---
title: When is the Welcome Reception? | Equip Exposition
description: The Equip Exposition Welcome Reception is Tuesday, October 20 at Churchill Downs, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., included with your badge.
---
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[Help Center](https://help.equipexposition.com/) › [Attendee Questions](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions) › When is the Welcome Reception?
# When is the Welcome Reception?
Equip's opening night, included with your registration: the Welcome Reception runs Tuesday, October 20, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs.
There is nothing extra to pay. The reception comes with your Equip registration, and guests are welcome. It runs Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208. Churchill Downs is home of the Kentucky Derby. Set your GPS for the First Turn Club, not just Churchill Downs. [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ford+First+Turn+Club+Churchill+Downs+Louisville).
**What happens there?** The Kentucky Derby bugler plays the Call to the Post live. You can play cornhole with the track as a backdrop, listen to the music and look over the equipment Caterpillar is showing on site.
**Can I get food and drinks?** Yes. Fill a plate at the homestyle buffets while supplies last, and buy drinks at the bar.
**Can I pick up my badge there?** Yes. Badge pickup at the reception opens at 6:30 p.m. Bring a valid driver's license or passport and the QR code from your confirmation email, or type your details into the kiosk. Pick up on Tuesday and you skip the Wednesday morning badge line. See [badge pickup](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions/badge-where).
**How do I get there?** Free Equip shuttles run Routes 1 to 7 from their usual hotel stops, 6:15 to 9 p.m. Route 7 riders board at Aloft. See the [shuttle routes](https://help.equipexposition.com/travel-questions/shuttle-routes). If you drive, parking at Churchill Downs is free and nearby. See [Where do I park for the Welcome Reception?](https://help.equipexposition.com/travel-questions/welcome-reception-parking)
The reception is sponsored by Caterpillar Inc. The show floor opens the next morning, Wednesday, October 21, at 9 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more, visit the [Welcome Reception event page](https://www.equipexposition.com/welcome-reception).
**Related in Attendee Questions**
- [How do I register?](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions/how)
- [When is registration open?](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions/open)
- [How do I know my registration worked?](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions/confirm)
- [Can I register my team or a group?](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions/group)
- [Can I register onsite?](https://help.equipexposition.com/attendee-questions/onsite)
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Future Show Dates:
**Louisville: Oct. 20-23, 2026
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"text" : "Equip's opening night, included with your registration: the Welcome Reception runs Tuesday, October 20, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs. There is nothing extra to pay. The reception comes with your Equip registration, and guests are welcome. It runs Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208. Churchill Downs is home of the Kentucky Derby. Set your GPS for the First Turn Club, not just Churchill Downs. Get directions. What happens there? The Kentucky Derby bugler plays the Call to the Post live. You can play cornhole with the track as a backdrop, listen to the music and look over the equipment Caterpillar is showing on site. Can I get food and drinks? Yes. Fill a plate at the homestyle buffets while supplies last, and buy drinks at the bar. Can I pick up my badge there? Yes. Badge pickup at the reception opens at 6:30 p.m. Bring a valid driver's license or passport and the QR code from your confirmation email, or type your details into the kiosk. Pick up on Tuesday and you skip the Wednesday morning badge line. See badge pickup. How do I get there? Free Equip shuttles run Routes 1 to 7 from their usual hotel stops, 6:15 to 9 p.m. Route 7 riders board at Aloft. See the shuttle routes. If you drive, parking at Churchill Downs is free and nearby. See Where do I park for the Welcome Reception? The reception is sponsored by Caterpillar Inc. The show floor opens the next morning, Wednesday, October 21, at 9 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more, visit the Welcome Reception event page.",
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