Over 22,600 utility, construction, and infrastructure professionals from every state and 59 countries attended The Utility Expo at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Over 1.5 million square feet of floor space allowed for hands-on equipment demos, jobsite simulations and interactive product displays. The show unveiled the latest breakthroughs in underground utility, electric transmission, telecom and water/wastewater technologies .
“This year’s Utility Expo set a new benchmark for innovation and hands-on learning in our industry,” says Brianne Somers, AEM. “The remarkable turnout demonstrates the industry’s drive to adopt smarter, safer and more sustainable solutions for utility construction.”
A total of 20 manufacturers launched new equipment and technology at The Utility Expo 2025. Attendees also took in live demonstrations and test drives.
The Utility Expo expanded its Field Classrooms with immersive 90-minute jobsite-style classroom sessions. 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,” says Andrew Manes, Trinity Earthworks. “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.”
New for 2025, The Quick Pitch Showcase introduced 30 small, mid-sized and new-to-show companies that shared product information and innovations directly with attending media during a special pre-show breakfast.
“As a first-time exhibitor at The Utility Expo, the Quick Pitch Showcase was an incredible opportunity for us to introduce our company and products to the media,” says Steve Wojtaszek, 3S Craftings, LLC. “It was a welcoming environment that truly set the tone for a successful first show.”
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 against one another. The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) hosting its National Equipment Operators Championships. The event used construction equipment for challenges like hole-in-one putting, soccer, cornhole and a pipe placement.
The Community Zone returned with expanded programming that energized attendees through music, networking, and industry spotlights. The Community Zone offered a vibrant space for connection and reflection.
“This year’s show has been wonderful,” says Kevin Kongenske, 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.”
The Utility Expo will return to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville on October 5-7, 2027.
“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,” says Brian Metcalf, show chair. “The future of utility construction is bright, and The Utility Expo will continue to be where that future takes shape.”
