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.
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.
Noble Oak and Safety Training Courses
Event Dates
Multiple Recurring Dates
Location
Multiple Locations
Description:
NJ Crane Expert and Noble Oak Safety & Training are family-owned businesses built on a shared commitment to safety, education, and workforce development. As a certified woman-owned business, we are proud to bring diverse leadership and industry expertise to the tree care, crane, and safety industries. Founded by industry professionals with deep roots in the field, our mission is provide training and education to all people, no matter the size of their company. From our headquarters in Frenchtown, New Jersey, we proudly serve customers nationwide while maintaining the personalized service and values that only a family-owned business can offer.
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.
2026 SAF National Convention
Event Dates
Octover 6-9, 2026
Location
Tacoma, WA
Description:
Join us in Tacoma, Washington, October 6-9, for our annual national convention, themed “Rooted Future: Growing in a Dynamic World.” This event will bring together foresters, researchers, and policymakers to reflect on the rich history of forestry, share current advancements, and look ahead to the future of sustainable forest management.
Early-bird registration rates are available from now through August 15, and regular registration rates are available through October 5. SAF Members save an additional 25% when registering for SAF26!
Visit safconvention.org to view our big stage sessions and speakers, tours, opportunities for students, and more! For questions, please contact membership@safnet.org.
New York Regional
Event Dates
October 13-14, 2026
Location
Saratoga Springs, New York
Description:
The Utility Arborist Association is excited to bring our New York Regional Event back next October. This gathering will bring together vegetation management professionals, utilities, contractors, educators, and industry partners for a full day of learning, connection, and practical insights tailored to the Northeast region.
Final dates, timing, and venue details will be announced soon.
Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the schedule and open registration. We look forward to seeing you in New York for an engaging and impactful regional event.
Western Regional Safety Summit
Event Dates
November 2-4, 2026
Location
Lake Tahoe, CA
Description:
The Utility Arborist Association is excited to bring a special combined Western Regional Meeting and Safety Summit to beautiful Lake Tahoe. This unique event blends two powerful experiences into one gathering, offering expanded learning, networking, and hands on safety programming for vegetation management professionals across the Western region.
Attendees will have the flexibility to shape their experience by choosing either
• Individual tickets for the Western Regional Meeting or the Safety Summit, or
• One all inclusive ticket that grants access to the full multi day event.
The combined program will feature region specific discussions, operational insights, safety demonstrations, practical field focused training, and opportunities to connect with peers, utilities, contractors, and industry partners.
Final dates, agenda details, and venue information will be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming you to Lake Tahoe for an engaging, scenic, and highly impactful UAA event.
2nd International Conference on Civil, Infrastructure and Smart Cities
Event Dates
March 22, 2027
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Description:
Pages Conferences warmly welcomes you to the 2nd International Conference on Civil, Infrastructure and Smart Cities (INFRASMART2027), taking place in Zurich, Switzerland, on March 22–23, 2027. This international gathering will bring together researchers, academics, engineers, industry experts, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and explore the latest developments in civil engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and smart urban solutions.
Following the successful editions of ICCSE-2024 in Edinburgh, UK, ICCSE-2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and ICICE-2026 in Madrid, Spain, INFRASMART2027 continues the tradition of fostering scientific excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. The conference will feature distinguished keynote speakers, technical presentations, interactive discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to promote the exchange of ideas and the development of future partnerships.
Join us in Zurich to connect with global experts, showcase your research, and contribute to shaping the future of resilient infrastructure and smart cities.
5th International Conference on Renewable, Non-Renewable & Sustainable Energy Systems (ICRNS-2027)
Event Dates
March 24-25, 2027
Location
Berlin, Germany
Description:
The 5th International Conference on Renewable, Non-Renewable & Sustainable Energy Systems (ICRNS-2027) will take place May 24–25, 2027, in Berlin, Germany.
The global event will bring together energy researchers, industry professionals, engineers, and policymakers to explore emerging technologies, innovative research, and sustainable solutions across renewable and non-renewable energy systems.
Topics will include solar and wind energy, energy storage, hydrogen, smart grids, and sustainable energy policies.
UVM Summit 2027
Event Dates
May 10, 2027
Location
California, United States
Description:
The UVM Summit is held for Utility Managers and decisions makers. This is invitation only. If you think you or someone you know would like to attend, and should have been invited, please email Crystal Arp, our events coordinator directly at carp@gotouaa.org. This page will be updated with further details once they are available.
Midwestern Regional & Safety Summit
Event Dates
July 12, 2027
Location
TBD
Description:
This Combined Meeting features both a Regional Meeting and a Safety Summit. This will be held in either Indiana or Ohio. The agenda will feature a Regional Meeting and a Safety Summit offering LOTS of CEUs! Once more information is available, it will be posted here!
BNEAT (Biodiversity + Nature in Energy and Transportation)
Event Dates
August 3-5, 2027
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Description:
We invite corporate sustainability managers, vegetation managers, environmental managers, federal/state agencies, and others involved in biodiversity research, monitoring, and reporting.
The BNEAT conference connects corporate sustainability, environmental, and vegetation managers to improve how vegetation management for infrastructure contributes to biodiversity, nature resiliency, and sustainability. Presentations and working sessions will help inform companies on the path towards being “nature-positive.
Trees & Utilities
Event Dates
September 14-16, 2027
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Description:
The Trees & Utilities Conference is the leading event for utility professionals, urban foresters, and industry leaders dedicated to balancing reliable energy with environmental stewardship.
With over 1,300 attendees, this conference provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and innovate in the fields of vegetation management, sustainability, and urban forestry. Join us September 14-16 at the First Financial Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, to discover cutting-edge solutions, build lasting partnerships, and shape the future of utility and environmental collaboration. More exciting details are coming soon. Want to hear first? Join our list!
Western Regional & Safety Summit
Event Dates
November 8-12, 2027
Location
TBD
Description:
We are excited for another Western Regional & Safety Summit Combined Event! Once more details are solidified we will update them here.
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
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00AM/CST- 5:00PM/CST
Address
2009 W. Broadway Ave, Suite 400
PMB 315
Forest Lake, MN 55025
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 
Felicia brings over twenty years of leadership in management, finance, and governance, with a track record built alongside community partners, executives, and board members. The Nashville-based leader has real strengths in financial forecasting and reporting, clear communication, and the special-project work that helps executives make confident decisions. She’s a creative, collaborative problem solver who thrives in fast-paced settings where every dollar counts.
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.