Industry Events
Stay connected to the utility arborist community through industry events that foster learning, collaboration, and professional growth. Explore upcoming opportunities or submit your own event for consideration.
Industry Events
At UAA, we recognize the value of collaboration and shared knowledge across the utility arborist industry. Our Industry Events page features events from across the broader professional community. If you have an upcoming event that you believe would benefit utility arborists, we invite you to submit it for consideration.
TREE Fund Webinars
Event Dates
Multiple Recurring Dates
Location
Online
Description:
TREE Fund webinars bring you the latest in tree research directly from the scientists themselves. These one-hour sessions are free, offer CEU opportunities, and are some of the largest and most well-attended in the world, highlighting the cutting-edge research funded by TREE Fund.
T&D World Webinars
Event Dates
Multiple Recurring Dates
Location
Online
Description:
Webinars for utility professionals covering planning, design, operations, maintenance, and safety of transmission and distribution systems, including automation and IT. Browse upcoming and archived sessions at tdworld.com/resources/webinars.
Call for Abstracts for the ISA 2026 Annual International Conference
Event Dates
NOW through January 9, 2026
Location
Online
Description:
We are excited to announce the submission period for abstracts to present at the ISA 2026 Annual International Conference, 10-12 August 2026 in Detroit, Michigan, USA is open!
As we are preparing for this exciting event, we need your expertise. ISA is seeking proposals from leaders in arboriculture, urban forestry and related fields who want to share their research, best practices, expertise, and passion for the industry with the tree care community.
2026 Indiana Arborist Association Annual Conference
Event Dates
January 20-22, 2026
Location
Noblesville, IN
Description:
The Indiana Arborist Association organizes an annual conference and trade show for professional arborists, urban foresters, tree managers, and colleagues in the green industry. Over the last 15 years, the Indiana chapter has delivered more than 600 continuing education units to over 5,000 participants at its conferences. This educational event has taken place every year for over 75 years, and will continue this year with experts from across the nation sharing insights on tree care, utility vegetation management, plant health care, and urban forestry concerns.
This annual gathering is just one aspect of the association’s mission to support its members by creating opportunities for training and networking, as well as promoting high ethical standards. The event features more than 20 educational sessions and a trade show with over 40 exhibitor booths, expecting upwards of 300 attendees in Indianapolis.
Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic
Event Dates
February 20-22, 2026
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Description:
Be a part of the much-anticipated 2026 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. The annual national convention and outdoor tradeshow focuses on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, bird dogs, wildlife habitat management, pollinators and more!
Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course
Event Dates
March 17-18, 2026
Location
Arden Hills, MN
Description:
The Shade Tree Short Course is two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture, and the green industry. ISA Certified Arborist® CEUs are available for most sessions.
The Shade Tree Short Course has been held annually in Minnesota since 1963. The conference includes general and concurrent sessions each day, as well as a vendor area with mini-sessions covering a variety of topics.
Certification and Credit
Minnesota Certified Tree Inspectors will be re-certified by attending the short course. ISA CEUs are available for most sessions.
EDM 2026 International Conference on Overhead Lines
Event Dates
March 29-April 2, 2026
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Call for Papers
June 18 – September 24, 2025
Description:
We’re excited to officially announce the Call for Papers for the 2026 EDM International Conference on Overhead Lines, is opening June 18th and will run through Sept 24, 2025!
Who should submit?
Utility professionals, engineers, asset managers, vegetation managers, biologists, researchers, and anyone passionate about the overhead line systems.
Why Present?
Share your hard-earned insights with a global audience – Advance the safety, reliability and resiliency of overhead line systems – Inspire collaboration and thought leadership across generations
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ROW 14
Event Dates
May 11-14, 2026
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia
Description
The UAA and ROW Steering Committee are looking forward to bringing the event back to Canada in 2026 for another spectacular international event.
This series has been held every three to four years since the early ’70s and has consistently been one of the greatest environmental research-based conferences to attend and we are excited to be coming to Vancouver, British Columbia in May of 2026.
Our Steering Committee is working on creating an amazing local field tour, engaging plenary session, educational academia panel, research programs, and more so mark you calendars now as you will not want to miss this in person event.
Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group Meeting
Event Dates
May 15, 2026
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia
Description
Join us in Vancouver, Canada, at the upcoming spring Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group Meeting!
Hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
As a finale to the 14th International Symposium on Environmental Concerns in Rights-of-Way Management (ROW 14), this Working Group meeting aims to encourage bi-national participation among energy and transportation organizations across the U.S. and Canada to facilitate collective processing and action on topics discussed at at the Symposium. The meeting will foster peer connection and learning, and identify follow-up actions for the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group.
Utility Vegetation Manager’s Summit (Invitation Only)
Event Dates
June 15-17, 2026
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Description
Join the most senior leaders in utility vegetation management for a select, invitation-only forum hosted by the Utility Arborist Association (UAA). This summit is exclusively designed for system-level managers and decision-makers who oversee UVM programs across utilities.
At this event, you’ll engage in peer-to-peer sessions, led discussions on emerging trends, and strategic workshops focused on contractor performance, workforce development, risk management, and technology integration. Held at an intimate venue to foster candid dialogue and meaningful benchmarking, this forum gathers utility professionals intent on elevating the role of vegetation management within the enterprise.
4th International Summit on Non-Renewable and Renewable Energy
Event Dates
August 24-25, 2026
Location
Venice, Italy
Call for Papers
August 16 – November 30, 2025
Description:
We are delighted to welcome all researchers, industry professionals, and thought leaders in the energy sector to the 4th International Summit on Non-Renewable and Renewable Energy (ISNRE2026) which will be held in Venice, Italy on August 24-25, 2026.
Over two intensive and inspiring days, attendees with engage in high-level plenary & keynote talks, panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and foster actionable solutions. this summit will bring together leading voices from academia, industry, and government to share the latest breakthroughs, explore critical challenges, and discuss pathways toward a more sustainable energy future.
We look forward to welcoming you to Venice for an impactful and memorable edition of ISNRE!
Global Summit on Space Sciences and Aerospace Engineering (SPACESCIENCE2026)
Event Dates
August 26-27, 2026
Location
Venice, Italy
Description:
We are delighted to invite you to the Global Summit on Space Sciences and Aerospace Engineering (SPACESCIENCE2026), organized by Research Connects.
This prestigious event brings together leading scientists, researchers, engineers, industry professionals, space agencies, and academic experts from across the globe to share their latest findings and innovations in the fields of space exploration, satellite technology, propulsion systems, aerospace materials, remote sensing, and beyond.
SPACESCIENCE2026 will feature keynote presentations, oral talks, poster presentations, and exhibitions, providing a platform for researchers to connect, exchange ideas, and forge new collaborations, this summit is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and foster interdisciplinary partnerships.
Tour des Trees Bike Ride to Benefit TREE Fund
Event Dates
September 12-18, 2026
Location
North Carolina
Description:
Join us in North Carolina at the annual Tour des Trees bike ride to benefit Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund). The 2026 ride will be September 12-18.
Join your fellow arborists, industry professionals, and other tree enthusiasts while we ride aroudn teh state, spreading the word about the importance of trees and proper tree care. Make long-lasting connections and support TREE Funds’s grant scholarship programs at the same time.
Registration for the 2026 ride will take place between January and June. Look for more info on our website.
Submit Your Upcoming Industry Event
Please include the event’s time, date, and a brief summary explaining its relevance to the utility arborist industry. Once submitted, we will review the event to ensure it aligns with UAA’s mission and values. You will be contacted once a decision has been made regarding the posting of your event. (Feel free to rework any of the verbiage)
Contact Us
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Address
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Additional Info
Phone: 800-680-4106
Email: office@gotouaa.org
Craig works for Pacific Gas and Electric as a Principal Program Manager in Land Management. His career spans 30 years in the utility industry serving numerous roles. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, and hold his TRAQ and is a TCIA Certified TreeCare Safety Professional. Craig has been engaged and involved in the UAA for many years, starting back in 2008. He then wanted more so he ran for UAA President and was elected in 2014. Today, Craig looks back over his 30-year career and wouldn’t change a thing, he’s made life-long friends and considers many as mentors. He also claims he would not be where is in his career if it weren’t for these people, and pledges to pay it forward to support others in their success.
Sam joins the UAA crew with over a decade of non-profit experience behind her. As our Partnership Coordinator, her focused efforts on building relationships with diverse funders include crafting proposals, cultivating connections, and cohesively earning dedicated sponsors to support the sustainability of UAA substantially and empowering our programs. Well equipped with professional skills which include program development, public speaking, proposal writing, donor relations, working with diverse stakeholders, coalition building, and public-facing service. Sam’s educational background includes a BS in Animal Ecology with a minor in Animal Science, and a MA in Philanthropy and Non-profit Development.
Jodie Braskich is an experienced professional in the utility industry with a strong background in supply chain and vegetation management. With over 18 years of industry expertise, Jodie continues to contribute her time and knowledge to the continuous improvement of the professional field of UVM. She has been a member of the UAA since 2007.
Josh Beaver is currently senior vice president of Eocene Environmental Group, a utility vegetation management (UVM) consulting and operations firm. Josh has more than two decades of experience within the UVM industry. He is currently responsible for relationship management and oversight of long-term UVM contracts throughout the United States and Canada. He considers customer and community communication to be vital aspects of his role, and he has a proven record of success working with utilities.
Crystal started her career in the Interior Design space but soon found herself 
Renée is our Member Services Manager. She is available to UAA members for questions on committee assignments, educational opportunities, scholarships, CEU questions, and any other assistance.
Jeff has enjoyed a 32-year career in Utility Vegetation Management. He began his career in 1993 with Holy Cross Energy as a temporary groundman. After receiving full time employment in 1994. He worked his way through the department from climber to foreman and eventually department manager in 2018. He brings a real-world approach to the industry.
Jason is a seasoned utility vegetation management professional with almost 20 years of experience leading data-driven, field-tested programs that prioritize safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Jason is a forward-thinking leader who integrates emerging technologies to extract insights from complex data, streamline workflows, and drive smarter decision-making across the organization.
C. Troy Ross is the president of vegetation management at ACRT and ACRT Pacific. Shortly after graduating from Hocking College with a degree in Ranger Services and Fish and Wildlife, Ross began his career with ACRT at Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation as a contract utility forester in 1999. Since then, he has advanced through increasingly senior leadership roles, supporting vegetation management programs for a wide range of utility types and organizational structures.
A winner of the David H Nabi Award for dedication and service, Dr. Robert Vanderhoof earned his Ph.D. from the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University in 1995. A veteran natural resource manager, Robert spent 15 years as Florida’s Deer Management Section Chief during which time he coordinated range management activities across Florida’s seven-million-acre wildlife management area system.
Cindy is the Senior Director, Vegetation Management Services and she manages departments responsible for maintaining vegetation in REC’s rights-of-way with the goal of reducing exposure of the electric grid to tree caused outages while encouraging habitat and species diversity. Cindy also has a consulting business, EcoAcumen, LLC that focuses on residential, commercial and government clients.
Kimberly Laing has had an exciting career in the energy industry, gaining valuable experience in various areas for almost 20 years. During her career, she has worked with numerous customers worldwide in a diverse cross-disciplined technical environment. She has extensive experience working with utilities, asset owners, equipment manufacturers, and consultants to facilitate transmission and distribution projects. Kimberly is particularly passionate about Utility Vegetation Management and its vital role in delivering safe and reliable power.
Fallon is a Utility Arborist and Executive Director of the Utility Arborist Association. Prior to his current role he was responsible for leading vegetation management programs across several upper Midwest states on behalf of a large investor-owned utility. He’s also been an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he facilitated the 
Erin Creekmur has been in the UVM industry for over 20 years. After graduating with a Bachelors in Botany from Northern Arizona University she relocated to Northern California to start her professional career. Starting as a consulting utility pre-inspector with Western ECI she quickly moving up to the ranks to Supervisor under the tutelage of folks like Nelson Money. In 2004, Erin joined PG&E as a Quality Assurance Auditor for the VM program. Eventually becoming the Program Manager for the North Coast Division, helping stand up the beginnings of CEMA as the Emergency Drought Response Initiative Lead for the Enhanced Inspection & Mitigation Program, targeting off-cycle hazard trees across the system. In 2015, Erin moved back to her home state of Arizona and took the role of Division Supervisor with Arizona Public Service, managing both transmission and distribution UVM programs out of the Flagstaff area. As part of her role with APS Forestry Fire and Resource Management Department, Erin had responsibility for creating a Hazard Tree Mitigation program. maintaining APS’s ROW Stewardship Accreditation, FERC reporting, and the Transmission Lidar program. In 2021, Erin took a shift in her career and is now Supervising the Customer Construction and Design team for APS, expanding her overall understanding of the Utility industry. Erin continues to maintain her ISA Utility Specialist Certification and TRAQ. She has also completed certifications in both Six Sigma and Lean Sigma Green Belt through accredited universities. In addition to her current service on the UAA Board of Directors, Erin spent the last 6 years as an officer with the Arboretum at Flagstaff Board of Directors. In her free time, you can find Erin in the woods taking pictures of native plants and beautiful western landscapes.
Christopher King serves as Director of Operations at ArborMetrics Solutions (AMS), based in North Carolina. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing operational activities across multiple accounts throughout the Eastern United States. With more than a decade of experience in the utility vegetation management (UVM) industry, Mr. King has held a diverse range of roles, including Groundperson, Foreperson, Contract Forester, Vegetation Management Program Manager, Business Development Manager, and Director of Operations Support.
Matt Goff is a Transmission Vegetation Manager at Georgia Power Company. He lives in Brookhaven, GA with his wife, two daughters, and the family’s two dogs Sam, and Payton. For leisure, he enjoys sports with his family, bird hunting, and salt-water fishing.Matt holds a BSFR from the University of Georgia in Forest Resource Management and he graduated in 1997. He has worked in the vegetation management industry for 26 years. His work experience includes six years as a procurement forester for a forest products manufacturer, and 20 years in the utility vegetation management industry with Georgia Power.
Cody is the Membership Office Coordinator for the Utility Arborist Association, where she supports membership operations with a focus on organization and engagement. She blends her experience in organizing systems, interpreting data, and working closely with people to support both the day-to-day and big-picture needs of the UAA.