OKVMA Fall Conference a "Hit" and 2027 OKVMA Conferences Announced
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Dennis Martin, Professor, OSU Turf and Vegetation Management Specialist
The Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association (OKVMA) held its annual fall conference and trade show on September 30th and October 1st at the Tulsa Hard Rock Convention Center. A pre-pesticide applicator testing study session was held prior to the conference kick off for 50 participants on September 29th at the site by Kevin Shelton and Charles Luper of the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program. The pre-test study session helped prepare applicators for either the Core exam or Certified Service Technician exam in Oklahoma.
Over 437 attendees participated in the OKVMA Fall Conference & Show which featured 20 exhibitors in the trade show and 17 cosponsors of the event. Key vegetation management presentations and tree maintenance sessions for right-of-way and tree-care specialists were offered over the 1.5-day event. Up to eight Oklahoma certified pesticide applicator ceus were available in the right-of-way category and slightly lesser amounts in outdoor ornamentals & turf, aquatic, and private applicator categories. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified participants were able to earn continuing education credits in separate tree-focused breakout sessions.
On October 8th the OKVMA announced its 2027 Spring and Fall Conference dates and locations. The 2027 OKVMA Spring Conference and Trade Show will be held March 3, 2027 at the Edmond Conference Center, in Edmond, OK, while the 2027 Fall Conference & Show will return on September 29-30, at the Tulsa Hard Rock Hotel & Convention Center. Registration for the Spring 2027 Conference will be announced in mid-Winter and available for viewing at Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Conferences.
The OKVMA is a private, non-profit corporation classified as an IRS Oklahoma-based 501(c) 3. The organization focuses on promotion of education, recognition, and professionalism in the Oklahoma vegetation management industry, including promotion of safe and ethical vegetation management practices and enhancing public understanding of the industry.