After attending TCI EXPO eight times, I’ve seen just how transformative this event can be. It’s not just about the sessions or the gear (though those are great). It’s about the people. Conversations. Connections. Energy. The growth you get to see year after year.

Last year, I ran into a father and son I first met eight years ago at my very first TCI EXPO. Back then, the son was just a little guy tagging along, and they were brand-new TCIA members with a big goal: to position their company for a profitable sale down the road.

Fast forward to today—the son is now over six feet tall, the business is thriving, and they’re still showing up, learning, and planning for the future. It’s amazing to see how families, companies (and beards!) grow over time.

Your member engagement managers are here to support you and help you make the most of your time in St. Louis. Whether you’re a member, or want to be one, the member engagement managers are your interface with TCIA.

We’ll be at the TCIA Booth #2529 to help you build a plan that puts time back in your day, money back in your pocket, and bring your crew home safe. Whether you’re trying to cut costs without cutting people, or thinking long-term about scaling your business for a successful retirement sale—this is the place to start. Our job is to connect you with resources, services, products, and experts who can help you level up.

Here are a few tips to prepare for TCI EXPO ’25 if you’re attending:

1. Start Strong: Set Goals
   Before you get to St. Louis, connect with your member engagement manager. We’ll help you build a personalized strategy—highlighting sessions, exhibitors, and networking opportunities that align with your goals.

Schedule 15 minutes with your member engagement manager as a pulse check to ensure you’re using all the tools your membership provides to tackle your business goals. Pre-book this time in your itinerary, and don’t miss it! Just email us at memberservices@tcia.org.

2. Go Deeper with Pre-Conference Sessions
   Want to earn CEUs and dive deeper into the topics that matter most to your business? Come a day early for the Pre-Conference sessions to get even more in-depth opportunities to help you maximize your education.
3. Attend the TCIA Pop Up Sessions

You’ll hear directly from TCIA staff about our online learning opportunities, what TCIA is advocating for in Washington, DC to support our industry, what it takes to be a safety champion and hear directly from our member engagement team about how to make the most of your membership.

4. Get Credit!
   Make sure your ISA and CTSP numbers are current in your account on tcia.org so you get credit automatically. Log into your TCIA member profile to confirm your numbers are listed.
5. Strike Up a Conversation
   Stick to your plan but stay open to the magic around you. I’ve watched people swap stories, successes and challenges and then walk away with new ideas and new resources for their business. The great thing is that we can learn from each other and there is so much experience to glean among the 6,000+ attendees!
6. Download the TCIA Connect App
   It’s your command center for the week and includes the session descriptions, exhibitor lists and trade show floor plan, FAQs and notifications to let you know what’s happening.
7. Use the Interactive Digital Map
   Check out the map for a full list of exhibitors and their booth locations on the trade show floor so don’t waste time trying to find what you’re looking for.
8. Bring Your Team into the Experience
   TCI EXPO isn’t just for owners—bring your crew! When team members attend sessions, explore the show floor, and engage with other professionals, they return energized and aligned with your company’s goals. It’s a great way to invest in their growth, build loyalty, and spark new ideas from every level of your business. Plus, when your team sees the bigger picture, they’re more likely to help you build it.
9. Keep the Momentum Going
   After the show, don’t let the magic fade. Follow up with new contacts, revisit digital sessions, and schedule time with your member engagement manager to turn ideas into action. The most successful members I’ve worked with treat TCI EXPO as a launchpad—not just a one-off event.

Make this TCI EXPO experience unforgettable. Whether you’re here to solve a specific challenge or just soak it all in, I’ll be on the floor ready to help. Stop by the TCIA Booth and let’s talk about building a business that’s not just successful—but sustainable, scalable, so you’re ready for whatever’s next.

And let’s take a selfie we can re-create in eight years.