INDUSTRY NEWS
Following record-setting attendance in 2022 , Equip Exposition in 2023 will expand on its success by offering new , advanced education , additional entertainment and events including a new arena concert , expansion into the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center ( KEC ), and improved logistics and food options .
“ Equip Expo has evolved into a unique , week-long experience for a range of interconnected businesses including outdoor power equipment , landscaping , hardscaping , tree care , design , lighting , irrigation and more ,” said Kris Kiser , president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute , which owns and manages the trade show . “ And just like our industry is ever-evolving , so is the trade show that serves them .”
Show attendees each year gain access to the latest equipment , technology and software , as well as education and connection with their peers . “ But they should also expect new and improved experiences ,” said Kiser . “ So , when attendees speak , we listen . Our philosophy is ‘ same show , new show , every year ’.”
Equip Expo , the international landscape , outdoor living , and equipment exposition , will be held October 17-20 in Louisville , Ky .
A sneak peek into the new 2023 show experiences being planned :
A new arena concert at the Yum ! Center featuring headline band , Third Eye Blind . A return of the New Product Showcase . A Welcome Party at the downtown Kentucky International Convention Center ( adjacent to the downtown Marriott and Hyatt hotels ) with a concert from Expo house band , The Crashers .
An “ adventurous ” keynote speech by Polar Explorer and master storyteller Ben Saunders who completed the longest-ever polar journey on foot .
The debut of the Equip Exposition Equipment Museum to showcase the evolution of the industry .
The addition of a business lounge , meeting spaces and expanded seating areas at the KEC .
Landscape education for young people sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation . Children ages 12 and up may attend the show .
Improved shuttle bus , rideshare and transportation logistics .
More coffee shops and food offerings on-site , including breakfast options .
Fan favorites also will return to the 2023 Expo including can ’ t-miss education and connection events for landscapers and dealers ; live in-tree climbing demonstrations ; Mulligan ’ s Fun Run & 5K ; the UTV Test Track ; the Drone Zone ; and Mulligan ’ s Mutt Madness , a national dog adoption event , sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation .
Bernhard Academy appoints Craig Haldane as director of education
Bernhard and Company appointed Craig Haldane director of education for the Bernhard Academy . During the coming months , Haldane will play an important role in developing the training programs that will form key elements of the academy .
“ We ’ re thrilled to unveil Craig as director of education for the Bernhard Academy ,” said Steven Nixon , Bernhard and Company managing director . “ Craig has had an outstanding career as golf courses manager at Gleneagles and at some of the best venues in the Middle East . He ’ s undoubtedly one of the most well-respected and knowledgeable members of the industry and brings with him a passion and drive to help others .”
Discussing his new role , Haldane added , “ I ’ m delighted to be following my passion , which is developing both the industry and its people . My career has allowed me to understand the need for education to continue to move forward , and the Bernhard Academy has a wonderful opportunity to provide that . To be given the chance to lead that process and develop these educational programs for the future is really exciting .”
Haldane starts his new position at Bernhard and Company with 26 years of experience in the golf and turf industries . After spending many years in the Middle East , working in both Bahrain and Dubai at venues such as the Emirates Golf Club , he took on the role of golf courses manager at Gleneagles in 2018 . During his time there , he oversaw the playing of the Solheim Cup and more recently the Senior Open Championship .
The Bernhard Academy is located at the company ’ s factory in Haverhill , Suffolk , UK , with further satellite training facilities at Moortown Golf Club and Royal Norwich . Haldane and his team will be refining existing training modules in addition to creating entirely new programs designed to help turf professionals take their performance to the next level .
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com February 2023 | SportsField Management
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