Premier Urban Forestry Presentations and Learning!

Each year, the Urban and Community Forestry Society hosts a conference and tradeshow. This exciting event brings together members and non-members alike to network, learn, and knowledge share. Presentations from experts in the field, city tours, networking receptions, and more make this a can’t miss event! At the conference, you’ll:

  • Learn from real world case studies of urban and community forestry in action
  • Engage in knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning
  • Be with your tree people who understand the challenges and triumphs of being an urban or community forester

When

November 18-19, 2024

Registration

$199 for UCFS Members

$299 for Non-Members

$100 for UCFS Student Members and Non-Members

Plan to join us from November 18-19, 2024 for the annual Urban and Community Forestry Society Tradeshow and Conference! It’s a great opportunity to network with and learn from fellow urban foresters who make daily tree planting and care decisions! 

UCFS’s conference will be followed by the Partners in Community Forestry conference from November 20-21, 2024. Stay for the full week of learning!

ISA CEUs will be available for the attendees. 

Agenda

A summary of events can be found below. Click on the button to see a full outline of the UCFS conference program!

  • Monday, November 18
    • Tour of City of Chicago Urban Forestry – optional pre-conference tour held in the afternoon
    • UCFS Fun Run and Walk
    • MFI Reunion
    • Start of Tradeshow and Exhibit Hall
  • Tuesday, November 19
    • Full day conference starting at 8am
    • Annual UCFS Member Meeting – held after the conference ends
    • Reception held with Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition – held in the evening
    • Tradeshow and Exhibit Hall open all day
  • Wednesday and Thursday, November 20-21
    • Full Partners in Community Forestry Conference (additional registration needed)

Keynote from Dr. Nadina Galle

Join us to learn how urban forestry professionals can be at the forefront of combatting the loneliness epidemic while connecting people with trees!

Dr. Nadina Galle is a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, National Geographic Explorer, and TEDx and keynote speaker. She is at the forefront of the global “Internet of Nature” (IoN) movement, leveraging technology to foster nature-infused communities worldwide. As a fellow at MIT’s Senseable City Lab, Nadina’s pioneering research and advocacy, featured in BBC Earth and National Geographic, have earned her the European Space Agency’s prestigious “Space Oscar.” Recognized on Forbes and Elsevier’s “30 under 30” lists, she authored “The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet” (June 2024, Mariner Books), sparking international conversations on urban sustainability and well-being.

Nadina’s keynote address will reveal how often-overlooked urban nature can not only fortify cities against climate challenges but also combat the loneliness and mental health epidemic in society. Through her “Internet of Nature” concept, Nadina will illustrate how technology and the natural world can converge to offer innovative solutions.

Watch a clip of Nadina sharing a bit about her keynote address below.

Thank you to our keynote sponsor!

Pre-Conference Activities - Monday, November 18

Pre-Conference Bus Tour: Emerald Necklaces to Blue Islands

Join UCFS for a custom tour designed to showcase the best of Chicago city forestry.
A tour of some of Chicago’s most historic and leafiest showstoppers including Garfield Park Conservatory, the “emerald necklace” park and boulevard system, and Blue Island Avenue, the “greenest street in America."
Read More Here

UCFS Fun Run, Walk, or Watch

Help raise money for UCFS’s Urban Forest Foundation
Get out and stretch your legs while taking in the views of Lake Michigan! The annual UCFS Fun Run/Walk will be held on Monday, November 18. Proceeds support scholarships for MFI and other UCFS programming. Registered participants also received a t-shirt!
Read More Here

Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) Reunion

Hey, MFI grads! Catch up with your friends and invite someone who might be interested in attending MFI in the future.
Recapture the "MFI High" when you join fellow graduates from your class and others. Location: 2Twenty2 Tavern
Read More Here

Full Conference - Tuesday, November 19

After the pre-conference activities on November 18, we’ll jump into a full day of educational and informative presentations from urban and community foresters from across the country. Read the full agenda below!

Exhibitors and Tradeshow

Exhibit at the premier urban forestry conferences and reach two audiences in one location! 

UCFS and the Arbor Day Foundation are excited to invite you to showcase your products and services at the annual Urban and Community Forestry Society Conference and Partners in Community Forestry Conference, held back-to-back at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, IL.

By exhibiting at these conferences, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with two distinct but related audiences in one place. With an estimated 750 plus attendees over the 3 days, this is a can’t-miss event for any organization in the urban forestry industry.

Why Exhibit?

  •  Double the Exposure: Engage with attendees from both conferences, maximizing your reach and impact.
  • Targeted Audience: Our attendees manage urban trees, with over 60% involved in tree planting, maintenance, community and youth education, job training, or workforce development.
  • Diverse Roles: Connect with professionals across urban forestry and related fields, including 30% in urban forest management.
  • Purchasing Power: The majority of attendees plan to purchase trees and tree care tools within the next 18 months.
  • Key Sectors: 76% of our audience represents state, local, or federal government and non-profit sectors.

 

What’s Included:

  • One Tabletop Exhibit Space
  • One Complimentary Registration to both Conferences
  • Access to the Conference Attendee List

 

The fee to exhibit is $1,350

Additionally, to maximize your exposure, each attendee will receive a bingo card featuring your organization’s name. Attendees who complete the card will win a prize, ensuring more interaction and engagement with your booth. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!