2025 Utility Expo Draws Record Attendance

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.

“This year’s Utility Expo set a new benchmark for innovation and hands-on learning in our industry,” said Brianne Somers. “The remarkable turnout demonstrates the industry’s drive to adopt smarter, safer and more sustainable solutions for utility construction.”

Signature Competitions Energize the 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. 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 competitions continued with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) hosting its National Equipment Operators Championships. The returning crowd-pleasing 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 actionable discussions and insights on reducing risk and maximizing productivity.

Attendees praised the hands-on format for maximizing learning and value.

“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 with 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.”

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). This help advanced its overall mission and broad spectrum of suicide prevention education programs. It also highlighted its construction resources available through the Hard Hat Courage initiative, supported by an industry coalition that includes AEM. The partnership raised nearly $24,000 through attendee donations. These funds will help the 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.”

Community Zone Creates Connection

The Utility Expo’s award-winning Community Zone returned with expanded programming that energized attendees through music, networking, and industry spotlights. The zone included live bluegrass and bourbon giveaways. Additionally, it offered thought leadership talks and mental health advocacy, creating a vibrant 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.”

“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.”

Save the Date

The Utility Expo will return to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville Oct. 5-7, 2027. Keep up to date on the show at theutilityexpo.com/.

SOURCE – The Utility Expo