LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Farm Machinery Show, otherwise known as the "largest indoor farm trade show" in the country, is expected to bring more than 300,000 people to Louisville.
It will be at the Kentucky Expo Center from Feb. 14-17. Admission is free and open to the public, but parking is $12 per vehicle.
"The show continues to raise the ceiling year over year on the economic impact it brings to Louisville; this year’s event is poised to bring in $24.2 million in economic impact," a spokesperson for the show said. "Additionally, the show helps Louisville exceed 90% hotel occupancy during the event."
Officials said there will be over 800 vendors who are showcasing the "latest, greatest, and most innovative farm equipment." There will also be over 30 seminars on various agriculture topics and health screenings.
Visitors are welcome to browse the show floor, network, and shop.
It's about bringing the biggest and the best to Louisville, as it has done for 58 years. Brent Raines works with Krone North America. He and his team have gone to the show for more than 30 years. He said this center is unique from other shows.
"Well naturally the facility is hard to beat, but I think probably the diversity of the crowd," he said.
Kentucky leaders announced in September 2022 their intention to set aside money for renovations and upgrades at the Expo Center, and officials at the center started drafting what those would look like in November 2022.
Major events like the Kentucky Derby and PGA coming are also a plus that attracts several people.
"Downtown, 4th Street Live!, all of the distilleries and the restaurants," Raines said.
Right now, the Expo Center is in phase one. They're discussing kitchen improvements and the expansion of the North Wing and East Hall.
Ian Cox, a spokesperson for Kentucky Venues, said it's important for clients like the Farm Machinery Show to have input.
"Events that share with us what they're desires are and what they're needs are gives us a great position to take when we start building out our renovation plans," he said.
While there is no timeline on when construction will start, the first phase of pre-design is expected to take 120 days.
"We think this facility is not only going to empower existing clients, it's going to create a space for big events to happen," Cox said.
In the meantime, vendors with New Holland said there's no place like the Expo Center.
In addition, The Championship Tractor Pull happens daily at 7 p.m. from February 14-17. There is an extra performance on Saturday at noon. Tickets start at $10.
To purchase tickets, please click here.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.