Kentucky Arborists' Association 2026 Annual Conference

The KAA 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show is a two-day event dedicated to celebrating the arboriculture profession. It provides an opportunity to explore the latest industry trends, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded professionals.  CEUs Available

NOTE:  We do have a Tour Option  on Friday Feb 20, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The cost is $35 for the tour to a distillery .  We do have great speakers during that time.

Tentative Schedule:

Thursday Feb 19, 2025

7:30 am - Registration Opens

8:00 am – 8:45 am - Breakfast & Exhibition

8:45 am – 9:30 am - "The Changing Weather Patterns Globally", John Gordon

9:30 am - 10:15 am - "Feeling the Heat: Effects of climate Change on Trees and Insects", Dan Herms, PhD

10:15 am - 10:30 am - Break & Exhibition

10:30 am - 11:45 am - "Scale Insects: Timing is Everything--

When and How to Treat Effectively", Dr. Jonathan Larson, PhD

12:00 pm- 1:30 pm - KAA Business Meeting/Lunch/Exhibition

1:30 pm – 2:15 pm - "Plant Diseases Update", Julie Beale

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm - "Urban Soils and Modern Management" , Zack Shier

3:30 pm - 3:45 pm - Afternoon Break & Exhibition

3:45 pm - 4:35 pm - Paul Putman, PhD Tour Des Trees -- Tree Fund Raffle

4:45 pm - 5:00 pm Exhibition

Friday Feb 20, 2025

7:30 am - Registration Opens

8:00 – 8:30 am - Breakfast & Exhibition

8:45 am – 9:45 am - "Transforming Tree Care With AI: Practical Applications for Your Business", Monica Hemmingway, PhD

10:00 am - 10:45 am - "Tree Law and The Insurance Industry--How They are Affecting Tree Care", Taylor Cooper

11:00 am - 11:45 am - "Kentucky Horticulture Council, DOL Greenworks Program" & Panel Discussion

11:45 pm- 12:30 pm -   Lunch & Exhibition

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - "Prescription Pruning Qualification", Carson Smith

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm - "Future Proofing Kentucky's Beech: Strategic Management of emerging Beech Leaf Disease", Cory McCurry

or

2:00 pm -4:00 pm - Tour Woodford Reserve

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm - "Restoring and Expanding the Urban Forest", Kenton Sena, PhD & Heather Wilson

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Exhibition

or

1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Climber's Break Out Session

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

3:00pm - 3:15 pm Afternoon Break & Exposition

3:15 pm - 4:00 pm

For overnight accommodations:

Holiday Inn & Suites W Lexington Versailles, KY 
365 Commerce Drive Versailles, Kentucky 40383 United States

For reservations call the Front Desk and use Group Code:  KAA Annual Conference

Reservations: 1 888 HOLIDAY (1 888 465 4329)

Front desk: 1-859-8735501

Email: hie.versailles@hwhotels.com
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn...

Room Type: Kings/Two Queens

Rate per night (not including tax): $125 for Kings, $125 for Two Queens