What's in a Name: The Utility Expo

What started in 1964 in Elburn, Ill., as a way for Illinois Bell to get equipment manufacturers to show off their latest and greatest to its employees, “The Elburn Show,” became ICUEE. Now, it has been rebranded again as The Utility Expo, emphasizing the organization's commitment to focus on the needs of utility industry professionals.

"Since moving The Utility Expo (then ICUEE) to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville in 1987, the show has consistently grown, and provided more and better solutions to those involved in every sector of the utility industry," noted John Rozum, show director for The Utility Expo. "We’ve grown so much since then that, just this month, Trade Show News Network (TSNN) certified us as the second-largest trade show in America in 2019, behind only the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas."

Event organizers noted that they heard while attendees loved the show, most folks didn’t understand the name. "The show is more than just a construction show or a safety conference or an underground or overhead equipment show. It’s the place for everything you need if you’re in the utility construction industry. It’s where the utility industry goes to grow. Simply put, it is The Utility Expo," Rozum explained.

One thing that won’t change is the ability for utility and construction pros to see equipment in action. "It’s nice to see brand new equipment cleaned up and on the floor, but nothing tells a utility professional more than seeing that equipment in action. That’s who we are – it’s in our DNA and it’s only going to get better. We are also continuing our focus to help industry professionals connect better with each other, learn about the latest technologies, and hear recommendations from experts through our innovative education opportunities," Rozum concluded. 

The Utility Expo will take place in Louisville, Sept. 28-31, 2021.