Make it stand out

Fall Symposium

DATE: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27 & 28, 2025
LOCATION: Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Conference ADDRESS: 6015 ON-89, Alliston, ON L9R 1A4 TEL: 705-435-5501 TOLL FREE: 800-669-5501 WEBSITE: www.nottawasagaresort.com

GROUP CODE: 381571 SPECIAL RATE: $199 ($265 +hst after Oct 27)

REGISTRATION FEES:

Members Rates:

  • Full Package (Thursday & Friday): $419 +hst

  • Thursday Only – Lunch & Dinner Included: $385 +hst

  • Thursday Lunch Only: $75 +hst

  • Thursday Dinner Only: $150 +hst

  • Friday Only: $250 +hst

MEMBERS REGISTER HERE!!

Non-Members Rates:

  • Full Package (Thursday & Friday): $475 +hst

  • Thursday Only – Lunch & Dinner Included: $419 +hst

  • Thursday Lunch Only: $100 +hst

  • Thursday Dinner Only: $150 +hst

  • Friday Only: $300 +hst

NON-MEMBER REGISTER HERE!!

Preliminary Agenda at a Glance

📅 Thursday, November 27, 2025

8:00 AM – Registration | Coffee, Tea & Muffins

9:00 – 9:15 AM – President’s Welcome – Kevin Schieck, OCAA President

9:15 – 10:30 AM – Keynote Speaker – Innovative Approaches to Combat Heat Dr. Glynn Percival

10:30 – 11:00 AM – Breaktime | Coffee & Tea

11:00 – 12:00 PM – Taking Control of Your Cash Flow – Dawn Hennessey, BDC

12:00 – 1:00 PM – Luncheon – Riverview

1:00 – 1:45 PM – Managing a Diverse Services Tree Care Company – Rachel Bowery

2:00 – 2:15 PM – Breaktime | Coffee & Tea

2:15 – 3:15 PM – Reversing the Trend of SRT Falls – Ron Lucas / Shelly Speir, MOL

3:15 – 4:00 PM – Navigating Health and Safety for Arborists – Kristen Hoffman

4:00 – 4:30 PM – OCAA Awards Ceremony

6:00 – 8:30 PM – Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner – Honouring Ken Lund

8:30 PM – Silent Auction & Social

📅 Friday, November 28, 2025

8:30 AM – Registration | Coffee, Tea & Muffins

9:00 – 9:15 AM – President’s Welcome – Kevin Schieck, OCAA President

9:15 – 10:15 AM – The Use of Soil Amendments to Enhance Tree Health – Dr. Glynn Percival

10:15 – 10:30 AM – Breaktime | Coffee & Tea

10:30 – 11:30 AM – Biochar in Urban Forestry: Benefits for Soils, Tree Health, and Climate Change Mitigation – Sean Thomas

11:30 – 12:30 PM – Neuromuscular Mechanics and Ergonomics – Michael Holmes, PhD

12:30 – 12:45 PM – Update – Ground Worker Training Program & Associated Programs – Patricia Thomson / Mark Graves

12:45 – 1:30 PM – OCAA Annual Members Meeting & Discussion:
- 2025 Reports & Financials
- What’s Coming in 2026
- Nominations – Board of Directors
- Resources – Rescue Randy / Load Cell
- Open Discussion

Conference Closing – Thank you for a great year!

2025 Speaker Lineup

  • Dr. Glynn Percival

    KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Thursday Nov 27, 2025
    9:15 – 10:30 AM
    Innovative Approaches to Combat Heat

    Friday Nov 28, 2025
    9:15 – 10:15 AM
    The Use of Soil Amendments to Enhance Tree Health

    Read Bio

  • Dawn Hennessey

    Thursday, Nov 27, 2025
    11:00 – 12:00 PM


    Taking Control of Your Cash Flow

    Read Bio

  • Rachel Bowery

    Thursday, Nov 27, 2025
    1:00 – 1:45 PM


    Managing a Diverse Services Tree Care Company

    Read Bio

  • Ron Lucas / Shelly Speir

    Thursday Nov 27, 2025
    2:15 – 3:15 PM


    Reversing the Trend of SRT Falls

    Read Bio

  • Kristen Hoffman

    Thursday Nov 27, 2025
    3:15 – 4:00 PM


    Navigating Health and Safety for Arborists

    Read Bio

  • Sean Thomas

    Friday Nov 28, 2025
    10:30 – 11:30 AM


    Biochar in Urban Forestry: Benefits for Soils, Tree Health, and Climate Change Mitigation

    Read Bio

  • Michael Holmes, PhD

    Friday Nov 28, 2025
    11:30 – 12:30 PM


    Neuromuscular Mechanics and Ergonomics

    Click Here
REGISTER NOW

  • SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    Show your support for the arborist community and gain valuable exposure by sponsoring key elements of the OCAA Fall Symposium. From delegate bags and name badges to meals, speaker sessions, and social events—there’s a sponsorship opportunity to match every budget and brand.

    Your contribution helps us deliver a meaningful experience while putting your company front and center with industry professionals.

    Explore options like:
    • Name Badge • Delegate Bags & Inserts • Booths
    • Breakfast, Lunch & Awards Dinner
    • Speaker Sessions • Refreshments • Silent Auction Social
    • Registration & CEU Table

    Partner with us to grow your reach and support industry excellence.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • AWARDS & BURSARIES

    OCAA is proud to recognize excellence and support growth in the arboriculture industry. From student bursaries to industry awards, we celebrate achievement and invest in the future of our profession.

    Learn more about our awards and how to apply.

    Click Here

  • CALL FOR SPEAKERS

    Are you a passionate expert with insights that can elevate the arboriculture industry? We invite dynamic speakers to share their knowledge, experience, and innovative ideas at the OCAA Fall Symposium. Whether your expertise lies in urban forestry, business operations, safety standards, or cutting-edge research, we want to hear from you!

    Submit your proposal and be part of shaping the conversations that move our industry forward.

    🔹 Speaking slots are limited. Apply early to be considered.
    🔹 Deadline for submissions: [Insert Deadline]
    🔹 All sessions should be educational and non-commercial in nature.

    Download Call for Papers

  • CALL FOR VENDORS

    Showcase your products, services, and innovations to Ontario’s commercial arboriculture professionals. The OCAA Fall Symposium is your opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, business owners, and industry leaders in a highly engaged environment.

    Whether you offer equipment, software, PPE, or services that support arborists and urban forestry, this event is the place to be.

    Reserve your booth and grow your brand visibility.

    🔹 Limited exhibit spaces available – secure your spot today!
    🔹 Vendor packages include booth space, recognition in event materials, and more.

    Become a Vendor