Equip Academy Helps Contractors Grow Business

New in-person and online training program aims to address industry challenges head-on

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:28am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a collection of polished landscaping tools and equipment arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the business challenges facing the industry.A curated collection of high-end landscaping tools and equipment symbolizes the strategic business challenges facing the industry that Equip Academy aims to address.Louisville Today

Equip Academy, a new education platform presented by the annual Equip Exposition trade show, is designed to help landscaping contractors and dealers confront current business challenges through dedicated peer-to-peer networking events and a variety of specialized training sessions covering topics like hiring and retention, new business opportunities, and leadership development.

Why it matters

As the landscaping industry faces economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and other operational challenges, Equip Academy provides a valuable resource for contractors to learn from industry experts and connect with peers to develop strategies for growing their businesses.

The details

Equip Academy offers both in-person and online training sessions during the four-day Equip Exposition trade show in Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees can purchase individual education sessions or an Equip Academy pass for $170, which provides access to dozens of sessions. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including hiring and retention, business strategy, new opportunities, leadership development, and more. Some sessions are also delivered in Spanish, and all attendees receive a certificate of completion.

  • Equip Exposition is scheduled for October 20-23, 2026 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
  • Early bird registration for Equip 2026 is open through May 31, 2026 at a rate of $25.
  • Equip Academy passes cost $170, with the price increasing after September 10, 2026.

The players

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

An international trade association that owns and manages the Equip Exposition trade show.

Kris Kiser

President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

Mike Holmes

HGTV host and veteran contractor who will be the keynote speaker at Equip 2026, sponsored by Kress.

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What they’re saying

“The economy is rapidly changing. Pricing, equipment, recruitment, training, service portfolios and marketing can make or break the success of any landscaping business.”

— Kris Kiser, President and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

“With Equip Academy, we're building an education platform that supports how our landscapers and contractors prefer to learn; whether in-person at Equip or online after the show.”

— Kris Kiser, President and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

“With recent market and labor uncertainties, Equip is the best value to get help with business challenges for landscape contractors.”

— Kris Kiser, President and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

What’s next

Registration for Equip 2026 is open, with early bird pricing of $25 available through May 31, 2026. Equip Academy passes, which provide access to the education sessions, cost $170 and the price will increase after September 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Equip Academy's comprehensive training program and networking opportunities come at a critical time for landscaping contractors, providing them with the tools and resources to navigate current industry challenges and position their businesses for growth.