ACF Regional Conference

The 2026 Southern Regional Conference will take place February 22-24, 2026 at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Technical Sessions will focus on economic patterns impacting the industry, earning business revenue from appraisals and real estate, new TIMO management strategies in response to market shifts, growing a sustainable workforce, estate planning for forest landowners, marketing and exporting forest products, and more!

ALL are invited to attend, regardless of region or membership status! A Chapter Leaders Retreat and Executive Committee Meeting will be held in conjunction with this conference.

DEADLINES:
Registration: February 6, 2026
Early Bird Pricing: January 2nd, 2026
Hotel Discount Cut-Off: January 19, 2026

Register Online!

Registration
Schedule
Field Tour Descriptions
Scholarship Opportunities
Hotel Accommodations

Registration

Condensed Schedule

Monday Technical Session Topics:

• The 2026 US Economic Outlook presented by Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D., Research Economist, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
• Finding Opportunities in a Changing Forest Industry presented by Todd Mullis, ACF, President, Forest Resource Consultants, Inc. and Scott Howell, ACF, Forest Planning Manager, F&W Forestry Services, Inc.
• Income Opportunities from the Forest Understory and Beyond presented by Katie Commender, Director of Agroforestry, Appalachian Sustainable Development
• How TIMOs Have Changed Their Structure/Management Strategies in Light of Market Shifts panel discussion featuring Chris Elwell of TIR, Doug Moore of Davis Forestry (DDK), and Matthew Thuman of Campbell Global
• ForestryWorks®: Growing the Future of the Forest Industry presented by Stephanie Fuller Johnson, Director of Promotions & Economic Development, Forest Workforce Training Institute (ForestryWorks®)
• The Consulting Forester's Role in Estate Planning for Forest Landowners presented by Jason R. Page, Law Office of Jason R. Page, PLLC
• Public-Private Partnerships for Forestry in Tennessee presented by Heather Slayton, State Forester and Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry
• The Critical Work of the Tennessee Agricultural Crime Unit presented by Michael Whaley, Special Agent, Tennessee Agricultural Crime Unit
• Marketing and exporting forest products perspective from a local logger
• And more!

Field Tour Descriptions

• Sunday Pre-Conference Tour: Join us as we visit the stunning 13,000-acre Sewanee Domain, a diverse and ecologically rich Demonstration Forest stewarded by Sewanee | The University of the South, where a research and recreation program is coupled with active forest management dating back to the eve of the 20th century when Gifford Pinchot enlisted Carl Schenk to develop the first management plan.  This guided tour will showcase the Domain’s expansive Cumberland Plateau hardwood forests, karst topography, managed trails, research areas, and conservation projects that connect campus life with natural systems. Participants will gain an up-close look at how the University integrates environmental stewardship, land management, and long-term ecological monitoring across one of the Southeast’s most distinctive working landscapes.  Don't miss this opportunity to see "The Most Beautiful College Campus," as named by the Princeton Review.  A boxed lunch and transportation will be provided.
• Tuesday Field Tour: Join us for an exciting day featuring visits to two privately owned properties managed by local ACF members, offering an inside look at diverse management objectives, active silviculture, and decision-making on the ground. The tour will also include a special visit to the Komatsu Chattanooga production site, where participants will see the plant's forestry and excavating equipment manufacturing operations firsthand. This full-day experience combines on-the-land learning with an industry-leading behind-the-scenes tour, sure to be a highlight of the conference!  Transportation, morning coffee and pastries, and a boxed lunch are included.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Practicing Foresters Institute is offering scholarships to current forestry students and emerging professionals to attend the upcoming 2026 Southern Regional Conference. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is January 16, 2026.

CURRENT STUDENTS:
Attending the 2026 Southern Regional Conference provides the selected students with the opportunity to learn more about the consulting forestry profession, to meet forestry students from other forestry schools and to interact with practicing consulting foresters and potential employers.

Student scholarships cover a Conference Attendee Registration and Sunday (2/22) and Monday (2/23) night accommodations at the conference hotel (double occupancy).

PFI Student Scholarship Application

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS:
All are eligible to apply, regardless of membership status in ACF.  There are no defined age or experience level requirements although preference will be given to those in the early stages of their career or new to the consulting forestry or related profession.  Applications will be evaluated based on demonstration of interest in pursuing or continuing a career in professional consulting forestry or a related field and financial need.

Emerging Professionals scholarships cover a Conference Attendee Registration and registration for either the Optional Sunday Tour or Tuesday Field Tour. Emerging Professionals Scholarship recipients are responsible for accommodations and travel expenses related to conference attendance.

PFI Emerging Professionals Scholarship Application

Hotel Accommodations

Chattanooga Marriott Downtown
Two Carter St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402

Reserve your stay today!  Reserve at the reduced rate of $159 (+ tax) by January 19, 2026 by using this specific booking link.

Contact ACF Staff