International Lineman’s Rodeo Announces Record- Breaking Attendance
NASHVILLE, TN//November 7th, 2023 International Lineman’s Rodeo, owned by the International Lineman’s Rodeo Association and produced by Endeavor Business Media announced a record turnout of 5,328 registrants in 2023, a 20% increase in attendance over 2022. This event took place 11-14 October at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, KS.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo is the premier event of its kind attracting the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks and skills. The first Lineman’s Rodeo was held in September 1984, with twelve participating teams from Kansas and Missouri.
Relatives flock to watch this event, since rodeos are often the only time to see their loved ones practicing a job that can demand long hours in disaster conditions. “My family doesn’t get to see it, but now I have the opportunity to do it and showcase my abilities. I mean, that’s cool to me,” said Brock Baker, a lineman with Xcel Energy in Amarillo, Texas.
Baker was among 1,316 journeymen and apprentice line workers who came to compete in the 39th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo. The 292 teams spanned from the U.S., Canada, and Brazil. The Rodeo was also comprised of visitors from Poland, New Zealand, Aruba, Bermuda, Japan, and the Bahamas.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo provides the opportunity for linemen to compete amongst the best of the best while learning and implementing safe work practices. Along with the competition, they have access to learning from leading equipment manufacturers and service providers to discover new safety techniques at the free safety conference. Lastly, they are able to connect with peers from other utilities to exchange best practices.
“The air was electric as thousands milled around the sprawling rodeo grounds. Hard-hatted competitors tugged rolling carts of gear from event to event, with spectator entourages following behind. Tents featured exhibitors such as Huskie Tools, Gore-Tex and Youngstown Glove Co. Yellow rope cordoned off competition zones, where linemen toiled atop utility poles set up in row after row.” said Erin Ailworth with The Wall Street Journal.
“In the eyes of children, these participants are somewhat heroic,” said Steve Harmon, Chief Executive of Community Electric Cooperative in Virginia, and chair of the committee for the Gaff-n-Go Line worker Rodeo.
The dates for the 40th anniversary of the International Lineman’s Rodeo have been announced for 16-19 October, held in Overland Park, KS at the Overland Park Convention Center. For more information on the event, visit www.linemansrodeokc.com.
Endeavor Business Media
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Endeavor Business Media was formed in 2017 to acquire and operate business media brands, events and marketing solutions. Today the company is one of the largest B2B Media companies in the US with more than 700 employees, 9,000 customers and a database of over 12 million business professionals. The company serves business professionals and marketers in key business sectors such as aviation, buildings, construction, dental, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, networking systems, public safety, transportation, and water. The company has offices in Nashville, TN; Tulsa, OK; Nashua, NH; Birmingham, AL; Sarasota, FL; Skokie, IL; Fort Atkinson, WI; Houston, TX; Independence, OH; Fort Collins, CO, and Overland Park, KS. To learn more, visit www.endeavorbusinessmedia.com.