The Utility Expo, one of North America’s most anticipated trade shows for utility professionals and construction contractors, will return to Louisville, Kentucky October 7-9, 2025. 

For the 2025 show, Brian Metcalf serves as The Utility Expo show chair. Metcalf is the CEO of Ring-O-Matic and leads the exhibitions management committee, a volunteer group of utility construction industry executives for overall show planning. 

Don’t forget to register for The Utility Expo 2025 now! 

With just weeks to go until the show takes centre stage at the Kentucky Exposition Center, The Utility Expo Show Director Brianne Somers sat down with Metcalf to chat about what’s on the horizon at this year’s The Utility Expo. 

The Utility Expo leadership Q&A

Brianne: Hi Brian, it’s great to see you! Thanks for making time for this in the busy lead up to the show.

Brian: My pleasure, Brianne. 

Brianne: What are you most excited about for this year’s show?

Brian: Seeing what everybody’s been up to the last two years. Both in personnel from a vendor perspective and a customer base — who’s going to show up. I’m also looking forward to the revised footprint and how that will flow this year compared to two years ago. 

Brianne: What has been your experience of serving as show chair for The Utility Expo?

Brian: First off, the AEM staff makes things pretty seamless and easy. I’ve been on the committee now for several years so it’s just kind of nice to see how the interaction flows and decisions are made based upon the interactions that AEM has with the suppliers that are the members. There have been a lot of changes since I first attended a show back in the early ‘90s. It’s pretty cool to see how it’s transitioned. It just brings the whole industry together every other year which is a great pace. 

Brianne: What about what’s new at the show this year? Is there anything new you’re looking forward to checking out?

Brian: The HDD rodeo I’m anxious to see and what its attendance looks like as well as the ground conditions. I want to see how that works compared to last year’s event that was held down in Kansas City.  We participated at a high level down in Kansas City and will be doing the same again here this year from a Ring-O-Matic perspective. 

I’m also looking forward to seeing how the Kentucky Exposition Center has been changed and updated. I’m looking forward to how we’re able to adapt, whether it’s food, vending locations, transportation, ease of movement. Of course, we hope the weather cooperates as well.

Brianne: That’s always a big piece! We’ll all be crossing our fingers for good weather in Louisville. When you look at this industry as a whole, what do you think are the challenges it faces?

Brian: You know the interest rates and costs of capital to expand customer fleets remains with a heavy amount of pressure on it. That continues to create a sluggish economy for utility construction and general construction as a whole. We’re better positioned than the ag market because of commodity pricing. We don’t have to worry about that, but we have to worry about federal funding and grants and programs. We’re far better positioned today than we were a year ago on the federal level in regards to drilling and expansion of exploration. But I’d say first and foremost interest rates continue to bottle things up. 

Brianne: When we look at the other side, what are the opportunities that exist for this industry?

Brian: I think the continuation of manufacturers further expanding their product offering, improving product quality and awareness from a safety perspective. Operator comfort and productivity would be the biggest areas I see as opportunity. 

Brianne: What role do you see The Utility Expo playing for this industry?

Brian: That’s a great question. Some companies target the trade show to release new products. Some use it solely to continue to develop their sales channel and educate, inform and share information with buyers. But I’d say building stronger relationships across the industry is probably the best summary for that. 

Brianne: What advice would you give to any first timers at The Utility Expo?

Brian: Walk the show. Visit with people, ask questions, and be inquisitive. Look into what’s going on with your dealers, your dealer network, your sales channel. Are your customers and or dealers flush with inventory or do they have a lot of pent-up demand because of interest rates? Ask lots of questions and interact with folks that are coming into your own booth. You have enough time to walk the show and see what’s there. Take the time and invest in your knowledge and invest in the industry by attending and seeing what’s new or what’s changed. If you’re in the utility construction industry you need to at least show up for a day and see what’s going on.

Brianne: Well said! Thanks so much, Brian. Looking forward to seeing you in Louisville!

Brian: You’re welcome, Brianne. Looking forward to it!