What It Takes to Produce the Tree Care Industry’s Largest Conference & Trade Show
When you step into TCI EXPO with more than 6,000 other tree care professionals, you’re seeing just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, it takes extensive planning, teamwork, and coordination to bring the world’s largest tree care trade show and conference to life.
A Year (and more!) in the Making
Did you know TCI EXPO ’24 has been nearly a decade in the works? TCIA books venues years in advance! “Baltimore was contracted in 2015 for the 2020 show, but the pandemic pushed it to 2024. We often secure locations more than five years out and have already booked through 2032!” TCIA’s event manager Stephanie Burnell shared.
Planning ahead ensures TCI EXPO can reserve over 350,000 square feet for hundreds of exhibitors. “Finding a venue that fits thousands of attendees, exhibitors, education sessions, receptions, and even a tree on the show floor isn’t easy,” adds Burnell.
A Team Effort for the Industry
The entire TCIA team plays a role in producing TCI EXPO. “It takes a team,” says Peter, emphasizing why “being a team player” is one of TCIA’s core values. Even those holding down the fort at headquarters pitch in while others are on-site.
“It’s more than just organizing a show—it’s a mission to support the industry, making it safer, more sustainable, and more successful,” Peter adds.
A Small but Mighty Trade Show Floor Team
Onsite setup begins three days before the show and includes everything from laying flooring to moving in cranes, bucket trucks, and saws. In a single eight-hour period, the team might move over 200 pieces of equipment. “We work closely with City of Baltimore staff, the fire marshal, and our design company to ensure everything is safe and runs smoothly,” adds Lizzy Rodewald, TCIA’s Manager of Corporate Engagement.
With over 280 exhibitors and 1,700 exhibitor personnel expected, you might think a large team is needed, but the trade show floor setup is managed by just three people. “We start booking exhibitors more than a year in advance,” says Kyla Cunningham, TCIA’s Director of Corporate Engagement. “It’s a monumental effort, but our team has it down to a science.”
Fun fact: Many TCIA staff walk over 10 miles a day during TCI EXPO to support exhibitors, speakers, students, attendees, speakers and industry experts.
Ongoing Education
The educational experience for TCI EXPO starts about a year in advance with a call for presentations. TCIA receives hundreds of submissions, and a small team curates a program designed to help tree care professionals advance their careers and businesses. Over the course of months, they have coordinated with more than 50 speakers from across the industry to ensure top-notch presentations.
“Education also goes beyond the classroom,” says Naomi Girouard, one of TCIA’s event managers. “We’ve created educational experiences throughout the tradeshow floor as well where attendees can earn even more CEUs.”
Speakers submit video recordings, which are reviewed and added to TCIA’s Digital Access platform, allowing attendees to catch up on any missed education for nearly two months after the event is over. For attendees, this means they have plenty of time to network and check out the trade show floor throughout the event, and they don’t have to miss out on their education!
Fun Fact: TCIA submitted nearly 3,000 ISA CEUs for All-Access Pass attendees who took advantage of digital education!
Design with Direction
TCIA’s marketing team also designs hundreds of structures and signs, from massive trade show entrances to banners and signage throughout the event, creating the unique atmosphere of TCI EXPO. These visuals do more than just set the scene—they help attendees easily navigate the event and ensure they can find educational sessions, exhibitor booths, and networking areas, making the entire experience seamless and stress-free!
We hope to see you in Baltimore. It’s a great opportunity to do more, know more and be more!
