This November, TCI EXPO ’25 is bringing powerful ideas and inspiring voices to the 1,500-seat Ferrara Theatre at America’s Center in St. Louis. Our main stage sessions will challenge your thinking, spotlight global initiatives, and deliver critical safety updates.
Here’s who is featured on the main stage:
Discovering the Canopy: Tropical Climber Training
Featuring David L. Anderson, Canopy Watch International
Arboriculture can save biodiversity — literally. Up to 60% of tropical forest biodiversity lives in the canopy, yet remains largely unstudied because few scientists have the skills to access it safely. Discovering the Canopy is changing that. This groundbreaking initiative trains biologists across Latin America in arborist-style climbing techniques, improving safety while empowering them to discover new species, protect endangered ones, and share their research worldwide. To date, more than 150 professionals from 14 countries have been trained — and they’re transforming science and conservation, one tree at a time.
Thursday, November 6 | 7:30 – 8:30 AM
(Included with the All-Access or On-Site Education pass.)
Safety Differently
Featuring Tim Walsh, CTSP, The Townsend Co
Tree care safety is evolving. Traditional “Safety I” methods focus on preventing mistakes — often by blaming individuals when incidents occur. Safety Differently (Safety II) takes a new approach, asking how work really gets done and how teams can build resilience, adapt, and learn from what goes right, not just what goes wrong. Tim Walsh will guide you through how Safety II can transform your company’s safety culture, reduce serious injuries and fatalities, and strengthen your operations for the long term.
Friday, November 7 | 7:30 – 8:30 AM
(Included with the All-Access or On-Site Education pass.)
The Annual Arborist Safety Update
Featuring Dr. John Ball, CTSP, South Dakota State University
A TCI EXPO tradition you don’t want to miss! Dr. John Ball delivers the latest insights on arborist safety, industry standards, and best practices in this popular annual session. Whether you’re a veteran climber or just starting your career, this session will help you stay informed, safe, and compliant in the field.
Saturday, November 9 | 8 – 9 AM
Open to all including those who just registered for the trade show floor pass.
These sessions are where big ideas and big perspectives to help you stay inspired and educated to to elevate your business, your crews, and yourself. Don’t miss the chance to grab a seat and experience them live in St. Louis!
To see the whole list of speakers at TCI EXPO click here. Or, go to expo.tcia.org to see at the great events, experiences and opportunities at TCI EXPO ’25.
Empower Your Team with TCIA Training. TCIA’s Tree Care Academy (TCA) programs help arborists at every career stage grow their skills and enhance safety awareness. From online courses to advanced certifications, TCIA offers tailored training for safety professionals, crew leaders, and trainers. TCIA members also receive free access to the TCA Training Hub to manage and track team training.
Learn more about TCIA training.
