MILWAUKEE – The Utility Expo is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) to host the National Equipment Operator Championships at the upcoming Utility Expo, scheduled for October 7-9, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.
Registration for The Utility Expo 2025 is open!
The new championships, spearheaded by NUCA, will bring together skilled equipment operators from across the country to compete in a series of hands-on events designed to test precision, control and safety in utility related tasks. Events will include crowd-pleasing games like hole-in-one putting, soccer, cornhole and a pipe placement challenge. All games are performed using construction equipment.
“This partnership with NUCA adds an exciting and interactive new dimension to The Utility Expo Experience,” said Brianne Somers, Show Director of The Utility Expo. “Our industry thrives on skill, ingenuity and community, and these championships put all three front and center. It’s a great way to celebrate our workforce, recognize operator mastery and give attendees a real sense of what utility professionals do every day.”
The competition will span two days, with qualifying rounds on October 8, 2025, and the championship prize awarded on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Participants will rotate in a bracket-style format. Finalists will be ranked by cumulative points and time, with a sudden-death round and time extension used in the event of a tie. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers.
"Competition can be fun in the construction industry, and The Utility Expo is an exciting opportunity for NUCA and AEM to come together for a challenging, safe, and enjoyable event that showcases the skills of operators,” said Ed DeNeale, NUCA Director of Safety. “We will have some of the best equipment operators in the United States competing for the top prize–more importantly, bragging rights. We're really pleased to have the opportunity to bring something different to this well-known show."
Participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment and event configuration on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during open practice hours. Official judging will be provided, and safety guidelines will be strictly enforced. NUCA and The Utility Expo will work closely to ensure liability coverage and operator oversight.
Get the latest news and updates from The Utility Expo!
These new championships reflect The Utility Expo’s continued focus on creating high-value experiences for attendees, and showcasing the practical skills that drive the utility and infrastructure industries forward
For more information and to register for the 2025 Utility Expo, visit www.theutilityexpo.com.
About The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)
Founded in 1964, the National Utility Contractors Association represents over 2,000 U.S. utility and excavation contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers who provide the materials and workforce to build and maintain our nation’s intricate network of water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, and electric infrastructure. NUCA is found online at www.nuca.com, and can be followed on Twitter at @NUCA_National. The association’s Twitter hashtags are #WeDigAmerica and #NUCAdigs
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, Ky. The next event will be October 7-9, 2025.
About AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America’s premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace.
###
