When and where is the 44th IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show?

The Illinois Arborist Association runs its 44th Annual Conference & Trade Show from 16 to 18 November 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park, Illinois, in the Chicago metro area.

Who attends the IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show?

The programme is built for Illinois and Midwest arboriculture: certified arborists, tree care company owners and crews, municipal and park district foresters, utility vegetation managers, landscape contractors, and educators or researchers in tree health and urban forestry.

Do I need a visa to attend from outside the United States?

Most international attendees use a U.S. B-1 business visitor visa or, if their nationality is eligible, the Visa Waiver Program via ESTA. Conference attendance and trade show meetings are permitted activities; check the U.S. Department of State business visa pages for current rules.

How do I get to the Tinley Park Convention Center from Chicago airports?

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is roughly 56 km away with a typical drive of about 45-50 minutes outside rush hour, while Midway (MDW) is the closer southwest-side airport. Metra commuter rail reaches a Tinley Park station with a short taxi, rideshare, or local bus transfer to the venue.

Where should exhibitors and visitors stay near the venue?

The Convention Center Drive cluster in Tinley Park includes the venue-adjacent EVEN Hotel plus Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, La Quinta and Comfort Inn & Suites options, mostly with free parking and breakfast. Downtown Chicago hotels work as an alternative base with a daily commute.

IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show

Name: IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
Start: 2026-11-16
End: 2026-11-18
Location: Tinley Park Convention Center

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show include Alexander Equipment, Altec Industries Inc, Arborisk, Arborjet and Arborworks.

Alexander Equipment
Altec Industries Inc
Arborisk
Arborjet
Arborworks

Event overview

Overview

The IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show is set to take place from November 16-18, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Chicago, USA. This event is organized by the Illinois Arborist Association and aims to promote the professional care of trees through education, research, and advocacy.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, participate in training sessions, and learn about the latest trends in arboriculture. IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show takes.

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: 16-18 November 2026 at Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, in the Chicago metro area.
2Sector Focus: Arboriculture and urban forestry, with a trade show floor covering tree care equipment, climbing and rigging gear, plant health care, chainsaws, chippers, safety systems, and municipal forestry tools.
3Who Attends: Illinois tree care company owners and crews, municipal and park district foresters, utility vegetation managers, consulting arborists, landscape contractors, and students building arboriculture careers.
4Education and Trade Show: Conference sessions run alongside the exhibitor floor, with the Illinois Arborist Association award ceremony and a Tree Fund raffle listed in the programme.
5Organiser: Illinois Arborist Association (illinoisarborist.org), the state professional body for arborists and tree care practitioners.

Why visit

Attending the IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show offers valuable networking opportunities with industry experts and peers. Attendees include professional arborists, tree care companies, and community members interested in tree health. The IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show is set to take place from November 16-18, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Chicago, USA. This event is organized by the Illinois Arborist Association and aims to promote the professional.

Why exhibit

Exhibiting at the IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show provides companies with direct access to a targeted audience of tree care professionals. Attendees include professional arborists, tree care companies, and community members interested in tree health. The IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show is set to take place from November 16-18, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Chicago, USA. This event is organized by the Illinois Arborist Association.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Professional arborists seeking certification and training.

Tree care companies looking for networking opportunities.

Community members interested in tree health and care.

Landscape architects focused on urban forestry.

Environmental organizations advocating for tree preservation.

Government agencies involved in urban planning and forestry.

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Tree care equipment manufacturers.

Providers of arborist training programs.

Suppliers of tree health products.

Consultants in urban forestry.

Landscape design firms.

Environmental service providers.

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Chainsaws, pole saws, and cutting attachments for tree removal and pruning

Chippers, stump grinders, and wood-processing equipment

Arborist climbing saddles, ropes, lanyards, and rigging hardware

Fall protection harnesses, helmets, and PPE for tree care crews

Bucket trucks, aerial lifts, and articulated cranes for canopy access

Plant health care products, soil amendments, and tree injection systems

Tree nursery stock, bare-root seedlings, and urban reforestation supplies

Arborist hand tools, saw chain, bars, and sharpening equipment

Truck bodies, trailers, and equipment storage for tree care fleets

GIS, tree inventory, and urban forestry management software

Safety training aids, rigging training props, and certification study materials

Landscape and grounds maintenance equipment used by municipal forestry crews

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Tinley Park Convention Center

18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477, United States

Facilities

Parking

Tinley Park Convention Center in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

Food options

On-site catering

On-site dining

Parking: Tinley Park Convention Center in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Tinley Park Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Who runs the show

Organisers

The Illinois Arborist Association

Organiser

Website

What's on

Programme

Seminar

Event days

4:00–4:30

Typical time

Monday, Nov 16, 2026

4:00 – 4:30

PM FOR OUR AWARD CEREMONY AND NEW BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, THEN STICK AROUND FOR THE TREE FUND RAFFLE FROM 4:30-6:00 PM!

Seminar

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Edition recap

The most recent completed edition of the IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show was the 2025 event, staged by the Illinois Arborist Association at the Tinley Park Convention Center in the Chicago area. The association published the 2025 conference agenda in October 2025, covering education sessions plus a trade show of tree care equipment, services and supplier exhibitors. Registration and hotel information for the annual conference were maintained on the association's events page. No official post-show attendance or exhibitor totals for the 2025 edition were surfaced in the sources reviewed.

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Chicago, USA

Why it matters

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Sustainability in procurement

What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Automation and labour efficiency

What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Regional supply-chain resilience

What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Hybrid engagement models

What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show - Nov 16-18, 2026

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IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show | Shared Audiences

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The Top 5 Highlights of the IAA Conference 2026

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IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 Conference Program:

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Annual Conference & Trade Show

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IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show will be on 2026-11-16

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Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

ORD

Chicago O'Hare International

Largest Chicago gateway with the widest domestic and international route network. Taxi or rideshare is simplest with luggage; Metra requires a transfer. Approx. distance and drive time; confirm live traffic

Approx. 35-45 mi (55-70 km)

to venue

Approx. 45-70 min by road depending on traffic

by car

MDW

Chicago Midway International

Closer to Tinley Park on Chicago's southwest side, with fewer international routes than ORD. Confirm the rideshare pickup zone and allow extra time in weekday peak traffic

Approx. 25-35 mi (40-55 km)

to venue

Approx. 40-60 min by road depending on traffic

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

EVEN Hotel Chicago - Tinley Park Convention Center by IHG

midscale

Tinley Park, adjacent to the convention center

USD 150–220 / night

Purpose-built convention hotel next to the venue, the shortest walk to the trade show floor and session rooms. Approx. midweek conference rate; confirm live rates and cancellation policy.

source

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

taxi

Estimated costApprox. USD 70-95 one way (metered taxi; tolls and tip extra; confirm before travel)

Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Tinley Park Convention Center

Driving time is commonly quoted at about 45-70 minutes depending on traffic; allow more in weekday peak hours.

rideshare

Estimated costApprox. USD 55-85 one way (standard rideshare, non-surge; confirm in app)

Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Tinley Park Convention Center

Use the designated rideshare pickup zone at ORD. Surge pricing can raise the fare during commute hours or bad weather.

taxi

Estimated costApprox. USD 50-70 one way (metered taxi; tolls and tip extra)

Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to Tinley Park Convention Center

Midway is the closer of the two Chicago airports to Tinley Park, on the southwest side of the city; allow 40-60 minutes by road.

rideshare

Estimated costApprox. USD 40-60 one way (standard rideshare, non-surge)

Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to Tinley Park Convention Center

Follow airport signs to the rideshare pickup area; confirm the fare in the app before requesting the ride.

train

Estimated costApprox. USD 6.75-8.75 one way from downtown Chicago (Metra zone fare; confirm current fare)

Best forMetra Rock Island line from downtown Chicago to Tinley Park area stations

Use the 80th Avenue or Tinley Park station, then a short Pace bus or rideshare to the convention center. Metra fares are zone-based and station access is not at the venue.

bus

Estimated costApprox. USD 2.25 one way (Pace fixed route; exact fare or Ventra card)

Best forPace local bus to the Tinley Park Convention Center area

Pace buses cover local last-mile connections, but service frequency is lower than Chicago city routes; check schedules against conference start times.

parking

Estimated costApprox. USD 0-20 per day (confirm venue rate; exhibitor trailer parking may differ)

Best forTinley Park Convention Center on-site parking

Surface parking is available at the convention center; confirm whether the 2026 event charges a daily rate and where exhibitors with trailers should park.

rental car

Estimated costApprox. USD 45-75 per day for a compact rental before taxes and fees

Best forChicago airport rental car to Tinley Park

Useful if you plan to visit suppliers or stay outside Tinley Park; confirm insurance, toll transponder, and hotel parking costs.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Official visa page

Weather

Chicago in November is late autumn heading into early winter: expect cold, often windy days, occasional rain, and the first chance of light snow. Average daytime highs are around 8-10 C (46-50 F) and overnight lows around 0-2 C (32-36 F), but wind chill can make it feel colder. Conditions at Tinley Park can feel harsher because of open, flat suburban exposure around the convention center and large parking lots.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Venue Wi-Fi availability and credentials are usually provided at registration; confirm with the organiser before relying on it for live demos. U.S. mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G, so international visitors should check roaming costs or set up an eSIM before arrival. Download the IAA programme, exhibitor list, and maps for offline use, and carry a portable battery for long days on the show floor.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business dress

Business casual is standard at arboriculture conferences; many attendees wear company polo shirts, work pants, and safety boots. Bring a warm layer for session rooms.

Tipping

Restaurant tipping in the Chicago area is typically 15-20 percent; bartenders and servers expect tips. Taxi and rideshare tips are common.

Conference culture

Sessions are practical and safety-focused; attendees often move between the trade show floor and education rooms. Ask before photographing equipment or people.

Payment

Most venues and hotels are cashless or card-first; carry a credit card for parking, rideshare, and incidentals.

Local transport etiquette

On Metra, keep bags clear of aisles and have your ticket ready for conductors; Pace buses require exact fare or a Ventra card.

Weather small talk

Chicago-area locals will talk about traffic and weather; allow extra time and check forecasts before committing to outdoor plans.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: ORD

Book into ORD for the widest route network; compare MDW for lower fares and a shorter drive. For November travel, build a buffer for weather delays and avoid tight connections through Chicago. Book 4-8 weeks ahead for domestic trips and check baggage fees; confirm whether your hotel offers park-and-fly packages.

Visa

Most international arboriculture professionals attend on a U.S. B-1 business visitor visa or through the Visa Waiver Program if their country is eligible. B-1 covers attending conferences, trade shows, and business meetings but not paid employment in the United States. Travellers who need a visa should apply well ahead of the November conference.

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

Determine first whether your nationality is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or requires a B-1 interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Carry registration confirmation and an invitation from the organiser to the interview and at the border. Passport validity and ESTA rules change, so verify current requirements on the U.S. Department of State site before booking flights.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): Approx. 45-70 min by road depending on traffic; Chicago Midway International (MDW): Approx. 40-60 min by road depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to Tinley Park Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Tinley Park Convention Center: Tinley Park, adjacent to the convention center: EVEN Hotel Chicago - Tinley Park Convention Center by IHG.

Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Chicago and Tinley Park. At ORD, use the designated rideshare pickup zones; at MDW, follow signs to the rideshare area. Approx. USD 55-85 from ORD to Tinley Park and USD 40-60 from MDW, depending on traffic and surge. Confirm in-app before booking.

Public transit: Metra Rock Island line serves Tinley Park; from downtown Chicago take a Rock Island train toward Joliet and alight at 80th Avenue or Tinley Park station, then use Pace bus or rideshare for the final 2-5 mi. Metra fares are zone-based (approx. USD 6.75-8.75 one way from downtown; confirm current fares). Pace fixed-route fare is approx. USD 2.25. Sunday service is limited; check schedules against conference hours.

Parking: On-site surface parking is available at Tinley Park Convention Center; confirm whether daily parking is complimentary or paid for the 2026 event. Exhibitors with trailers or large vehicles should request move-in instructions and designated parking from show management. Arrive early on day one to avoid the busiest badge-pickup and parking period.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November 2026

Temperature: Daytime highs roughly 8-11 C (46-52 F), overnight lows around 0-2 C (32-36 F); wind chill can make it feel colder, especially near open parking areas.

Seasonality: November is cloudier than summer, with rain or a rain-snow mix possible; the first measurable snow can fall. Daylight is short, with sunset before 17:00 local time. Check the forecast 48 hours before travel and build a weather buffer into flights.

Packing: Layer for a cold, windy week: insulated jacket, sweater, gloves, and a scarf for the walk between parking and the hall, plus a compact umbrella or water-resistant outer layer. Bring comfortable shoes for concrete exhibition floors, safety boots if you plan outdoor equipment demos, and a warm layer for over-air-conditioned session rooms.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

Mid-show days at IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

T-1

Confirm registration and badge pickup

T-2

Book a Tinley Park area hotel

T-3

Map the airport transfer

T-4

Download the programme and mark sessions

T-5

Check CEU and certification needs

T-6

Arrange ground transport and parking

T-7

Prepare lead capture and vendor questions

T-8

Pack layers and practical gear

T-9

Request exhibitor meetings

T-10

Check weather and flight status

T-11

Charge devices and save offline maps

T-12

Review badge and ID requirements

T-13

Arrive early on day one

T-14

Plan follow-up before you leave

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

Day 1 · morning

Registration and hall orientation at Tinley Park Convention Center

Day 2 · core sessions

Supplier meetings and product demos

Day 3 · wrap-up

Final negotiations and follow-up

Networking spots

IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show registration concourse

Tinley Park Convention Center

Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

Tinley Park Convention Center

Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Hotel tier

Budget$125.00/nightMid-range$185.00/nightPremium$275.00/night

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Hotel × 2 nights$250.00
Per diem × 2$150.00

Estimated total$400.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Use this quick check to decide whether IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

For IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.

Best for

Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Tree care equipment and tools. and Arborist training materials. solutions and benchmarking suppliers at IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show in Chicago.

Min. budget

$520.00

Timeline

4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.

Risks

Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.

exhibit

You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.

Best for

Brands and manufacturers launching Tree care equipment and tools. and Arborist training materials. products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.

Min. budget

$2,340.00

Timeline

3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.

Risks

Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.

skip

Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.

Best for

Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Chicago show week.

Timeline

N/A

Risks

Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Glossary

Arboriculture: The cultivation, management and study of individual trees, shrubs and woody plants, the professional discipline at the centre of the IAA conference programme.
ISA Certified Arborist: An industry credential for tree care professionals; the IAA runs certification workshops and exams alongside its annual conference.
Tree risk assessment: A structured method for evaluating the likelihood and consequences of tree failure, covered in dedicated IAA training sessions and conference content.
Urban forestry: Management of tree populations in towns and cities, a core audience segment for municipal foresters and utility vegetation managers attending the show.
CEU: Continuing Education Units credited for maintaining arborist certification; the IAA programme lists CEU-bearing sessions and training events.

Also known as

Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show 2026
IAA Annual Conference & Trade Show Chicago 2026
IAA Annual Conference 2026
IAA Annual Conference Chicago 2026
IAA 2026
IAA Chicago 2026
Chicago USA
Tree care equipment and tools.

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