The idea behind the famous splicing symposium get it's humble start as a method to address the many questions we get on the phone all the time from many people who are interested in splicing.  And while we don't mind helping people out over the phone, it gets somewhat difficult to explain how to do a splice in words alone.  So it was decided that SHOWING how a splice is done would be better AND safer for everyone.  The question then was how to go about doing this....

A logical answer of course, would be to have some sort of class where this could happen.  We needed a place where we would have the space to really work hands on and make sure that people actually learn the important CONCEPTS and actual steps needed to make a safe splice.  More importantly, we needed a forum where we could learn AND have a great time socializing and improving our overall knowedge and skills in the arborist business. Preferably something and someplace with lots of trees to climb... But where could we have a class like this, and would people be willing to attend? 

Well the answer to this was to host the very first SPLICING SYMPOSIUM, and since it was held in March of 2008 the event was named the Spring Splicing Symposium.  The first one was held in Lebanon Junction KY on a 700 acre property featuring tons of trees, LOTS of camping (in ground tents, old barns, cars, and more than a few tree boats) and was attended by 15 hearty souls who camped, cooked and spliced through some chilly and sloppy conditions.  In spite of it all, everyone had a great time and learned a lot.  The following year saw an even larger and better symposium as the class portion moved to a bigger and heated shop, catered food, and still more camping and twice the turnout as the previous year.

This year has a change of venue to the Knot & Rope Supply shop to better accomidate the space requirements and cordage needs for this event.  We now have more lodging options, ranging from the very low budget camping option to great full service hotels, all located very close to the shop.  In addition, this years Spring Splicing Symposium will lead into the 2010 Ohio Tree Climbing Championships to be held that weekend. Feel free to stay and help setup, tech or volunteer at the event, or if you are an Ohio resident you can register to compete.

As we enter our third year these things just keep getting better and better.  

Splicing Symposium....Splice Tight...Climb Right