Upcoming Events
2026 Iowa Arbor Expo
INAUGURAL IOWA ARBOR EXPO
Join arborists, urban foresters, municipal leaders, utility professionals, tree care companies, educators, students, and industry partners from across the state for the Inaugural Iowa Arbor Expo, taking place September 22–23, 2026, at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa.
We're excited to welcome an outstanding lineup of industry experts, including Mark Chisholm, Jay Goughnour, Chelsea Harbach, Tivon Feeley, Chris Lee, Dallas Stephens, Scott Carlson, Chase Anderson, Stephen Carlson, and Kristian Schulz, with additional speakers to be announced.
Attendee Registration:
IAA Members: $175 before August 15th; $200 After
Non-Members: $255 before August 15th; $280 After
Attendees can take advantage of a special conference room block at Prairie Meadows Hotel for just $159 per night, making it easy to stay on-site and enjoy the full conference experience.
Room Rate: $159 per night (plus applicable taxes)
Online Reservations:
Use the booking link below and enter the following information:
Group Code: IAA042026
Attendee Password: 863018585
Book Online: https://book.rguest.com/wbe/group/1609/PrairieMeadowsRacetrackandCasino/delegate
Phone Reservations:
Call 515-967-1000 and reference Group Code: IAA042026 when making your reservation.
We look forward to welcoming you as we launch a new annual tradition dedicated to advancing arboriculture and
growing Iowa's tree care community—together.
Full Event Schedule Coming Soon!
ISA Certified Tree Climber Program
The ISA Certified Tree Climber program is designed for those who often climb trees as part of their job in the tree care industry, and is the only global, industry-wide climber certification to test knowledge and skills against internationally accepted standards related to skill and safe work practices. As an integral part of a career journey, being an ISA Certified Tree Climber allows you to show your competencies as a professional climber and ignites a continued passion for learning and development in this industry. To be eligible for the exam, you must have the following: eighteen months of climbing experience in arboriculture and current training in a physical (practice) aerial rescue, CPR, and First Aid.
Learn more and apply at: www.isa-arbor.com
Arborist Certification Preparation Course
This course will prepare you to pass the test. It also discusses real world applications of the concepts presented. You will become a better arborist. We discuss the ins and outs of the test and cover tips to help you navigate it.
There are 17 two-hour weekly classes (1 chapter of the Study Guide covered per class plus a crucial review class).
Classes are held year-round. Join virtually anytime. For $500 you attend classes until you pass the test. Stay as long as you want.
2nd Annual Girdling Root Excavation Workshop (IAA)
The 2nd Annual GIRDLING ROOT EXCAVATION WORKSHOP at the:
NEWTON ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
3030 N 4TH Ave E
Newton, Iowa
August 13, 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Four ISA CEUs)
$25 for IAA members, $75 for non-members
The bad news: many urban trees live a short, sad life and die from unknown causes. We may treat several secondary assaults while these trees are declining from unseen girdling roots below the surface. The good news: if we know what we are looking for, this can be prevented or fixed.
Come see arborists, Jesse Fox and Ron Zillmer discuss the problem and employ a supersonic air knife (air spade) to expose and remove some of these hidden killers and save some trees at the arboretum.
