The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) announced that its annual trade show and conference will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, November 16-18, 2023, at the America’s Center Convention Complex.
TCI Expo is the largest gathering in the country for tree care professionals at all levels: from CEOs trying to grow their businesses and support their teams to climbers and plant health care specialists. Last year 5,000 tree care professionals attended the educational events and trade show.
There is something for everyone, whether you’re a climber or a CEO. It’s all under one roof, from cutting-edge equipment to invaluable networking opportunities and top-notch training.
One-stop shop trade show
This year, there will be 250 exhibitors covering a 425,000-foot trade show floor. Attendees can meet directly with vendors, demo products, try on gear, see equipment in action, and much more.
TCI EXPOClimb, a small village within the trade show floor, is the perfect playground for tree climbers to test gear and get product advice on everything from harnesses to ropes, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hardware which they can try out at the “Open Truss” zone.
To rev things up even more, TCIA is introducing the all-new Demo Dome. With its soaring 112-foot-high ceilings, the “Dome” was initially built as the St. Louis Rams’ football stadium. Exhibitors will allow attendees to take a test drive on their most cutting-edge equipment, from small chain saws to aerial lifts and skid steers.
World-class industry education
Education is an essential part of TCI Expo, with 39 educational sessions and five pre-conference events. Sessions cater to arborists, climbers, sales professionals, CEOs, and even human resources managers. “TCI Expo supports your entire business,” said Peter Gerstenberger, Senior Vice President of Industry Support at TCIA. Most sessions are also available via digital access beyond the show, so attendees can continue earning education credits.
New this year are main-stage events featuring exciting new speakers. Professional climber Mark Synott, renowned for his New York Times best-selling book, “The Impossible Climb: Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and the Climbing Life,” will share his awe-inspiring adventures.
Additionally, David Joseph, founder of Joseph Tree Service, will present the challenging aspects of leadership and how to hold people accountable to provide leaders with tools and motivation to streamline accountability throughout their businesses. David White, CEO & President of TCIA, and Caitlyn Pollihan, CEO of ISA, will also present on the state of the industry, the benefits of collaboration, and what the future holds for tree care.
Networking events
This year the welcome reception, sponsored by Vermeer, will be at the world-famous Biergarten at Anheuser-Busch on Thursday, November 16. Attendees can stroll through the charming gardens, learn about the history of beer and meet the Budweiser Clydesdales. (Transportation is provided to and from the America’s Center.) There will also be a happy hour on the trade show floor before the welcome reception from 3 – 5 p.m.
Student Career Day
Student Career Day is for aspiring arborists who want to pursue a career in arboriculture, horticulture, or forestry and currently attending a vocational school, college or university. Students can contact their school advisor or contact Erin K. Aaron, manager of workforce recruitment and retention at studentcareerdays@tcia.org or 603-792-1271.
For more details go to: www.expo.tcia.org.