LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Equip Exposition, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), and TurfMutt Foundation, was honored as the first recipient of the Louisville Tourism Impact Award. The award recognizes outstanding dedication to the city of Louisville.
As a native to the region and a University of Louisville School of Law graduate, Kiser’s connection to the city is deep-rooted. He relocated from Washington, D.C., to Louisville in 2022, and brought the management of award-winning Equip Exposition in house, establishing its offices in downtown Louisville.
“It’s a true honor to be the first recipient of this award,” says Kiser. “Louisville is now home for me, and I’m proud to be part of its continued momentum as one of the country’s most vibrant cities.”
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville. It is one of the top five largest trade shows in the United States, generating more than $20 million annually for Louisville. Since Kiser gained full ownership of the private show, it has seen record-breaking attendance: 25,000 in 2022; 27,000 in 2023; and 28,500 in 2024.
“We’re always looking for ways to promote the city,” says Kiser. This includes a recent $1 million contribution from the TurfMutt Foundation to Waterfront Park, now home to the newly named TurfMutt Great Lawn. The Foundation has been a leading advocate for green space and outdoor learning for more than 15 years, and both the Foundation and OPEI now also have an office presence in Louisville.
In addition to the Louisville Tourism Impact Award, the Kentucky Humane Society honored Kiser with the 2024 Excellence in Philanthropy Humane Hero Award in 2024 for his long-term support of the organization and animal rescue and rehabilitation. Kiser also serves on the Waterfront Development Corporation Board of Directors and Kentucky Venues Advisory Board.
