Returning to the event due to popular demand, Equip Exposition will once again be offering the Women's Leadership Reception, Thursday October 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Kentucky Exposistion Center (KEC). The reception will be preceded by a special panel discussion on women in the green industry. The Women’s Leadership Reception is sponsored by Belgard, Hunter Industries and SiteOne.
Equip Exposition is scheduled for October 21 to 24.
“Women are an important part of our almost 30,000 attendees and exhibitors who come to Equip, and we’re proud to offer the Women’s Reception and other networking opportunities to bring women leaders in the green industry together,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns the award-winning trade show.
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Just before the reception at 4:00 pm, there will be a panel discussion, “Power Players: Women Shaping the Future of the Industry,” which includes Sara Hey, President of Bob Clements International, Shelia Matthews, Chief People Officer at Wilson360, and Bre Schoultz, the content creator behind Chickanic. Panelists will share their experiences in the landscaping and outdoor power equipment industries.
Whether registered as exhibitors, landscapers, contractors, distributors, or dealers, all women attendees can participate in the panel and reception. Attendees need to RSVP to attend the reception when they register for Equip. After the reception, shuttle transportation will be provided from the KEC to the Kentucky International Convention Center for the Equip signature concert by Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson, sponsored by Gravely.
Thoughts From the Field
Christine Maegly of Advanced Contracting and Remodeling:
I think it’s important for women to feel recognized in such a male-dominated field. When you are outside this room, when you walk around, there are way more men than there are women. So, it’s nice to be able to connect with people.
Anjela Vandermark, owner of Concrete Heartbeat LLC:
Connecting with those people is key because they’ve run across the same problems that I’ve run across being a business owner. So, I just love that part of it.
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Bekah Ware, of Kato Compact Excavators:
It’s a really interesting and unique atmosphere to be able to be with other women in the industry because it’s such a small community. And once you start going to shows…it’s the same people, which is fantastic because then you get to form relationships.
Katlyn Rinaldi, CEO of L.G. Mowing in Massillon, Ohio:
More women in the industry also means more representation, which helps normalize female leadership, and it opens doors for the next generation of girls who might never have imagined a career in landscaping and lawn care.
Seeing other women overcome similar challenges reminds me that I’m not alone, and it’s helped me grow in confidence as a business owner.
Attendees can register to attend the trade show for the early bird price of only $30 through September 4, 2025. Sign up at EquipExposition.com. Ticket prices go to $60 on September 5, 2025, and to $120 on October 20, 2025.
