The Utility Expo attracts record crowd to Louisville
The Utility Expo shattered attendance records as more than 22,600 utility construction and infrastructure professionals from all 50 states and 59 countries gathered at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Oct. 7-9, 2025.
Spanning 1.5 million square feet of hands-on equipment demos, jobsite simulations, and interactive product displays, the biennial event reaffirmed its place as North America’s largest trade show for utility and infrastructure professionals. They sought the latest technologies, equipment and safety solutions. The show unveiled the latest breakthroughs in underground utility, electric transmission, telecom and water/wastewater technologies shaping the industry’s future.
Attendees took advantage of live demonstrations and test drives, making the show a premier destination for discovering field-ready solutions.
Signature Competitions
Making its debut at The Utility Expo this year, the HDD Rodeo drew high-energy crowds as horizontal directional drilling crews competed for speed and precision. PG&E Team #2 took home the top prize with a time of 50 minutes and 20 seconds. The top three crews received free admission to the 2026 HDD Rodeo (valued at $5,000). The event was produced in partnership with Benjamin Media and supported by main event sponsors American Mfg. HDD Products, Ditch Witch West, Kondex, Underground Magnetics and Vermeer.
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) also hosted its National Equipment Operators Championships. This popular event used construction equipment for challenges like hole-in-one putting, soccer, cornhole and a pipe placement.
Innovation in Education
The Utility Expo expanded its acclaimed Field Classrooms with immersive 90-minute jobsite-style classroom sessions. These sessions covered topics such as pipeline rehab, HDD safety and emerging jobsite technology.
A Safety Luncheon Symposium brought experts together for discussions and insights on reducing risk and maximizing productivity, and the award-winning Community Zone featured expanded programming that energized attendees through music, networking and industry spotlights.
“This year’s Utility Expo brought our industry together in powerful new ways — fostering innovation, collaboration and a strong sense of community among utility professionals,” said Show Chair Brian Metcalf. “The future of utility construction is bright, and The Utility Expo will continue to be where that future takes shape.”
Commitment to Workforce Well-Being
Recognizing the mental health crisis affecting utility and construction professionals, The Utility Expo proudly partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to help advance its overall mission and broad spectrum of suicide prevention education programs and to highlight its construction resources available through the Hard Hat Courage initiative, which is supported by an industry coalition that includes AEM. The partnership raised nearly $24,000 through attendee donations which will help fund organization’s critically important programming and resources for those facing mental health challenges and loss survivors.
“Donations raised at The Utility Expo are incredibly important in advancing AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, enabling greater access to our suicide prevention education and support programs,” said Trisha Calabrese, MPH, Senior Vice President of Programs for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Forums like The Utility Expo help us to distribute construction-specific suicide prevention resources at scale, and we are so grateful to have the support of AEM as a partner in the coalition of leading construction industry organizations in our Hard Hat Courage initiative.”
Save the Date for 2027!
The Utility Expo will return to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville October 5-7, 2027. Keep up to date on the show at theutilityexpo.com.
Source: The Utility Expo
