Marketing challenges face every business owner, and Equip Exposition attendees can learn from one of the most well-known marketers and entrepreneurs in the United States: Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole.
Founder of the baseball team, Cole will deliver the keynote address, sponsored by Kress, at the Equip Expo trade show for landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers. Being held Oct. 21-24 in the Derby City, the award-winning trade show drew a record-breaking 28,500 attendees last year.
Known for his eye-catching banana yellow suit and marketing ideas, Cole will share what it takes to develop a great idea into a brand that people embrace and love. His boot straps-to-success story will delve into marketing brands and how to keep creativity flowing.
“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, founder of LMN, when asked what draws him to Equip Exposition.
According to the exposition, ideas from Cole will likely be hot discussion points for the trade show’s networking opportunities, which span a welcome reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar where a new signature bourbon will debut this year. Plus, two concerts, a women’s leadership reception and more peer-to-peer activities will take place for attendees.
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 which owns and manages the 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 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, Equip Exposition includes 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 lawn care 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.’”
Registration is $25 through May 31, 2025.
