally see. You know, we go into our pocket for this stuff. We invest, we buy our parking, keynote, you name it. We spend some money to improve the experience for our attendees. So this year we'll have the keynotes at 11 and we open the show

[C]

at noon and then noon to 5 on Wednesday. Thursday we're going to be podcasting from room B103 starting at 8am in the morning. Naylor's going to be there. Cornell Mac's going to be there. Caleb Allman is Going to be there. Myself, John Pajac, Mike Garvey. We're going to be podcasting from the main ballroom. And I want to say thank you, Chris, because a few years ago we asked Evan, hey, can we do a podcast show? And he's like, yeah, we'll put you up in the Janner's closet up in the corner on the, on the Friday morning, like down the hallway and. And we in a standing room only. So that caught you.

[D]

We had to be sure. Right.

[C]

8am, standing room only. How is that?

[D]

That's pretty good. And so we recognize that. So we've been, we're working hard. Yes. Get you guys. Every year we try to get you better space and you are your family. And so we, we're going to do everything we can to get you a good, safe space this year.

[C]

So we appreciate that. So That's Thursday morning, 8:00am, room B, 103. Coffee, don't the very good donuts. And then we podcast it from 8 to 9:30. And then the show's open all day 9 to 5. And then we run it back Friday from 9. 9 to 1 outside, 9 to 2 inside.

[D]

Exactly. You've done this before?

[C]

Yes, sir, every year since 2017. Was there anything we're leaving out here? Needs address, Chris.

[D]

You know, this is my 20th year and so it's my 20th show. And I think they just get better every year. And for me, this, you and I've discussed it. It's a family reunion. I get to see people once a year. I always see them at the show. But it's a good time, It's a fun time. And people come year over year, all 50 states, 52 countries. And so we're a global show here in Louisville, Kentucky.

[C]

Yes, sir. And you guys can save half off 50% off your tickets with the promo code, Paul. So Mr. Producer will put a link in today's show notes. You click on that as you're fill. Filling out the form, there's a little space that says promotional code, type in my name, Paul P, A, U, L. And your ticket prices will drop by half off 50%. So secure those tickets. And for your hotels, where do you recommend staying, Chris? Because this fills up fast.

[D]

It fills up fast. Do that now. So hotel and those numbers go up. And so the week our blocks will fill. And the hotels know they can sell, they're going to sell the rooms out. And so the prices will increase over time. Same thing with airplanes. Get those tickets now. They're going to be cheaper downtown. If you want to be near the events there. If you want to be out near the KC and other group hotels out there shopping, you know, hip if you if you want to be where the hip folks are, it's new loo out east. There's a lot of shopping and food. So Louisville is kind of a town of communities, Germantown, J Town, Butchtown. And so kind of get online look at where you might want to be. But they fill up fast. It's sage advice. Take it. Get that Book that hotel now.

[F]

Awesome.

[C]

We look forward to seeing you guys in Louisville, Kentucky at Equip Expo 2026. It's always good having you on the show, Chris. Thank you.

[D]

Travel Safer bud.

[C]

Foreign.

[B]

Hey, it's Marty, producer of the Green Industry Podcast. This episode is over, but check the episode notes for links to products and services that you heard about during the episode. And thanks for listening.

[G]

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