By John Rozum, Utility Expo Show Director
It’s almost time to bring the utility industry back together again.
The Utility Expo (formerly known as ICUEE) is just a couple of short months away. And while the 2021 show features a new name and a reimagined and optimized outdoor layout, The Utility Expo – set for Sept. 28-30 in Louisville, Kentucky – remains what it’s always been: the premier event for industry professionals to see, touch, hear and learn about the latest tools and cutting-edge technology impacting their jobs.
The Utility Expo is also an AEM trade show. And, as is the case with each and every other one of our shows, our exhibitors are more than just exhibitors. They are our industry members and partners, and that means we’re committed to investing in making our exhibitors’ experiences better and driving change to allow them to maximize their return on investment in time, effort and resources in trade shows and events.
Interested in exhibiting at The Utility Expo? Please submit a request for further information, or contact us at exhibitors@aem.org.
The excitement and enthusiasm continue to build within the industry, and there’s so much to look forward to at this year’s show. So, with all of that in mind, I’d like to share what’s new and relevant heading into The Utility Expo 2021:
New and Optimized Show Layout
This year’s Utility Expo will feature a new outdoor show layout, designed to allow for more product introductions and demonstrations than ever before.
The demolition of Old Cardinal Stadium from the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds allow The Utility Expo to use that newly paved lot for exhibits, serving as a massive contiguous exhibit area connecting the indoor exhibits in North Hall and the traditional digging space in Lot K. The new layout also provides for the opportunity to group similar product types, making it easier to navigate and find the equipment at the show. Ultimately, this reimagined and optimized exhibit space will lead to better show traffic flow and make the move-in process easier for all show exhibitors.
Safety and Security Protocols
Safety is always a front-of-mind consideration in the utility industry, and the same is true for AEM’s exhibitions and events team in its preparation for The Utility Expo. Show leadership is taking proactive steps to follow policies and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Kentucky and the Kentucky Exposition Center to ensure a safe and rewarding in-person experience for all.
Our targeted move-in dates and work processes are designed with exhibitors’ safety and security in mind, and safety and security will remain top priorities throughout the show. Whether that refers to fire codes, OSHA regs, or best practices for work rules within our active demo areas, we’ve got plans and protocols in place to ensure the well-being of exhibitors and attendees alike.
Quality and Service Considerations
Ensuring exhibitors receive the best quality and service at reasonable rates has long been a hallmark of AEM exhibitions and events.
For The Utility Expo 2021, AEM has:
- Secured a new tent vendor (American Tent and Structure) with more options, more competitive rates and – most importantly – the ability to offer better quality
- Enlisted the services of a new, local AV provider (Prestige AV & Creative Services) in order to secure better rates and quality service
- Invested further in technology, such innovative services that can offer better lead retrieval and provide more meaningful booth performance analytics
- Improved registration processes to make it easier to register show past show staff, ensure pre-registered show staff can lock in at the lowest rate possible
Yes, we’ve changed our name and rebranded ourselves. In doing so, however, we’ve made it perfectly clear what The Utility Expo is: the place where the utility industry comes together. The numbers don’t lie:
- Our show registration is trending 20% higher versus 2019’s record-breaking ICUEE show.
- More than 850 leading manufacturers and service providers are set to exhibit in support of the utility industry.
- Over 1.35 million square feet at the show will feature the latest and greatest equipment, tools and services, up substantially from 2019.
With bigger displays, more equipment, more opportunities for demonstrations and a new layout, as well as the same commitment to quality and service attendees and exhibitors expect from an AEM trade show, the Utility Expo 2021 is firmly on course to be the biggest and best one Louisville – and the industry – has experienced yet.
Hope to see you there.
About The Utility Expo
Formerly known as ICUEE, The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends. The biennial trade show, known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations, takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. The next edition will be Sept. 28-30, 2021. In the meantime, to receive the latest updates and relevant information related to The Utility Expo, visit show alerts.
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