By Brianne Somers, The Utility Expo Show Director --
There’s only one place where the utility industry goes to gather and grow: The Utility Expo. As we return to Louisville this week for the 2025 show, we’re proud to once again offer a uniquely valuable opportunity where AEM member companies to launch products, build relationships, and shape the future of the industry.
As a society, we constantly rely on the dedication and contributions of utility professionals. Their work may not make headlines, but it’s essential – it gives us light when we flip a switch, water when we turn on a tap, and instant information at our fingertips when we open a laptop computer. This show gathers all the elements and ideas that keep the utility industry moving forward.
The 2025 edition of The Utility Expo builds upon the legacy of what this best-in-class, AEM-owned trade show has always been: a premier opportunity for utility professionals and construction contractors to see, touch, and experience the latest and greatest tools and technology impacting their jobs. We also remain committed to quality and service, and our top priority is ensuring both exhibitors and attendees maximize their return on their investment in the show.
The timing for our 2025 show couldn’t be better. With major investments in infrastructure flowing into communities, the pace of change and innovation in our industry is both constant and significant. Utility contractors are busier than ever before, and they are challenged to work smarter and faster while also preparing the next generation of the workforce. They need the right tools, the right technology, and the right partnerships to get the job done. I’m proud to say that’s exactly what The Utility Expo delivers.
Our members are bringing the latest innovations, cutting-edge equipment, and forward-thinking technologies to help contractors work more efficiently. Whether it’s electrification, safety innovations, or tools that are making the jobsite more productive, our members are at the forefront of helping equipment end users adapt and thrive. And what truly sets this event apart is the hands-on experience that helps facilitate better connections and more confident purchasing decisions. The value is tangible in every facet of the show, and we know both exhibitors and attendees will leave with clear progress and direction.
This year, I’m excited to The Utility Expo is back and bigger than ever with new and exciting features. Some of the most notable include:
- The HDD Rodeo Showcase – Hosted by Benjamin Media, this high-energy event brings attendees to outdoor demo areas and pits top horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews against each other in a live competition that highlights the precision, speed, and ingenuity required for modern underground utility installation.
- The ADVANCE Program for Women in Utilities Workshop – The dynamic workshop designed to empower and elevate women in the utilities industry offers women actionable strategies to accelerate their careers.
- Common Ground Alliance’s Damage Prevention LIVE! – This one-of-a-kind, hands-on activation zone designed to demonstrate CGA’s core mission: protecting underground infrastructure through collaboration, education, and innovation. Featuring a live, jobsite-style environment, it aligns with AEM’s mission to support safety best practices and offers utility professionals and contractors a chance to see, touch, and experience the latest technologies and techniques in excavation safety.
- The National Equipment Operator Championships – The must-see event, spearheaded by NUCA, will bring together skilled operators from across the country to showcase equipment and compete in a series of hands-on events designed to test precision, control, and safety in utility related tasks.
- The Utility Expo’s Field Classrooms Program – Led by industry experts, these best-in-class educational sessions blend real-world demonstrations with expert instruction, offering practical insights into today’s most pressing utility and construction topics.
It’s simply not enough for us to offer attendees and exhibitors a bigger edition of The Utility Expo. Thanks in no small part to our members’ innovation and support, the show continues to grow and evolve. Together, we’re setting the bar for what a modern, hands-on trade show should deliver, driving new business, attracting talent and showcasing the power of our industry.
See you there!
