Atlanta, GA July 12, 2018 - The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will host the 2019 ISA Annual International Conference and Trade Show and the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) and Arbor Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, August 9-14, 2019.
This year, ISA is privileged to partner with the ISA Southern Chapter, with support from Visit Knoxville and a multitude of volunteers, to host the world’s premier gathering of professional arborists, researchers, educators and industry experts.
The event begins with the three-day ITCC World Championship and Arbor Fair held August 9-11 at beautiful Lakeshore Park overlooking the Tennessee River. Professional arborists will compete in a series of challenges showcasing skill, technique and athleticism while emphasizing the importance of safety and proper tree care. The coinciding Arbor Fair is a family-friendly event that incorporates ISA’s mission of educating the public on the professional practice of arboriculture. Attendees can stop by the “Ask an Arborist” booth for expert advice, find info about the latest equipment from participating sponsors, sample local food truck fare and more. Children can participate in the Kid’s Climb with simulated limb walking exercises and tree climbing activities. The climbing event and Arbor Fair are free of charge and open to the public. Look for the event schedule on www.visitknoxville.com.
The annual conference and trade show take place at the Knoxville Convention Center, August 11–14. The event will feature several guest speakers and industry experts. Knoxville native and University of Tennessee graduate, Sam Venable, will emcee the opening Arboriculture Celebration. Venable is an award-winning journalist who has written for the Knoxville Sentinel since 1970; first as the outdoors editor and later as a columnist specializing in humor.
David Vandergriff, an extension agent with the University of Tennessee-Tennessee State University Extension Knox County Office and Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries adjunct assistant professor, is serving as the ISA local host committee conference chair.
“The conference being hosted here is significant in several ways,” he said. “It will bring around 2,000 people from all over the world to Knoxville. Because many of the events are open to the community, a lot of citizens and students will be exposed to different types of arboriculture for the first time.”
Together, the climbing competition, Arbor Fair, conference and trade show are the world’s premiere gathering of arboricultural professionals; the events educate those in the industry and demonstrate professionalism to the public. For more information, visit www.visitknoxville.com or contact ISA at PR@isa-arbor.com.
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About ISA - Through research, technology, and education, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees.
Contact:
Caitlyn Pollihan
Executive Director, International Society of Arboriculture
pr@isa-arbor.com
