2026 MW-ISA Annual Conference & Trade Show
January 28-30, 2026
Embassy Suites LaVista – Omaha Hotel & Conference Center
Wednesday, January 28
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Location: La Vista Conference Center
Sugarloaf I Meeting RoomRegistration for the Exam can be found at www.isa-arbor.org. Limited space available.
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Location: Manhattan I
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Location: Windsor V
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Location: Windsor V
Speaker: Dr. Andrew Koeser
Title: Tree Risk Assessment - Perception Vs RealityDescription: Urban tree risk is frequently assessed through the lens of perception rather than hard data, as the true level of risk is often unknown. These perceptions are shaped by personal experiences, professional training, and individual risk tolerances, which can vary widely across practitioners. As storm-related data accumulates, we gain valuable insights into how our judgments align with actual outcomes—offering a path toward more accurate and objective tree safety assessments.
Speaker Bio:
Andrew Koeser, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Urban Tree and Landscape Management at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. His work bridges applied research and outreach, with a focus on tree risk assessment, urban forest resilience, tree species diversity, and policy. A past recipient of the L.C. Chadwick Award and the Past President of the Florida Chapter of the ISA, Andrew is deeply involved in advancing best practices across the arboriculture profession. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, led numerous funded research projects, and mentors graduate students working at the intersection of science, policy, and practice -
Location: Windsor V
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Location: Windsor I-IV
Sponsored By:
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Location: Windsor V
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Location: Windsor I - IV
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Location: Smash Park
Walk (carefully) across the parking lot for some friendly competition with bowling, food, drinks and fun! Please RSVP on your Registration if you plan to attend!
Thursday, January 29
Concurrent sessions in the morning for Science & Management and Practical Breakouts. Full-day Utility Breakout.
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Location: Dapper III
Sessions TBA
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Location: Dapper II
8:30 - 9:30 AM: TBA
9:40 - 10:40 AM:
Speaker: Dr. Andrew Koeser
Title: Post Storm Restoration PruningDescription: After the initial emergency response subsides, attention shifts to evaluating the fate of trees that remain standing. Questions like “How much canopy loss is too much?” and “Which trees are likely to recover?” become central to the decision-making process. This talk will explore these issues in depth, offering a practical roadmap for post-storm restoration pruning to guide arborists and urban foresters toward informed, resilient outcomes.
Speaker Bio:
Andrew Koeser, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Urban Tree and Landscape Management at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. His work bridges applied research and outreach, with a focus on tree risk assessment, urban forest resilience, tree species diversity, and policy. A past recipient of the L.C. Chadwick Award and the Past President of the Florida Chapter of the ISA, Andrew is deeply involved in advancing best practices across the arboriculture profession. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, led numerous funded research projects, and mentors graduate students working at the intersection of science, policy, and practice -
Location: Dapper I
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Location: Windsor V
A full meal will be served as you network with attendees and attend the MW-ISA Business Meeting. Awards will take place at the luncheon.
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Location: Windsor V
Speaker: Ondrej Kolarik, Adbian
Title: Unlocking Insights Through 3D Scanning: Future of AI in Arboriculture
Description: In the past four years, extensive integration of 3D scanning and biomechanic calculations emerged as a crucial tool. By refining tomographic data with precise stem geometry, we’ve uncovered invaluable insights for tree care specialists. This presentation will spotlight this approach’s remarkable value through compelling case studies across nine countries, driving substantial savings by protecting hundreds of trees from felling and over-pruning. Join us to explore the synergy between 3D scanning, AI, and the ever-evolving world of arboriculture. This presentation dives into the evolution of Advanced Biomechanical Analysis, showcasing its innovative approach to assessing tree stability and risks. We explore the seamless integration of 3D scanning technology, photography analysis and artificial intelligence, unraveling how Adbian analyzes tomographic data to evaluate factors crucial for understanding a tree’s response to external forces.
Speaker Bio: Ondrej Kolarik, a graduate in Innovation Management from the Czech Technical University, is the founder and CEO of Adbian. Passionate about blending technology with environmental sustainability, Ondrej has spent the last five years working with a dedicated team of researchers and programmers to develop Adbian. This software tool for consulting arborists leverages 3D scanning and biomechanical analysis to enhance tree stability assessments, helping arborists make better-informed, data-driven decisions. -
Location: Windsor V
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Location: Seattle I & II
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Location: Windsor V
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Location: Windsor I-IV
Join us for an Mix & Mingle in the Vendor Hall - Drinks and Hors D’uerves will be served. A Silent auction in support of the Tree Fund will be held adjacently.
Join us for MWISA Trivia Night and Tree ID as some extra activities for the evening social!
Friday, January 30
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Invitation Only
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Location: Windsor V
Speaker: Mariah Menzie
Title: Beyond Bandages: Psychological Response Training – Addressing the Missing Element in Safety Training
Description: Arborists excel at physical safety training, yet the industry rarely addresses how psychological responses influence crisis outcomes. During high-stress events—such as severe accidents—mental and emotional reactions can directly affect decision-making, crew communication, and even survival. This session introduces Psychological Response Training (PRT), an evidence-based, industry-specific approach to preparing arborists for the mental demands of crisis situations. Participants will learn how the initial period of denial during an accident can mean the difference between life and death, and how cultural barriers within the tree care industry—such as the “toughness” mindset—create improper expectations and hinder effective emergency response. The presentation will also show how PRT can be seamlessly integrated into existing safety and technical trainings without requiring additional hours or costly programs. By addressing the often-overlooked psychological side of crisis response, arborists can build safer, more resilient crews and improve outcomes in the moments when they matter most.
Speaker Bio: Mariah Menzie is a Board-Certified Master Arborist (MW-5715B), a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP), and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Based in Norman, Oklahoma, she is a multi-faceted professional whose expertise spans consulting, IT management, research, and workforce training.
Mariah has achieved several historic milestones in her field, including becoming Oklahoma's first female Master Arborist and the first woman from Oklahoma to represent the Midwest ISA in the 2019 ITCC. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing the industry have earned her recognition in the Oklahoma Museum of Oral History's "Women in STEM Careers", celebrating her groundbreaking accomplishments and inspirational journey. -
Location: Windsor I-IV
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Location: Windsor V
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Location: Windsor V
Speaker: Stephen Lane
Session Title: Urban Forestry: Turning Data Into Action
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Urban Forestry: Turning Data Into Action - Tree inventories and public surveys have started to become more commonplace in our public organizations but translating data into action isn't always easy and writing the plans that accomplish this certainly isn't either. How do we get this complex information communicated effectively to create comprehensive plans which accomplish real and prioritized goals? And possibly more importantly, how do we ensure we are capturing the right data in the first place to provide solutions to our actual problems, and the concerns of the communities we serve? Join Steve as we take a walk into the deep woods of how data and communication come together in a management plan to achieve real, tangible results. Also included in this session will be an update to the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification program's 3.0 rollout, and how this might impact municipal forestry programs and their risk management planning.
Speaker Bio: Steve Lane is a Board Certified Master Arborist, TRAQ Instructor, and currently serves on the ISA Board of Directors. He has been in the Arboriculture and Urban Forestry space for 20 years, and currently owns his own business, The Response Growth Collective, which focuses on industry growth and education as well as consulting in risk management, urban forestry management planning, GIS Services, and workforce development in the Forestry and GIS spaces. -
Thank you for attending the 2026 MWISA Annual Conference and Tradeshow. See you next year in Tulsa!