Marketing challenges face every business owner, and Equip Exposition attendees will learn from one of the most well-known marketers and entrepreneurs in the United States: Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole.
Founder of the popular baseball team, Cole will deliver the keynote address, sponsored by Kress, at the blockbuster trade show for landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers. The trade show drew 28,500 attendees last year.
Known for his banana yellow suit and brilliant marketing ideas, Cole will share what it takes to develop a great idea into a brand that people embrace and love. His story will delve into marketing brands and how to keep creativity flowing.
Those are lessons smart industry business owners are seeking to learn.
"There's just so much to learn from being around a group of growth-minded people who are really, truly just trying to better themselves and their businesses," said Mark Bradley of LMN and TBG Landscape, when asked what draws him to Equip Exposition.
Ideas from Cole will likely be hot discussion points for the trade show's legendary networking opportunities, which span a welcome reception at Churchill Downs where a new signature bourbon will debut this year, two concerts, a women's leadership reception sponsored by Belgard, Hunter Industries and SiteOne and more peer-to-peer activities.
Country stars Big & Rich and solo country artist Gretchen Wilson will perform an exclusive concert for show attendees at the Kentucky International Convention Center Thursday night of the show. The concert is included with the registration to Equip Exposition.
"We offer a number of social opportunities at Equip but they're created with purpose," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles and golf cars, which owns and manages the blockbuster show. "Unlike any other time of year, peers can talk with one another, get to know each other, at the show. It's especially a great opportunity for team building."
With more than 1.2 million sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, Equip Exposition is a "must see" for dozens of reasons, including the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, networking events, education and technical training in English and Spanish.
"Anything that has anything to do with marketing, it's here," said Keith Kalfas, a leading lawncare podcaster. If you've never been to the [Equip] Expo, you have to come at least once. Be committed, because once you get here, you're going to be like, whoa!"
