The Utility Expo drew over 22,600 utility construction and infrastructure professionals from all 50 states and 59 countries to the Kentucky Exposition Center, October 7-9, 2025.
Spanning 1.5 million square feet of hands-on equipment demos, job site simulations, and interactive product displays, the biennial event unveiled the latest breakthroughs in underground utility, electric transmission, telecom, and water/wastewater technologies. (Stay tuned for detailed coverage of new products.)
Making its debut at The Utility Expo this year, the HDD Rodeo showcased horizontal directional drilling crews competing for speed and precision. PG&E Team #2 from California took home the top prize. 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 also hosted its National Equipment Operators Championships at the show. The returning event used construction equipment for challenges like hole-in-one putting, soccer, cornhole, and a pipe placement.
The Utility Expo expanded its field classroom offerings with immersive, 90-minute, job site-style sessions covering topics such as pipeline rehab, HDD safety, and emerging job site technology.
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| SITECH Michigan |
In addition, a Safety Luncheon Symposium brought experts together for actionable discussions and insights on reducing risk and maximizing productivity.
“Seeing and being able to hear somebody who has more experience than what I do in the industry be able to talk about it in open communication was really helpful,” said Andrew Manes of Trinity Earthworks, based in Gallatin, Tennessee. “But in addition to the classroom setting, coming out and being able to walk around where he can actually physically show us the equipment that he's talking about, the references that he's making, and the added benefit of there being an active construction site here today. So being able to actually see it being implemented in the way that we do every day in our company but also being able to see what's coming next is super important.”
Recognizing the mental health crisis affecting utility and construction professionals, The Utility Expo partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to help advance its overall mission and broad spectrum of suicide prevention education programs. The partnership also highlighted construction resources available through the Hard Hat Courage initiative, which is supported by an industry coalition that includes the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), owner and producer of the show.
The effort raised nearly $24,000 through attendee donations, which will help fund programming and resources for those facing mental health challenges and loss survivors.
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“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 at AFSP. “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.”
The Utility Expo’s Community Zone returned with expanded programming that included music, networking, and industry spotlights. From live bluegrass and bourbon giveaways to thought leadership talks and mental health advocacy, the Community Zone offered attendees space for connection and reflection.
“This year’s show has been wonderful,” said Kevin Kongenske with Little Rock Water Reclamation. “It's amazing how many vendors are under one roof. There are fleet aspects here for me, but then also companies who make the parts for the complex machinery that we're responsible for that I can buy direct. If this is an industry you're a part of, this is a must attend show. Everybody's under one roof to see.”
Show Chair Brian Metcalf added, “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. The future of utility construction is bright, and The Utility Expo will continue to be where that future takes shape.”
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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| SITECH Michigan |
The Utility Expo will return to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville October 5-7, 2027. For more information on the show, visit theutilityexpo.com.
