John Kmitta Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director jkmitta @ epgacceleration . com 763-383-4405

I recently returned from another successful trip to Louisville , Kentucky for the annual Equip Exposition conference and trade show . Equip Expo continues to grow as it showcases the latest in outdoor power equipment ( OPE ) technology and trends . I ’ ve been visiting Louisville for the conference almost every year since 2001 ( back when it was still the International Lawn , Garden and Power Equipment Exposition ).

This year ’ s Equip Expo once again broke attendance and exhibit space records with more than 27,000 attendees , more than 1 million square feet of exhibits on the indoor trade show floor and more than 30 acres of outdoor demonstration area .

OPE trends and new products continue to center on batterypowered , robotic and autonomous equipment , but there were plenty of gas and diesel product introductions in Louisville as well ( see sportsfieldmanagementonline . com for details on Equip Expo product launches ).

In addition to new product introductions and outdoor demo opportunities , Equip Expo featured a wealth of industry education , a keynote address from Polar Explorer Ben Saunders , an opening reception with concert , networking opportunities , the Mutt Madness dog adoption event , a 5K run , an arena concert headlined by Third Eye Blind and much more .

The Professional Grounds Management Society ( PGMS ) also held its annual conference , “ Transform ,” October 17-20 in Louisville . In addition to providing attendees with access to Equip Expo , Transform featured interactive programs , educational seminars and industry awards .

Michael Goatley , Ph . D ., earned the PGMS Gold Medal award , which recognizes “ outstanding and long-term achievements and / or contributions to the green industry .” PGMS stated that it is “ proud to recognize his profound influence on the industry ’ s future by laying the groundwork for the success and innovation of tomorrow ’ s leaders through education and professional development .”

The PGMS Special Award of Distinguished Service went to Joe Kovolyan , CGM , of Vanderbilt University ; while Brandon Haley , CGM , of SSC Services for Education in Moody , Alabama , earned this year ’ s President ’ s Award .

The PGMS Green Star Award in the Athletic Complex category was won by The University of Arizona . Stated PGMS , “ No matter the distance from campus , the fields and grounds are provided a high attention of detail to ensure the place is glowing like a true oasis in the desert .”

Information on all PGMS Green Star Award winners can be found at pgms . org / page / 2023GreenStarWinners . SFM

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SportsField Management | November 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com