Ohio Pen - Equip Expo Offers Opportunities for Women in the Green Industry to Connect & Grow

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LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 6, 2025 ~ The annual Equip Exposition, an international trade show for the landscape, outdoor living, and equipment industries, will once again offer the highly anticipated Women's Leadership Reception. This event, now in its third year due to popular demand, aims to connect and empower women leaders in the green industry by providing a platform for networking and professional development. The reception will take place on Thursday, October 23 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), as part of the larger Equip Expo event being held from October 21 to 24, 2025.

According to Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns Equip Expo, women make up a significant portion of the almost 30,000 attendees and exhibitors at the trade show. "Women are an important part of our event and we're proud to offer them opportunities like the Women's Reception to connect with other leaders in their field," says Kiser.

The Women's Leadership Reception is sponsored by Belgard, Hunter Industries and SiteOne. Prior to the reception at 4:00 pm, there will be a panel discussion titled "Power Players: Women Shaping the Future of the Industry." The panel will feature Sara Hey, President of Bob Clements International; Shelia Matthews, Chief People Officer at Wilson360; and Bre Schoultz, content creator behind Chickanic. These accomplished women will share their experiences and insights on navigating the landscaping and outdoor power equipment industries.

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All women attendees of Equip Expo are invited to participate in both the panel discussion and reception. Those interested must RSVP when registering for Equip Expo. After the reception concludes at 6:00 pm, shuttle transportation will be provided from KEC to the Kentucky International Convention Center for a special concert featuring Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson as part of Equip's signature entertainment sponsored by Gravely.

For many women in the industry, events like the Women's Leadership Reception are crucial for recognition and support. Christine Maegly of Advanced Contracting and Remodeling says, "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."

Anjela Vandermark, owner of Concrete Heartbeat LLC, also emphasizes the importance of networking with other women in the industry. "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," says Vandermark.

For Bekah Ware of Kato Compact Excavators, the long-term friendships formed through networking at Equip Expo have been invaluable. "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," says Ware.

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The presence of more women in the green industry not only brings diversity but also paves the way for future generations. Katlyn Rinaldi, CEO of L.G. Mowing in Massillon, Ohio believes that "more representation helps normalize female leadership and opens doors for the next generation of girls who might never have imagined a career in landscaping and lawn care." Rinaldi adds that seeing other women overcome similar challenges has helped her grow in confidence as a business owner.

Early bird registration for Equip Expo is currently open until September 4, 2025 for only $30. After this date, ticket prices will increase to $60 until October 20 when they will go up to $120. Interested attendees can register at EquipExposition.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Ami Neiberger or Debbi Mayster of Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI. Photos from previous Women's Leadership Receptions and an embeddable video showcasing women in the industry are available for use.

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