ArborEXPO '25

Location: Mallary Building

The primary focus of OSHA’s potential Tree Care Operations standard would be to protect workers who prune, repair, maintain, or remove trees (tree care), or perform on-site support of tree care, such as workers who pick up and dispose of limbs or branches, or use the on-site equipment. This would be a potential new standard in 29 CFR Part 1910: Tree Care Operations. The new standard would address the safe use of tools and equipment associated with tree care and on-site support of tree care. Tree care work often requires workers to climb or be hoisted into trees and to operate potentially dangerous tools and equipment, including chainsaws, stump grinders, woodchippers, cranes, and mobile bucket trucks.

In this session, you will learn about the status of OSHA’s Tree Care Operations standard and how to prepare yourself and your organization for this new rule from OSHA.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Ed Carpenter

Foliar diseases of trees in our managed landscapes are some of the most pervasive health issues encountered by managing arborists. They span from minor diseases that only impact the aesthetics to truly menacing diseases capable of major canopy dieback and irreversible decline.

In this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the most prevalent foliar diseases affecting trees in managed landscapes across southern New England. Real-world examples – including beech leaf disease, white pine needle blight, Rhizophaera needle cast, apple scab, and foliar anthracnose – will be examined so you can learn to identify these diseases and assess their impact. Discussion will also include actionable management strategies to reduce disease incidence and severity.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Nicolas Breeze

While we are all aware that our fatal injury rate is 15 to 30 times higher than the average across all industries, our severe nonfatal injury rate is also significantly higher than most other occupations. Tragically, a lack of first aid training and the absence of proper first aid kits have turned some survivable injuries into fatalities.

In this session, we’ll review the most common incidents leading to severe nonfatal injuries and the essential first aid skills and supplies needed to manage these injuries until EMS arrives. We’ll go over the specific supplies that every first aid kit must include and discuss how often they should be replaced. The first time you need to use first aid should not be the first time you open the kit!

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

John Ball, Ph.D., BCMA, CTSP 

Over the past few years, Beach Leaf Disease (BLD) has swept through much of New England at a dizzying pace. Caused by an invasive foliar nematode, the disease quickly became a top concern of arborists and foresters in the Eastern United States. A research team with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has been at the forefront of BLD management trials, learning from both impressive failures and exciting successes as they developed two novel treatment programs focused on different arboricultural applications.

This session will delve into the research process and its rationale, providing you with insights to develop effective management strategies for your operations.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Matt Borden

Explore when and how to determine if a helicopter is the right choice for a project, as well as its limitations. This session will take an in-depth look at one of our largest helicopter removal projects, including an examination of the challenges and hazards that were identified.

In this presentation, you’ll learn about our preparation process leading up to lift day, how the removal was executed with precision, and the steps we took to ensure accurate measurements and weights. Finally, we’ll share insights from our after-action review, where we analyzed the data to refine our approach for future projects.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Bill Burley 

Brick Reilly and Paul Biester occupy different spaces within the tree community and come at life from slightly different positions. However, they align on many core values and principles such as continued growth in mind, body, and spirit. They both value developing deeper relationships within the arboricultural community through conversation, networking, and participating in events like competitions, tradeshows, and seminars.

Whether you’re a business owner, climber, crane operator, or other occupation, this session will offer valuable insights on how to extend your career safely and effectively in the tree care industry. Reilly and Biester aim to inspire and empower the tree care community, helping others to sustain and deepen their passion for the field.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Brick Reilly 

Paul Biester, CTSP 

Location: Demo Area Must be present to win!

Location: Demo Stage Learn how to align operations and sales to work as a cohesive team, breaking down the day-to-day strategies that ensure seamless communication and collaboration. This talk will equip you with a practical plan to win in TreeCare by running successful jobs from start to finish with efficiency and purpose. Led by Academy Trained

CEUs Pending

Location: WTCW Instructors Booth #854

The word “Yoga” immediately conjures up images of super flexible people in stretchy clothes. Yoga is not a fad, and it’s not a religion. It is an ancient physical and spiritual practice that originated in India.

In this session, we’ll use postures, focused breathing, and meditation to improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce stress. Yoga is accessible and beneficial for all people, regardless of age, ability, or body type. Come learn a few basics of how to yoke (join) your breath, mind, and body.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Bear LaVangie

Location: NATS Skills Arena The indoor NATS Skills Arena™ will showcase a scaled-down arbor work zone featuring NATS SafeTree™ Simulators (patent pending). Here, tree crew teams will compete in hands-on skill challenges that test both their mental and physical abilities, all while a live audience cheers them on from a safe viewing area!

Note: Teams of two will compete in Technical Skills Competitions each day. NATS will supply materials and PPE for the contestants. All ArborSPORTS™ competitors must successfully complete the NATS Skills Arena™ event to be eligible to compete in the outside ArborSPORTS™ Stadium event.

Location: WTCW Instructors Booth #854

Don’t know a knot, so you tie a lot? Arborist knots can be intimidating – especially when your safety depends on them – but they don’t have to be!

Whether you’re eager to learn new knots, sharpen your skills, or simply practice what you already know, the WTCW booth has you covered. Stop by and explore 10 interactive stations designed for knot-tying fun, practice, and learning!

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Kate Odell

Location: Demo Area Must be present to win!

Location: Demo Stage Description to come. Led by Academy Trained

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Jared Abrojena

Phil Rogacki

Location: WTCW Instructors Booth #854

Thanks to all the rope gurus out there who geek out and dive deep into the details! Join us as we explore ropes inside and out to discover what makes them unique.

From climbing and rigging lines to throw lines and winch lines, we’ll show you why choosing the right tool for the job makes all the difference.

CEUs Pending

Location: Outdoor full-scale model work zone ArborSPORTS™ Finals! Join us at the outdoor full-scale simulated arbor work zone, featuring NATS SafeTree™ Simulators (patent pending), where qualifying teams from the NATS Skills Arena™ will go head-to-head in the first annual ArborSPORTS™ competition. Cheer the teams on as they compete for prizes and the ultimate first-ever bragging rights!

Note: Qualifying teams of two will compete in a knockout round tournament competition in the disciplines of Chainsaw Cutting Skills, Technical Tree Climbing Skills, and Technical Rigging Skills. NATS will supply materials and PPE for the contestants. All ArborSPORTS™ competitors must successfully complete the NATS Skills Arena™ event to be eligible to compete in the outside ArborSPORTS™ Stadium event.

Join Ryan Torcicollo as he examines severe chainsaw injuries and fatalities across the tree care industry, while highlighting the key factors contributing to these incidents.

This session will include discussion on best practices for positioning yourself for success, as well as selecting the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on specific situations. Additionally, safer cutting techniques will be demonstrated aimed at helping you minimize the most common injury risks, ultimately enhancing both safety and productivity.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Ryan Torcicollo

Location: EXPO Classroom – Tradeshow Floor Knucklebooms and grapple saws are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. However, with very minimal regulations and requirements, they are often misused.

Join Hans Tielmann, NCCER mobile crane instructor and NJLTE, as he discusses the key considerations for safely operating a grapple saw on a job site. He will cover critical factors that should always be addressed before starting any job involving this equipment.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Hans Tielmann 

Running a tree service is an exciting career choice, but it can come with more challenges than many realize. From costly machinery and hazardous work to high labor and insurance expenses, making a profit is tough. Retaining skilled employees in a competitive market, while facing pressure to lower prices from customers, only adds to the difficulty. And with so many new tree services starting up, standing out can feel overwhelming. Success in this industry comes from decades of smart decisions, including helping your team become certified arborists, joining trade associations, earning accreditation, attending conferences like ArborEXPO and ISA chapters, and seeking guidance from mentors.

In this session, Michael Roche will outline his PATH to running a successful tree service for over 36 years, offering relatable anecdotes that you can apply to your own journey. This talk is perfect for new business owners, mid-career arborists looking to grow their business without burning out, and successful owners seeking to develop an exit strategy. It’s a lot to cover in an hour, so get ready!

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Michael Roche

Location: Basketball Hall of Fame. All are welcome! Enjoy free food, a cash bar, and exclusive access to all the amenities and games at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Come play a game of basketball with friends both old and new. Free parking available.

Location: Mallary Building

The dynamic of the work environment is changing, and the way we “train” needs to keep pace. The tree care industry is no longer what it used to be. New employees are no longer willing to wait for years to gain knowledge, advancement, and pay – they'll move on to the next company offering better pay and opportunities.

In this session, we’ll explore how industry leaders can recognize this shift and embrace it as an opportunity to become mentors, fostering a skilled and knowledgeable team. Attendees will learn how mentoring can lead to a less stressful work environment and better work-life balance for everyone.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Sydney Hudzinski-Huber

Selecting the "right tree for the right place" is crucial for fulfilling your client’s landscape goals while supporting a resilient and healthy urban canopy. Proper species selection lays the foundation for tree health, followed by thoughtful planning, placement, and planting. Well-chosen urban trees can survive and thrive amidst challenges like rising temperatures, drought, and infrastructure constraints such as powerlines and driveways.

In this session, we will examine the best tree species for urban environments in our region, key factors to consider when making purchases, and effective strategies for optimal placement, all while addressing essential environmental considerations.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Russell Holman

The new Z133 standard is coming out, with numerous updates to reflect changes in technology – think of the expanding use of remote tools – and hazards.

This session will review the most common fatal incidents and highlight the changes in the standard that, if followed, could help reduce these risks. Key standards that will be discussed include the new training guidelines and revisions to the electrical hazard section, which now classifies arborists into one of four categories, among other important updates.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

John Ball, Ph.D., BCMA, CTSP 

By following a few basic steps with an ethical and professional mindset, we can set ourselves up for success. The first step is to prioritize the customer’s best interests. To do this, we need the appropriate contracts in place to allow us to work with and for our customer. Keep in mind that contract requirements vary by state, so a one-size-fits-all approach may not apply.

Key elements to include are a three-day right to rescission, possibly an Assignment of Benefits, a Direction to Pay, and fully disclosed pricing. When these are set up correctly, you can continue working for the customer and help them get their invoices paid – all while adding a layer of protection against anyone who might consider keeping your check for themselves.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Joe Whitledge

Sometimes the old ways are best, but sometimes new technologies can make previously miserable tasks downright easy.

In this presentation, we will walk through a few worthwhile ways to integrate new tools like AI, drones, social media groups, web content, and more. As important, we will review and dispel common myths about the potential downsides and discuss situations where it may be better to avoid upgrading to the latest tech fads.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Josiah Georgeson

Join us for an engaging and action-packed session on Aerial Rescue Operations and Procedures for Arborists! This dynamic presentation will cover essential techniques to safely and efficiently respond to emergency situations in the canopy. From assessing risks to executing life-saving maneuvers, you’ll gain valuable insights to enhance your rescue readiness. Discover how to use specialized equipment, master communication strategies, and maintain composure under pressure.

With real-world scenarios and expert guidance, this class empowers you to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or new to the field, you’ll leave with the knowledge needed to safeguard lives and elevate your professional skills.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Ryan Swederski

Location: Demo Area Must be present to win!

Location: Demo Area Description to come.

CEUs Pending

Location: NATS Skills Arena The indoor NATS Skills Arena™ will showcase a scaled-down arbor work zone featuring NATS SafeTree™ Simulators (patent pending). Here, tree crew teams will compete in hands-on skill challenges that test both their mental and physical abilities, all while a live audience cheers them on from a safe viewing area!

Note: Teams of two will compete in Technical Skills Competitions each day. NATS will supply materials and PPE for the contestants. All ArborSPORTS™ competitors must successfully complete the NATS Skills Arena™ event to be eligible to compete in the outside ArborSPORTS™ Stadium event.

Location: WTCW Instructors Booth #854

CEUs Pending

Location: Outdoor full-scale model work zone ArborSPORTS™ Finals! Join us at the outdoor full-scale simulated arbor work zone, featuring NATS SafeTree™ Simulators (patent pending), where qualifying teams from the NATS Skills Arena™ will go head-to-head in the first annual ArborSPORTS™ competition. Cheer the teams on as they compete for prizes and the ultimate first-ever bragging rights!

Note: Qualifying teams of two will compete in a knockout round tournament competition in the disciplines of Chainsaw Cutting Skills, Technical Tree Climbing Skills, and Technical Rigging Skills. NATS will supply materials and PPE for the contestants. All ArborSPORTS™ competitors must successfully complete the NATS Skills Arena™ event to be eligible to compete in the outside ArborSPORTS™ Stadium event.

La seguridad en el lugar de trabajo es importante, pero mantener la seguridad a la vista es igualmente importante. Si bien a menudo confiamos en que nuestro personal seguirá las mejores prácticas y los estándares de la industria, confiar únicamente en las buenas intenciones no es suficiente. Sin un programa de seguridad claro, lo único que podemos esperar es que los valores del equipo sean tan altos como los estándares de la industria. Con un programa de seguridad bien definido, puede capacitar a su equipo para superar constantemente las expectativas, reducir los accidentes, fomentar el desarrollo de habilidades y crear un ambiente de trabajo donde los empleados prosperen tanto profesional como personalmente.

En esta sesión, discutiremos sus programas de seguridad actuales, cómo iniciar un programa de seguridad (si aún no tiene uno), áreas a supervisar en el lugar de trabajo, cómo documentar las visitas y hallazgos del equipo de seguridad del sitio, cómo capacitar a su tripulaciones en estándares de seguridad y procedimientos operativos de seguridad, y formación de equipos para el liderazgo de la tripulación, la moral de la tripulación, la misión, visión y valores de la empresa.

CEUs Pendiente

Speakers:

Erick Palacios 

Location: Demo Area Must be present to win!

Location: WTCW Instructors Booth #854

We don’t have to operate in a silo – our industry has so many amazing branches that can cross pollinate with so many other fields. In a casual conversation, we’ll explore how you can grow and expand your career in ways that excite and energize you. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to building a career you love!

CEUs Pending

Location: Demo Area Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the fastest growing areas in safety, especially for tree and green industry workers.

In this talk, we will discuss the requirements of PPE, according to OSHA, as well as employer and employee responsibilities with clear simple guidance in the following areas:
• Who is responsible for paying for PPE?
• What is required when training employees on PPE?
• Where to find quality information on PPE requirements.
• Why PPE requires a hazard certification.
• When is employee PPE allowed?
• And, how can we improve awareness on relevant PPE issues?

CEUs Pending

Social media is your face to the world. This presentation will help you determine if you, your company, and your employees have a positive and effective safety culture. You’ll learn how to align your social media presence with this culture, using established safety standards to your advantage. Burley will show you how to leverage various social media platforms to expand the reach of your safety culture, influencing not only your company, but also those who interact with your work.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Bill Burley 

Protect your assets through safety, training, and compliance. There are so many daily challenges -- but don’t lose focus on what’s important.

In this session, attendees will come away with a better understanding on how to protect themselves, their assets through daily safety awareness, ongoing training, and compliance with industry standards.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Jared Abrojena

Site safety is important, but keeping safety in sight is just as important. While we often trust our crews to follow best practices and industry standards, relying solely on good intentions just isn’t enough. Without a clear safety program, all we can hope for is that team values are as high as industry standards. With a well-defined safety program, you can empower your team to consistently exceed expectations, reduce accidents, foster skill development, and create a work environment where employees thrive both professionally and personally.

In this session, we will discuss your current safety programs, how to start a safety program (if you don’t have one yet), areas to oversee on the worksite, how to document site safety crew visits and findings, how to train your crews in safety standards and operating safety procedures, and team building for crew leadership, crew moral, company mission, vision, and values.

CEUs Pending

Speakers:

Erick Palacios 

Location: WTCW Instructors Booth #854

Have you ever opened a tree gear catalog to the rope section and immediately overwhelmed, thinking, “Why are there so many options?” and “How am I supposed to pick the right one?”

The world of ropes is vast and ever-growing, but this talk will simplify the decision-making process. You’ll be guided in selecting the right rope for the job, your personal preference, and – most importantly – your favorite color!

CEUs Pending