Overgrown vegetation is one of the leading causes of outages, safety hazards, and even wildfires in utility, construction, and mining environments. That’s why vegetation management (VM) has become a top priority—and why new technologies and advanced equipment are transforming how crews manage it safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
At The Utility Expo 2025 (October 7–9 in Louisville, Kentucky), industry experts will highlight these advances in a walking field classroom: Advancing Vegetation Management with Cutting-Edge Technologies and Equipment.
What You Will Learn
Participants will see firsthand how modern equipment—ranging from precision cutting tools to data-driven decision-making platforms—is improving operational outcomes, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing worker safety. As a walking field classroom, the session will take attendees across the show floor to visit select exhibitors, watch live demonstrations, and hear directly from experts on the newest VM solutions.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Spot emerging technologies and equipment in modern vegetation management.
- Understand how tools perform across different field conditions.
- Improve safety and reduce risks with tech-driven approaches.
- Apply best practices for selecting and integrating VM equipment.
- Learn directly from experts through live demonstrations at the show.
About the Instructor
This 90-minute session will be led by Ed Lopez, Senior Manager for Content Development at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Lopez brings decades of industry experience with Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Metso Outotec, and holds certifications in Caterpillar Production Systems (Black Belt) and DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). He has led numerous training programs on equipment operation in vegetation-heavy environments, safety standards, and regulatory frameworks.
“My experience working with OEMs and standards committees has given me a strong understanding of how VM intersects with equipment operation, safety protocols, and environmental regulations,” Lopez says.
The Value of Walking Field Classrooms
Lopez says walking field classrooms are ideal for a hands-on topic like vegetation management because they:
- Showcase tools and techniques in live action, not just on slides.
- Encourage active learning through movement and engagement.
- Foster peer-to-peer exchange and discussion.
“The Utility Expo is the perfect venue to address VM because it brings together professionals who operate in environments where VM is essential for safety and operational continuity,” says Lopez. “My work at AEM and with OEMs has shown me how critical it is to align field practices with evolving standards, and this session offers a hands-on way to share those insights with the people who need them most.”
Join the Session
Seats are limited—there is only one available session for this training and it's only available to the first 30 people that register, so don’t wait to secure your spot.
See the newest vegetation management technologies in action and gain practical insights you can apply right away.
The Utility Expo’s comprehensive education program is the leading source for the utility industry to obtain cutting-edge information for today’s challenging economy and business model. In addition to jobsite safety and crew collaboration, topics include aerial devices, vacuum excavating, horizontal directional drilling, equipment hydraulics, and more.
Get Hands-On
Beyond this session, The Utility Expo is your chance to see and get hands-on with the newest tools, equipment, technology, and gear in vegetation management.
Some of the biggest names in vegetation management and utility construction will be on-site, giving you direct access to the solutions and experts shaping the future of the industry.
See the full list of companies that will be exhibiting at The Utility Expo 2025: Exhibitor Directory.
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