Oct. 4, 2019 – A unique feature on the lineup at GIE+EXPO will put a 40-foot tree inside the Kentucky Exposition Center and give attendees the opportunity to learn arborist techniques from a group of women who are experts in their field. The demonstrations, which are included with trade show registration, are open to all attendees. GIE+EXPO is set for Oct. 16-18.
A sponsorship by The Davey Tree Expert Company, STIHL Inc. and support from SHELTER Tree bring attendees the opportunity to win prizes in addition to the valuable learning opportunity. STIHL is presenting a certificate for $250 in STIHL equipment each of the three days of the event to one lucky winner. Additionally, At Height has provided hitch cords, which will be given away.
“Davey Tree is proud to present the ‘Climb Trees, Expand Your Horizons’ program at GIE+EXPO, in collaboration with The Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, sponsored by STIHL, with support from SHELTER Tree,” Sandra Reid, vice-president of corporate communications and strategic planning at Davey Tree, said. “This is a unique chance to highlight opportunities in arboriculture and spotlight some talented female arborists. It should be a great time for the attendees to learn from the best of the best, and we hope many arborists – new and experienced – are able to be there.”
Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager, STIHL Inc., agreed with Reid. “Women are an increasingly important part of the arborist and tree care professions, and investing in their professional development is vital. That is why programs like this one are so important, and why we at STIHL are so proud to join Davey Tree in presenting it.”
Five certified arborists, Melissa LeVangie, Bear LeVangie, Rebecca Seibel-Hunt, Alex Julius and Emmett Shutts, will provide climbing instruction while aloft in a tree set up within the expo center’s Freedom Hall. Attendees can expect to learn basic techniques and systems accepted within the industry to safely, efficiently and effectively perform tree care operations during eight sessions, which are included with tradeshow registration.
The LeVangies developed the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop in 2009 with a mission “to create a safe, encouraging, and empowering learning environment for women to climb trees” and have hosted workshops across the country for both women and men.
Wednesday, October 16
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Intro to Climbing: Job Briefing, PPE, Purpose and Approach
4:45 – 5:45 PM
Basic Climbing Techniques: Climbing Equipment and Systems
Thursday, October 17
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Tree Entry: Throwline, Rope Installation and Tie-in-points
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Access, Ascent (Closed vs. Open System) and Movement
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Movement & Work Positioning
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Safety, Descent, and Equipment Management
Friday, October 18
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Tools of the Trade
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Climbing Systems: Stationary and Moving Rope Strategies and Basics of Rigging
Freedom Hall will also be the location of the Mutt Madness pet adoption event and Food Truck Thursday. Both of these will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit www.gie-expo.com.
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