Previewing The Utility Expo 2025

The 2025 Utility Expo returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, October 7–9.

The countdown is on for the Utility Expo 2025, which returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, October 7–9. Already recognized as the largest and fastest-growing trade show in the utility construction sector, the upcoming edition promises to raise the bar once again. Organizers expect more than 21,000 utility professionals and contractors to walk the show floor, which spans an impressive 1.5 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Hosted every two years by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the Utility Expo brings together all facets of the industry, from electric transmission and distribution to natural gas, telecommunications, water, wastewater and stormwater services. For contractors, engineers and utility operators, the Expo offers a hands-on opportunity to explore new products, test-drive equipment and connect with peers and experts from across North America and beyond.

A learning destination

Beyond the equipment on display, the Expo doubles as a powerful training ground. This year, attendees will find 30-plus field classrooms and education sessions, designed to tackle real-world challenges while earning continuing education credits. The format mixes in-depth workshops, peer-to-peer demonstrations and jobsite simulations, giving participants multiple ways to learn, whether from the seat of a classroom or from the cab of a machine.

“At The Utility Expo, we meet professionals where they are, on the job, in the field and ready to grow,” said Brianne Somers, Show Director of The Utility Expo. “The field classroom sessions are a direct response to the evolving needs of our workforce. They’re hands-on, time-efficient and packed with real-world insights that utility and construction professionals can apply immediately. This is about preparing the next generation of leaders with the tools and knowledge to succeed in a fast-moving industry.”

Image created by AI with assistance from ChatGPT

Educational highlights include safety-focused workshops, leadership discussions and sessions covering everything from trenchless technology to utility mapping. Each program emphasizes practical skills and forward-looking solutions, ensuring attendees leave with actionable insights for their crews and companies.

New in 2025

Every edition of the Utility Expo introduces new features, and 2025 is no exception. Among this year’s highlights:

• HDD Rodeo Showcase – A live competition spotlighting the precision and efficiency of leading horizontal directional drilling crews.
• NUCA Equipment Operators Challenge – A high-profile contest that celebrates and tests the industry’s top operators.
• Damage Prevention LIVE! – An interactive area hosted by the Common Ground Alliance, focused on protecting underground infrastructure and advancing jobsite safety.

Across the industry

What sets the Utility Expo apart is its comprehensive scope. Attendees will see the latest solutions for electric and gas utilities, telecommunications networks and water systems, as well as products and services for contractors supporting infrastructure engineering and construction.

The outdoor demo areas remain a signature draw, giving visitors the chance to climb in, try out and compare equipment side by side. From fleet vehicles to attachments and safety technologies, the Expo transforms the Kentucky Exposition Center into a real-world jobsite for three days.

While the exhibits and sessions take center stage, the Utility Expo also provides plenty of opportunities for networking and connection. Lounges and community areas encourage informal conversations, while evening events, such as concerts and receptions, extend the learning and collaboration beyond the show floor.