Previewing The 2023 Utility Expo

Early indications are that The Utility Expo, running September 26-28, 2023 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, will have six percent more exhibit space than the record-breaking show in 2021. The show, dedicated to contractors and other companies that service the utility industry, will feature more than 850 exhibitors and 50 education sessions during its return to Louisville.

The Utility Expo is the premiere event for utility industry professionals to gain comprehensive insight into the latest technologies, innovations and trends affecting their industry.

“Our team worked to create additional space this year while grouping similar product types together better, making it even easier for everyone to find what they’re looking for,” said John Rozum, show director of The Utility Expo. “That’s important given the show covers more than 1.4 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits.”

Utility and infrastructure pros are not only able to see and experience the latest overhead and underground infrastructure equipment and technologies at work, they will also have a new space to gather and recharge. The new Community Zone experience, located in the North Lobby, will feature daily events including presentations, live music and samples of local products.

“The Community Zone is both a place for attendees to gather and recharge, but also a gateway to the City of Louisville itself,” Rozum explained. “We hope everyone that stops by this area is then inspired to explore this fascinating city at the end of the show day.”

Another feature at The Utility Expo is the free “Utility Rocks” street party Wednesday at 8 p.m., featuring local rock band The Crashers at Louisville’s famous Fourth Street LIVE! outdoor stage.

Utility sector meet up

The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends.

The Utility Expo targets utilities providing electric transmission, electric distribution, natural gas distribution, natural gas transmission, telecommunications, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services as well as the contractors who provide utilities with infrastructure engineering and construction services.

The biennial trade show, known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations, is organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). AEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports 2.3 million jobs and contributes roughly $316 billion to the economy every year.

The Utility Expo has announced an education lineup that provides a mix of field classrooms, educational workshops, and free sessions talking about everything from new technologies, traffic safety, locating and more.

Continuing education and professional development hours are important parts of the utility industry, and learning about new technologies and equipment is a continued focus of the The Utility Expo. The show has updated session offerings based on attendee feedback, and utility pros can learn the skills and information they need to make their businesses more profitable and efficient.

“The industry comes together at The Utility Expo to see and experience the latest overhead and underground infrastructure equipment at work,” said Rozum. “Our education offerings at the show range from peer-to-peer demos to professional instruction. Whether you prefer to learn in the classroom or in the driver’s seat, The Utility Expo has you covered.”

Safety first

New this year, The Utility Expo features a Safety Symposium, with 10 sessions and two different certifications from the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA).

“The education programs ATSSA will present at The Utility Expo can help participants expand their knowledge about traffic safety while on the job,” said Rozum. “This is a great opportunity for contractors to bring their crew to hear about emerging safety technologies or to become a traffic control technician and earning an ATSSA Flagger Certification, while also checking out the latest equipment on the show floor.”

Many of the educational sessions at The Utility Expo will allow participants to earn professional development hours (PDHs), which are necessary for a number of certifications and licenses.

“Advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD): Challenges and Good Practices for a Successful Installation,” with Sam Ariaratnam will be held Tuesday and Wednesday. Utility pros will walk through considerations including geological conditions, locating technologies and mapping tools to improve jobsite productivity and end the job with a successful installation. The course is eligible for 1.5 PDHs.

“Electromagnetic Underground Utility Locating,” with Mike Parilac will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Utility pros will walk through how electromagnetic locating instruments interpret information, letting the user better understand the accuracy of each measurement, and how to use improved knowledge of the devices to improve locating results. This session is eligible for 1.5 PDHs.

“Safety Tech Trek,” with Monica Rakoczy will be held Tuesday and Wednesday. Utility pros will take a tour of the new and exciting innovations in the utility and construction industry that will make safety easier and more manageable on the jobsite. It’s eligible for 1.5 PDHs.

“Everything You Need To Know as a New Engineer,” with Doug Houseman is scheduled for Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon or all-day Wednesday. Engineers focused on the utility industry will take part in a conversation about how utility equipment is used, how to think about it on the jobsite and advantages and disadvantages of different types of equipment in different situations. It is eligible for up to 8 PDHs.

The Jobsite from Planet Underground returns to host free peer-to-peer demonstrations of Predictive Analytics Software, Electromagnetic locating, Ground Penetrating Radar, Subsurface Utility Engineering, Underground RFID Marking Devices and GIS Mobile Applications.

KHL Group and reps from its access, rental, power and crane and rigging magazines (including ACT) will be on hand to greet attendees at booth N757.