Utility Expo 2023 Recap: Equipment, Innovations, and More

During the last week of September, The Utility Expo made its successful return to Louisville, Kentucky, with a record-setting gathering of over 21,000 utility construction professionals from all 50 states and 60 countries, converging at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

These industry experts came together to experience firsthand the latest equipment and cutting-edge technologies that bolster the utility sector.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year's The Utility Expo,” said John Rozum, The Utility Expo show director.

Rozum continued, "The record-breaking attendance, exhibitor engagement, exceptional educational content, and groundbreaking innovation all reflect the incredible dedication and passion within the utility industry. We're grateful for the support and participation of all involved."

The Utility Expo is the largest trade show in Kentucky and third largest show in North America.

This year, the show featured over 900 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and solutions for the utility construction industry.

Exhibits covered a record 1.5 million net sq. ft. and included the show’s signature interactive product demonstrations.

The Relationship Between the Utility Industry and The Utility Expo

The construction of utility infrastructure plays a pivotal role in modern society, offering many benefits that are indispensable to society’s well-being and progress.

At its core, modernized utility infrastructure provides reliability, ensuring a consistent provision of essential services like electricity, clean water, and Internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and industries.

This reliability, in turn, forms the foundation for economic growth by facilitating industrial production, attracting businesses, and generating employment opportunities.

Utility construction professionals look forward to going to The Utility Expo as it serves as an impressive hub for networking opportunities within the industry, fostering invaluable relationships that can drive careers and businesses forward.

One attendee, Ryan W. said he enjoys attending the show so he can, “put a face to a name when talking with vendors.”

Ryan, who works for a utility company in New York also said attending the show helps his team, “… get to see what is new that will help make the job easier and safer.”

The equipment showcased by the exhibitors offered a firsthand look at the newest tools and machinery, allowing professionals to test and assess their relevance to their work. Educational sessions and workshops equipped attendees with training and certifications that elevated their skill sets and career prospects.

“By all measures, this was an outstanding Utility Expo with more to see and experience than ever before,” said Jim Glazer, The Utility Expo show chair and president of Elliott Equipment Company.

Glazer continued, “The Utility Expo is always a tremendous opportunity to make lasting industry connections and take advantage of education that helps participants continue to grow and stay competitive. At Elliott Equipment Company, we look forward to this important event for our industry where we can show off our equipment and products we offer the industry.”

The show is best known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations.

“We came to The Utility Expo to see what’s new,” said Jason B., a utility contractor from North Carolina. “We want to see what we can improve on and what we can do better for our customers.”

Gus B. from Arkansas, who has attended the event since 2017, said he enjoys The Utility Expo because he can see the latest and greatest tech and learn new tools and equipment.

“We see new tools and equipment and learn about new processes,” said Gus. “Every year we pick up something good that helps our company and makes us do a better job for our customers.”

Catalyst Communications Network at The Utility Expo

Catalyst Communications Network exhibited at the show for the first time. We were excited to meet with our friends and partners in utility work to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the industry.  The Spring edition of our supplemental publication, Telecom and Utility Construction was distributed along with copies of Lift and Access’ sister magazine, Crane Hot Line. We enjoyed meeting with our friends and clients who attended the show and look forward to seeing everyone again in October 2025!

Check out an overview of some of the utility equipment and vendors featured at the 2023 Utility Expo:

Altec

Altec displayed an extensive range of products that serve the electric utility, telecommunications, contractor, and tree care markets. The products exhibited include aerial devices, digger derricks, cranes, backyard units, and more. The company also featured its new all-electric vehicles, the AC65E-155S telescopic boom truck crane, its Jobsite Energy Management Systems (JEMS), TS40H-4P four drum puller, Altec Insights fleet management tool, and more.

Bigfoot Construction Equipment

Bigfoot displayed their outrigger pads and various other product lines tailored to the Utility Industry such as the company’s bucket cover riser, pole-puller plate, night work solutions, and a brand-new pole stand made from their proprietary Custom Composite material.

Kardie Equipment

Kardie Equipment displayed Bronto Skylift’s mammoth 295’ Bronto S295HLA. Most often used in the Wind & Renewables industry, the 295 is the perfect height for reaching the nacelle of a wind turbine.

CM Labs

CM Labs debuted Intellia Instructor, a software program that works in conjunction with CM Labs Training Packs and Simulators.

In addition, CM Labs announced that its digger derrick training pack—the only digger derrick simulation training tool in the market—can be used to prepare operators for EICA and CCO certification testing.

The company also announced a partnership with Altec for the release of the Altec Sentry Simulator for Digger Derrick training, This OEM solution provides Altec-branded simulation training systems for use in preparing operators for Digger Derrick certification.

DICA

DICA displayed equipment support and ground protection solutions for utilities and utility contractors.  SlatTrax temporary ground protection roadway products made their debut at the show. SlatTrax provides a stable and reliable surface for equipment travel. It is designed for faster deployment and retrieval than traditional ground protection mats.

Cribbing Timbers is a new composite lumber solution for staging materials and supplies on the job jobsite. Other products also on display included: WorkForce Hole Covers, FiberTech and SafetyTech Outrigger Pads and AlturnaMATS Ground Protection Mats and TuffTrak XL Access Mats

Elliott Equipment

Elliott Equipment Company and its president, Jim Glazer (pictured above) introduced the brand new D100i Insulating Digger Derrick, the largest and most powerful insulating digger derrick in the industry. The D100i features a 100’ tip height and an independently operated fiberglass boom with 46kV insulation. With a maximum lifting capacity of 48,000 lbs. and 10,800 lbs. at a 30’ radius the D100i lifts nearly twice as much as its competition.

Manitowoc Company

Manitowoc displayed its Grove GHC85 telescoping crawler crane, a National Crane NBT60XL boom truck, the compact NBT45-2, and the NBT55L, which featured an insulated attachment that makes it possible for utility contractors to repair power lines without disrupting power.

Palfinger North America

Palfinger’s first time at The Utility Expo was marked by an impressive display of utility equipment.  The company’s P 570 Aerial Work Platform, was at the show, along with an extensive range of bucket truck models.

Showing commitment to eco-efficient technologies, Palfinger highlighted its eDrive system, a hybrid technology that combines the benefits of a conventional bucket truck with a low noise level and emission-free working environment.

The manufacturer also featured their PAL Pro 39 mechanics truck and PK 65002-SH knuckle boom crane.

Pettibone

Pettibone featured the Cary-Lift 204i in its line of pipe and pole handlers. The Cary-Lift 204i features a unique overhead lift arm design, giving the operator full front visibility when lifting or transporting loads.

Ruthmann Reachmaster

Ruthmann Reachmaster’s team (pictured above) met with attendees and offered demos of their aerial platforms. The company exhibited the T243A (243’ of working height, 126’ of side reach) truck mounted aerial work platform. Ruthmann also showcased the Ecoline 75 which, when mounted on a Ford Transit chassis, weighs under 10,000 lbs. and requires no CDL.

Terex Utilities

Terex Utilities celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Hi-Ranger TM Series aerial devices. In addition, the company featured the following products: Commander digger derricks, new Z-60 substation utility boom (SUB) and drill bucket auger tools/auger tooling trailer.

A variety of electric solutions for utility fleets were also on display. Live equipment demos took place each day of the show.

United Rentals

United Rentals displayed a variety of utility equipment, digital tools and excavation safety solutions. The company’s solutions meet the worksite needs for electric and natural gas transmission and distribution, telecommunication, storm water and wastewater systems. Included among the United Rentals utility offerings are: asset tracking, zero-emission portable energy systems, and trench and confined space safety.

Versalift

Versalift featured dozens of vehicle-mounted aerial lifts, bucket trucks, digger derricks, and high reach aerial work platforms. The company’s distributors serve the essential industries that maintain utility, municipal and telecommunications infrastructure across North America and around the world.

Katie Holt (Editor-in-Chief, Lift & Access)