We asked our presenters: Which part of TCI EXPO ’26 are you most excited to experience?

Sara Babcock, Esq.

Xylem-Kendall (XKIG)
Number of TCI EXPOs attended:
This is my first one!

While I’m looking forward to everything TCI EXPO ’26 has to offer, I’m most excited for the live tree and equipment demos. As a corporate employee, I work in an environment that differs vastly from that of our employees in the field. I spend all my time at my desk behind a computer screen and don’t often get to see felling, rigging and climbing in real time or large tree care equipment in operation, like tracked lifts and knuckle-boom trucks.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

Our entire industry relies on our legal right to use another person’s land for vegetation management. Yet easements are often misunderstood and poorly explained. I’m thrilled to present on this topic to provide clarity on a mystery for people in our industry, homeowners, customers and beyond.

Sara Babcock will be presenting “Tree Law 101: Avoiding Disputes, Liability and Costly Mistakes” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Mike Tilford, CTSP

SavATree
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 7

Reconnecting with industry colleagues and meeting new ones is my favorite part of TCI EXPO, but I also enjoy the educational content of the conference. Some of the best presenters in the industry will be delivering excellent information.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

Safety is the most important issue in the industry. Ongoing incident trends are critical information to share with the audience for awareness and ultimately prevention.

Mike Tilford will be presenting “The Annual Arborist Safety Update” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Thursday, November 12, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Michael Raupp, Ph.D.

Department of Entomology, University of Maryland
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 20

Attending TCI EXPO is an unparalleled opportunity to learn the latest information on arboricultural advances in tree care from leading experts in the field. The real bonus is the chance to meet and talk to scientists and practitioners one-on-one for in-depth discussions on advances in plant health care and threats to the sustainability of urban forests.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

Invasive insect pests pose one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of our urban forests. The chance to share information on economics of invasions, ecological impacts of invasive species, why invasives establish and thrive and successful mitigation of invasions will help arborists create more sustainable urban forests.

Michael Raupp will be presenting “Invasive Species Treadmill: Why Pests Thrive in U.S. Forests” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Lindsey Purcell

Lp Consulting Group
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 16

The opportunity to both contribute to and learn from a profession that has given me so much throughout my career. Bringing together researchers, educators, consultants and practitioners creates that special environment where research and experiences are shared, which helps drive practical application for arborists. As a presenter, I look forward to those compelling conversations that help to bridge science and practice; as an attendee, I value reconnecting with colleagues and friends – it’s always a bit like a reunion.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

What excites me most about this presentation is, as always, the opportunity to bridge the gap between emerging research and practical application. Biochar and other organic amendments have tremendous potential, but they’re not silver bullets. Research is irrelevant without application, and Zach and I look forward to examining the benefits and science behind these materials, discussing how they influence soil structure and biological function and helping arborists understand when these tools are appropriate – and when they may not be. Ultimately, we’re excited to provide attendees with practical, evidence-based strategies that can improve soil health and sustainability of trees in our urban forest.

Lindsey Purcell and Zack Shier will be presenting “All Things Biochar: An Arborist’s Guide to the Coral Reef of Soil” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 8:45 to 9:45 am. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Zack Shier

Joseph Tree Service
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 10

I am most excited about reconnecting with peers from across the country and talking all things arboriculture. I love hearing arborists from across the world share their experiences and their methods – all in the name of helping trees or improving the tree care industry. I also love checking out any new tools and equipment (especially for PHC) on the trade-show floor.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

Plant health care is often the underrepresented side of arboriculture, so I am very excited to help educate and spread awareness about the proper care of urban tree and soil health. Biochar is a big buzzword these days, and we’re happy to help bring a practical guide to all things biochar.

Lindsey Purcell and Zack Shier will be presenting “All Things Biochar: An Arborist’s Guide to the Coral Reef of Soil” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 8:45 to 9:45 am. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Ash Connelly

Ash Advisory LLC
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 6

TCI EXPO is one of the few places where the entire tree care industry comes together to learn, share ideas and strengthen relationships. I’m always energized by conversations with leaders, office personnel, field and sales arborists and industry partners who are passionate about contributing to the tree care ecosystem, improving business practices and serving their communities. Our industry is much like the interconnected root systems of the forests we preserve – individual organizations may stand on their own, but we thrive when we are connected! Beyond the education and trade show, it’s the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange perspectives and help elevate our profession that makes TCI EXPO special.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

I’m excited to challenge the idea that tree care companies have to compete on price. The expertise within our industry is incredibly valuable, and I love helping teams position themselves as trusted advisors who educate clients, build lasting relationships and become the go-to experts in their communities.

Ash Connelly will be presenting “Stop Selling Tree Work: How to Become the Go-To Expert in Your Market” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Saturday, November 14, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Korey Lofy

Arborjet | Ecologel
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 4

TCI EXPO is such a great way to meet people from all over to discuss challenges, opportunities and different ways to care for trees. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to meet many outstanding tree peeps, as well as many guests and listeners of our podcast! The plant diversity in southeastern Florida is beyond anywhere I’ve worked, so seeing the flora and fauna will be a highlight for sure … and fresh ceviche, of course!

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation?

We have an amazing guest from Florida this year. She is super knowledgeable about soil and the relationship we – and plants – have with it. All over the country, people talk about “soil issues” that stem from not understanding. Hopefully, we can discuss some soil solutions and give attendees the opportunity to ask specific questions about any soil or plant issues they may be having!

Korey Lofey and Joe Aiken, who also host the podcast “Discovering Forestry,” will be leading a panel discussion on “Digging Into the Hidden Half of Trees – Exploring the Soil-Root Relationship” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Joe Aiken

Arborjet | Ecologel
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 20

Who doesn’t love Fort Lauderdale? And have the chance to see your tree family. TCI EXPO is a big family reunion for me, as I’ve had the pleasure of attending more than 20 events. It’s also exciting to meet new arborists, spread a little wisdom, absorb some new knowledge and keep your finger on the pulse – all while having the chance to have your “toes in the water and backside in the sand”! Thanks to the Zac Brown Band for that quote!

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation?

The longer you serve the trees and have the pleasure of hosting so many great ambassadors for our industry, the more it becomes an honor to share what the “Discovering Forestry” podcast guests have shared with Korey and me. We will have an incredible guest down in Fort Lauderdale with an incredible topic. Can’t tell you just yet – don’t want to ruin the surprise!

Korey Lofey and Joe Aiken, who also host the podcast “Discovering Forestry,” will be leading a panel discussion on “Digging Into the Hidden Half of Trees – Exploring the Soil-Root Relationship” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

David M. Anderson, CTSP

Mayer Tree Service
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 4

One of the main reasons I attend is for the educational talks. It’s great to hear from experts on different tree care and business topics. I enjoy hearing new ways to deal with all the different issues we face. I also enjoy networking with old friends whom I may not see very often, and I love meeting new people and hearing what their arboriculture world is like. I find it interesting how many different business types and models there are.

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

I’m very passionate about arboriculture and selling. I have had so many great mentors who showed me the way, and I love to pay that back. I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the years that I now know how to avoid – now, having the discipline to stick to the sales process that I’ve developed sets me up for success. I love sharing these concepts with others, to help them increase their sales and profitability.

David M. Anderson will be presenting “Selling as a Consultant: Never Be the Low Bidder” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Michael White

Treemaster LLC
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 3

I’m stoked for TCI EXPO ‘26! I’m a bit of an extrovert, so I love meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends and shamelessly stealing great ideas from arborists smarter than me. I will fail desperately at trying not to overspend at the trade show while pretending I’m “just looking.”

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

I’m convinced that sales is the most underrated skill in arboriculture. We spend years learning to climb, prune and diagnose trees – but few teach us how to actually sell. I’m excited to prove sales isn’t a dirty word … and hopefully help a few arborists gain confidence and make some money!

Mike White will be presenting “Shin-Fu, Part Deux: What to Say When They Say I’ll Think About It” at TCI EXPO ‘26 on Thursday, November 12, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.

Kathy Glassey

Inspire Green Inc.
Number of TCI EXPOs attended: 7

TCI EXPO is unlike any other industry event. My favorite part is the camaraderie, open communication and collaboration with peers. While I always value the educational sessions and fresh ideas shaping our industry, I also enjoy exploring the trade-show floor, reconnecting with colleagues and discovering new products and innovations that help improve our businesses every day

What are you particularly excited about regarding your presentation topic?

I’m excited about my topic because it helps arborists and sales teams turn complex plant-health concepts into simple, relatable conversations that homeowners understand. When clients clearly see the value, they make confident decisions that lead to healthier landscapes and stronger, recurring PHC programs.

Kathy Glassey will be presenting “Selling Soil Health: How to Explain PHC to Clients” at TCI EXPO ’26 on Friday, November 13, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. To learn more, please visit expo.tcia.org.