Power Players Reception Highlights Women's Experiences in the Industry, Third Annual Women's Leadership Reception Designed to Extend Networks

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year due to popular demand, Equip Exposition will offer the Women's Leadership Reception, which is designed to help women leaders in the green industry connect and build their professional networks while attending the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition. Equip will be held this year October 21 to 24, 2025 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), and the reception will be held Thursday, October 23, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the KEC, and be preceded by a special panel discussion on women in the green industry.

 "Women are an important part of our almost 30,000 attendees and exhibitors who come to Equip, and we're proud to offer the Women's Reception and other networking opportunities to bring women leaders in the green industry together," says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns the award-winning trade show.

The Women's Leadership Reception is sponsored by Belgard, Hunter Industries and SiteOne.

Just before the reception at 4:00 pm, there will be a panel discussion, "Power Players: Women Shaping the Future of the Industry," which includes Sara Hey, President of Bob Clements International, Shelia Matthews, Chief People Officer at Wilson360, and Bre Schoultz, the content creator behind Chickanic. Panelists will share their experiences in the landscaping and outdoor power equipment industries.

Whether registered as exhibitors, landscapers, contractors, distributors, or dealers, all women attendees can participate in the panel and reception. Attendees need to RSVP to attend the reception when they register for Equip. After the reception, shuttle transportation will be provided from the KEC to the Kentucky International Convention Center for the Equip signature concert by Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson, sponsored by Gravely.

"I think it's important for women to feel recognized in such a male dominated field. When you are outside this room, when you walk around, there are way more men than there are women. So, it's nice to be able to connect with people," said Christine Maegly of Advanced Contracting and Remodeling.

Anjela Vandermark, owner of Concrete Heartbeat LLC, said the Women's Leadership Reception was an important event for her last year. "Connecting with those people is key because they've run across the same problems that I've run across being a business owner. So, I just love that part of it," said Vandermark.

For Bekah Ware, of Kato Compact Excavators, it's the long-term friendships she has made through networking at the trade show that make a difference for her. "It's a really interesting and unique atmosphere to be able to be with other women in the industry because it's such a small community. And once you start going to shows…it's the same people, which is fantastic because then you get to form relationships."

Bringing women together is important for the green industry and its future. "More women in the industry also means more representation, which helps normalize female leadership, and it opens doors for the next generation of girls who might never have imagined a career in landscaping and lawn care," says Katlyn Rinaldi, CEO of L.G. Mowing in Massillon, Ohio.

Rinaldi adds, "Seeing other women overcome similar challenges reminds me that I'm not alone, and it's helped me grow in confidence as a business owner."

Attendees can register to attend the trade show for the early bird price of only $30 through September 4, 2025. Sign up at EquipExposition.com. Ticket prices go to $60 on September 5, 2025, and to $120 on October 20, 2025.

Equip Expo Women's Leadership Reception Photos Available: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6qywzb145w0gabh2t3w9a/ABTIVenev-V3Nbzdj5FWoTQ?rlkey=gi19bjvr28g9he8v2rrfkjsts&st=moy866at&dl=0

Embeddable Video of Women in the Industry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ln_ATshxLA

Media contacts
Ami Neiberger, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com

About Equip Exposition
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and is one of the top five largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, and is co-located with Hardscape North America. Equip publishes "equip" magazine and is owned and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, parts, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars, and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com. 

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SOURCE Equip Exposition