The highlight of the SMA Annual Conference for me is always the networking—
seeing people that I know or have had online conversations with. For instance,
the opening MFI Reunion social is really fun and provides networking continuity
to a strong program that has been a career-changer for many of the conference
attendees and for the MFI teaching cadre. Through SMA, I have made so many
professional friends whose work I admire and who are generous in sharing their
experiences. I am very grateful to the Society for these opportunities to gather.
I hope we can continue to provide a high-quality program that attracts even more
attendees and helps people excel in their challenging positions as community tree man-
agers. I love hearing from both younger presenters who share the innovative things they are
doing and from folks who provide historical examples of how things have worked over time.
As an exhibitor, I try to provide field-tested products to conserve and grow better
trees. The ability to share information face-to-face, answer questions, and learn what
people need is always fun, and my joint attendee/exhibitor role keeps me very busy.
I also have been staying for the Partners sessions; the different investments and
partnerships in community forestry that are available should be a resource that
community tree managers tap into. The Partners presentations offer powerful
examples of how community members can support trees. After all, the commu-
nity members are the beneficiaries of all the benefits trees provide us.
—Gordon Mann, Consulting Arborist and
Proprietor, Mann Made Resources
Save the Date!
Next year the 2020 SMA Conference will be held
in Louisville, Kentucky on November 23-24
Followed by Partners in Community Forestry on November 25-26
Photo courtesy of Louisville Tourism
16 CityTREES
