Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum qualifications and review procedures for individuals presenting educational content on tree care, arboriculture, urban forestry, plant health care, risk assessment, or related technical subjects.

This policy ensures that all instruction delivered is:

• Consistent with industry standards
• Aligned with best management practices
• Current with relevant research
• Professionally responsible and ethically presented

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

All speakers presenting technical arboricultural content must meet the following baseline qualifications: at minimum, presenters must hold an active International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) CertifiedmArborist credential.

If the proposed topic is specialized, additional credentials may be required:

• Tree Risk Assessment topics: ISA TRAQ
• Advanced arboricultural interventions: ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
• Climbing and rigging: Tree Climber Specialist
• Utility vegetation management: ISA Utility Specialist

Professional Experience

Speakers must demonstrate:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in urban forestry, arboriculture or a closely related field
• Direct experience relevant to the proposed topic area
• Evidence of professional engagement within the past five (5) years
• Résumé or curriculum vitae must be submitted with the application.

Technical Alignment

All instructional content must be consistent with current standards and best management practices, including but not limited to:

• ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards
• ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations
• Applicable ISA Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Content Review Process

All proposals are subject to review by the Executive Director and/or members of the conference committee. Acceptance is contingent upon successful review and alignment with program objectives.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

All speakers must disclose:

• Product sponsorships
• Commercial affiliations related to the subject matter
• Consulting services that may present a perceived conflict
• Financial relationships with manufacturers, chemical companies, or vendors
• Disclosure does not automatically disqualify a speaker but must be transparent.