How Utility Pros Can Make the Most of Their Utility Expo Experience: Tips from Veteran Attendees
By: The Utility Expo staff
MILWAUKEE – The Utility Expo is back and bigger than ever. With 1.4 million square feet of equipment to see and the top manufacturers in the utility industry to meet, there’s a lot to see and do!
The Utility Expo asked veteran attendees and show staff to share their best advice for first timers coming to the show. Here are the top tips attendees need to know before they travel to Louisville, plus tips for maximizing time once there.
- Plan ahead
Spend some time reviewing the map of the show floor and all of the manufacturers and suppliers who will be exhibiting. (View Exhibitor Directory)
- Take advantage of flight discounts
Flight discounts are available for everyone on domestic and international flights to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). (View participating airlines and deals)
- Book a hotel with free transportation to and from the show
Check to see if the hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the show, saving money on parking. (View Hotel & Travel Information)
- Register for an education session
With The Utility Expo’s comprehensive education program, discover new strategies and techniques while making lasting connections with peers in the utility industry. This year The Utility Expo will have more education session options than any other year, with field classrooms, engineer sessions, Safety Symposium in association with the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and even more. See the Education page to learn more about the options and how to register for a session.
- Know when and where to pick up a show badge
Take advantage of remote badge pickup at the airport and multiple outdoor locations at the show. Attendees should be sure they are pre-registered and have a valid photo I.D. to be able to pick up their badge. Locations and times for pick-up can be found here.
- Download the official show mobile app
Featuring exhibitor locations, schedule of events, and more, the mobile app is the one-stop location for all the important information attendees will want onsite. The mobile app will be released in September and will be available on Apple and Android.
- Pack for all weather conditions
Mornings can be cool and afternoons can be hot or rainy, but with the right clothes, attendees will be ready for anything.
- Pack comfortable shoes
This is a demo show, so attendees should be prepared to get a little dust on their boots and put a few miles on!
BONUS TIP: Make sure to break in those new shoes before wearing them to the show.
- Pack a powerbank/an external battery charger
Attendees will be using their phone to take plenty of photos and videos of the awesome equipment and innovations on display. Attendees should be sure to bring an additional phone charger so they’re not left disconnected.
- Dine like a local
Check out this locally-curated list of restaurants from Yelp. Reservations are encouraged, especially for group dining.
- Attend The Utility Expo’s official street party at 4th Street Live!: UTILITY ROCKS!
Connect with fellow attendees Wednesday evening for UTILITY ROCKS! This free concert is located at 4th Street Live, one of Louisville’s premier dining and entertainment destinations. Grab dinner at any of the local restaurants and end the day on a high note with live music. The Crashers is Louisville’s own nationally recognized party band. Enjoy the wide variety of music from country to rock, grab a beer, and maybe even get some logoed swag from sponsors.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | 8:00PM – 11:00PM | 4th Street Live! (411 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202)
- Check out the all-new Community Zone
Located in the North Hall Lobby, join The Utility Expo for a comfortable, yet exciting place to rest, recharge, and get a taste of all that Louisville has to offer. Open throughout the duration of the show, the Community Zone will feature opportunities for prize giveaways, phone charging stations, and even a bourbon sampling on Tuesday afternoon.
- Operate the equipment
Arguably the best part of The Utility Expo is being able to compare equipment head-to-head and get hands-on demonstrations. Go ahead, get in, and get hands-on with the latest in the industry.
- Don’t get hung up on just visiting favorite brands
There are a lot of new technologies and companies to see and evaluate.
- Be curious
Exhibitors love to share knowledge, answer all the burning questions and listen to feedback.
- Snag some souvenirs and swag
Attendees will get so many freebies and swag! Plan to leave some extra space to bring them back home.
- Follow The Utility Expo on social media for the latest information
Stay up-to-date on the latest show information, follow The Utility Expo on each of the social channels!
Instagram LinkedIn YouTube TikTok Facebook Twitter
- Subscribe to The Utility Expo’s email newsletter
Get all the latest news about the utility industry and The Utility Expo 2023 by signing up for the free The Utility Expo newsletter here.
- The Utility Expo only comes around once every two years, make the most of it!
Have fun, make friends, and develop working relationships. The best way to do that is to make every effort to be at the show all three days.
Utility infrastructure professionals who register by September 25 can save 20 percent off the regular badge price by using code NEWS20.
About The Utility Expo
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 biennial trade show, known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations, takes place in Louisville, Ky. The next edition will be September 26-28, 2023.
About 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.
