We asked our staff: Which part of TCI EXPO ’26 are you most excited for attendees to engage with?

Peter Gerstenberger

Senior Vice President of Industry Expertise
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 38, including two “Spring TCI EXPOs” held in Sacramento and Long Beach, California.

“I’m very excited about both the quality and quantity of Spanish-language education sessions we will be offering this year. Florida, and in particular South Florida, has a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino employees and Hispanic/Latino-owned tree care and landscaping businesses than almost anywhere in the U.S., so it’s appropriate that we do more to welcome them to TCI EXPO. I’m almost in awe of the sheer breadth and depth of educational opportunities at this year’s event – we’re somewhere in the vicinity of 70 “formal” education sessions, not counting the incredible education one gets by simply walking the tradeshow floor and networking with other arborists.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“I’m also excited by the fact that we will be partnering with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the ISA Florida Chapter in particular. We’ve done this since the inception of TCI EXPO, recognizing that we’re stronger – and better able to fulfill our respective missions – when we stand together.”

Amy Tetreault

Executive Vice President
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 15

“Every year, TCI EXPO grows more and more substantial. For the last few years, we’ve really built out our immersive experiences, and we’re stoked to maintain that cadence in Florida. We’ll even be taking advantage of the climate and setting up outdoors, so our attendees will truly be able to experience it all in 2026!”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“Where else are you going to engage with the industry’s most innovative programs, products, equipment and services? We cram everything that’s new onto a massive trade-show floor, then give attendees free rein. And if that wasn’t enough, we dovetail it with nearly nonstop education. I’m always thrilled when tree care folks are able to pause working in their company to really work on their company – and I’m proud that TCIA makes it really easy for attendees to maximize their experience at TCI EXPO.”

Ginni Gregoire

Vice President of Training and Credentialing
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 4

“All the ways you can learn! From classroom sessions, pre-conference workshops, demonstrations and more, there are so many opportunities to ‘get growing’! We have a fantastic lineup of speakers and trainers for you to interact with this year.”

Anything else you’d like to share?
“We’ve worked on better organizing our education tracks this year so you can identify the sessions that mean the most to you! All sessions fall into one of TCIA’s six domains, the audience level is listed as foundational or advanced, and we have a dedicated Spanish lineup. There is something for everyone!”

Elizabeth Rainwater Rodewald

Senior Manager of Corporate Engagement
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 7 – my fourth as a TCIA staff member.

“This show marks the debut of TCI EXPODemo, our newest immersive experience, which takes place outdoors and is designed around large-equipment demonstrations and hands-on learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with top manufacturers, experience equipment in action and learn from expert-led educational sessions.

Alongside the return of TCI EXPOSaw, TCI EXPOClimb, TCI EXPOGrow and TCI EXPO Tree Demo, this addition brings an exciting new dimension to the show floor.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“A major focus for 2026 is safety. We’re elevating our standards by implementing a new demonstration framework across the show floor.

All exhibitors conducting demonstrations will complete and display a formal job hazard analysis (JHA) within their booth – mirroring real-world job-site best practices. In addition, each demonstrating exhibitor will undergo a preshow audit conducted by TCIA Accreditation auditors to ensure demonstrations meet or exceed industry safety standards.”

Kathleen Costello

Manager of Brand Voice and Creative Strategy
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 20

“I love it when we meet with our members in person to help them navigate the trajectory and unique challenges of their businesses. I feel that having one-on-one conversations with the MMEs and TCIA staff is invaluable to our members. Establishing relationships and contacts within the industry can offer lifelong opportunities for growth.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“TCIA has 30-plus years of experience in bringing together the best of the best in the industry. Our theme this year is ‘Let’s Get Growing’ – which means to grow your business as well as growing the professionalism of the overall industry. We do this best when we’re all together, sharing insights and knowledge with each other.”

Kyla Cunningham

Vice President of Membership and Engagement
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 6

“This year will be the farthest south that TCI EXPO has ever traveled! Every year, I’m excited to see the familiar faces of our members and exhibitors, and I’m so looking forward to meeting new faces that may not have been able to attend TCI EXPO at any of our previous locations. Also, kicking off the show with the welcome reception outside, looking over the ocean?! Sign me up!”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“We’ve often discussed the importance of expanding TCI EXPO education to include more Spanish-language offerings, and it’s exciting to see that commitment reflected in this year’s programming. One session I’m especially looking forward to is the Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) pre-conference, offered in both Spanish and English.”

Stephanie Burnell & Naomi Girouard

Events Managers
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 7

“This is the first time we’re going to a true destination location. The Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, TCI EXPO’s host hotel, is literally brand new and offers attendees numerous spaces to organically network on property. Not to mention, the area around the hotel provides several restaurants and social spaces, all within walking distance, making things extremely convenient for all. Warmer weather, outside demos and the Vermeer Welcome Reception taking place along the water are all going to be a draw! Our attendees are going to have such a wonderful experience before, during and after TCI EXPO.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“When we initially went on the site visit, only the existing part of the convention center was done. The Omni and waterfront ballroom were only a tower of steel and concrete, and the surrounding grounds were piles of dirt and machines. To envision what ‘could be’ took time, creative thinking and trust that it would all come together. It’s so exciting to bring TCI EXPO into the future to a new and exciting location, where for the first time we will launch TCI EXPODemo as a fully outside and interactive space overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.”

Jon Gerstenberger

Vice President of Communications and Technology
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 7

“The location – we put so much effort into creating the most amazing trade show and education experience, and this year, the location is going to be spectacular. You literally don’t have to leave the host hotel area if you don’t want to. There are bars, restaurants, an outdoor space right on the water, a pool – all right there. Tree care is a family experience for so many people, and this year, TCI EXPO has the opportunity to be the same – a full family experience in Fort Lauderdale!”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“We’re always working to set the standard on safety in the industry, but we’re also hyper-focused on creating the most fun experience we can. We have an outdoor welcome reception this year, we’ll have some airbrush artists whipping up cool shirts and hats, we’ll have our tattoo artist back to make TCI EXPO ‘26 a ‘permanent’ experience for our attendees – and so much more. We’re still bringing the best education and trade-show floor, but we’re leaning all the way in on the fun in 2026.”

Cassie Viau-Li

Director of Member Engagement
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 1

“This is shaping up to be an incredible experience for everyone who attends. We’ve got a brand-new hotel attached to the convention center, an outdoor demo area that overlooks the water, an in-depth educational lineup and, of course, the sunny Florida weather!”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“TCI EXPO is the membership team’s Super Bowl! Our job is to talk with members every day on the phone, but there’s something special about getting to chat in person. TCI EXPO gives us that opportunity, and I can’t wait!”