‘There’s Just Nothing Quite Like It’ – Elliott Equipment’s Jim Glazer on the Value of The Utility Expo

There's only one place utility construction professionals go to find and experience the latest equipment and cutting-edge technologies that bolster their sector: The Utility Expo.

Thousands of attendees are poised to flock to Louisville, Kentucky, next month for a uniquely valuable opportunity to try new equipment, talk to manufacturers, and utilize tools and resources to help them grow their businesses and their careers. The Utility Expo 2025 is set for Oct. 7-9 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

And as this year's show draws near, AEM caught up with Jim Glazer, president and CEO of show exhibitor and AEM member company Elliott Equipment Company, to talk about the value of The Utility Expo and why it's earned the reputation of being "where the utility industry goes to grow."

AEM: The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors in the industry, and your company has been a longtime supporter and exhibitor at the event. Why do you feel it's so important for Elliott Equipment to participate once again in the 2026 edition of the show?

Glazer: You said it. It's the biggest event for utility and construction professionals out there. It's just a can't-miss opportunity and a key vertical for us. We've been innovating in that space for years, and The Utility Expo gives us the opportunity to meet buyers and leaders within the utility sector, make connections, and reinforce our commitment to serving the industry.

AEM: So many organizations tell us that they are excited to showcase new and innovative product offerings at The Utility Expo. What can attendees expect to see and hear about from Elliott Equipment at this year's show?

Glazer: We'll be highlighting our line of transmission-class equipment. We're bringing out a few new machines that will be on display at the show, including a new material handling platform for our e-line product line. In addition, we have a brand-new digger derrick, the D86, which boasts the most torque and greatest lifting capacity of anything in its class, in our opinion. Obviously, we'll also have more digging and lifting equipment on-hand.

AEM: There's always so much to do and so much to see at shows like The Utility Expo. As you look ahead to Louisville next month, of all that you'll have to do there, what are you most looking forward to as it relates to the show?

Glazer: We're excited to showcase new products we've been working on for some time. We've had a lot of input from the field, and we think they're breakthrough offerings. And being able to meet with customers face to face and show them the broad array of what we offer is something we just can't do anywhere else other than The Utility Expo.

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AEM: In noting that you "just can't do that anywhere else other than The Utility Expo," what, in your opinion, sets this show apart from others you participate in on a regular basis?

Glazer: Number one is just the scale of the show and the amount of equipment we'll have on display. Number two, and very importantly, is the opportunity it offers for customers to be hands-on with the equipment. We simply don't have that chance at any other show we exhibit at, period. We're so excited to be able to interact with customers and let them know what goes into our products, as well highlight the thoughtfulness of our engineering.

AEM: Whenever we talk to members, we like to ask them what it takes to have a successful trade show - what they focus on, what resonates with them, what strategies and tactics they employ. From your perspective, what would define a successful show for Elliott Equipment?

Glazer: We want to meet with as many people as we possibly can, along with being able to show off our equipment. We have so much to share about the safety of our equipment, what it can do, the productivity people can gain, as well as the potential return on investment. At The Utility Expo, they can gain access to all of that and more, and we'll be excited to share as much as we can with attendees.

AEM: When you look at everything that's happening in the industry today, what's top-of-mind for you from an issue perspective heading into this year's edition of The Utility Expo?

Glazer: We're excited to find out more about the challenges being faced on the transmission and distribution sides of our business. We also bring engineers and other people to the show so they can learn more about the buyers we interface with at The Utility Expo. All said, The Utility Expo is the biggest gathering of people in the industry, and we want to participate in the show at all levels.

AEM: There is no shortage of ways for people in the industry to spend their time networking, learning more about equipment and innovations, and advancing their careers. In your opinion, why should they do it at The Utility Expo this fall?

Glazer: They're going to be able to see more than at any other show. The Utility Expo happens every other year, there's always new and exciting things people produce, and being able to experience everything all in one place and talk to as many people as possible is really valuable and really important. We're really excited to give our customers a great experience in our booth. We have displays inside and outside, and I think being able to get hands-on with as much equipment as possible really allows us to offer something we don't offer anywhere else. There's just nothing quite like it, and we can't wait to be a part of The Utility Expo again next month.

About The Utility Expo

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 event will be October 7-9, 2025. For more information, visit https://www.theutilityexpo.com.