LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of Louisville's highest-grossing events every year kicked off Wednesday at the Kentucky Exposition Center, bringing in people from around the world.

The Equip Exposition is the top landscape equipment show in the world. It brings in about $25 million for the local economy, the Louisville-area's fourth-largest event of the year.

"It's a global show, and the show is growing," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Equip Expo. "We are 41 years young here in Louisville. The past three years, we have owned the show in its entirety and managed it here from Louisville."

The Equip Expo shows off the world of landscaping and lawncare in Louisville. The convention has more than 870 vendors displaying products from landscaping, mowing and outdoor power equipment. It's expected to bring in 27,000 people, from vendors to distributors and wholesalers. The event is closed to the general public.

"A lot of dollars change hands here, but they stay in Louisville, for the most part, and so there are lots of benefits to the show being here," said David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues.

The Equip Expo officially moved from its offices in Washington, D.C. a few years ago and is already making an impact throughout the city, including a new sponsorship at Waterfront Park.

"We have the city bark park downtown, we have a mural downtown (and) the Great Lawn, so we're looking forward to continuing relationships, sponsorships with the city to help us grow," Kiser said.

The convention has grown so large in recent years that the West Wing had to be opened to accommodate all the suppliers. Outside, there are lifts, bulldozers and mowers for companies to display their products.

And the show was a big consideration for the Expo Center's $393 million planned expansion.

"To be able to have these type of events, and for them to continue to grow and expand, we've got to grow with them," Beck said.

The show floor is just part of the three days landscapers from all 50 states and 46 countries will be take part in. There is also a 5K run and a private concert by country start Trace Adkins at the KFC Yum! Center.

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