2026 Event Schedule

Utilities are continually challenged to maintain vegetation programs that are safe, consistent, and effective—especially as workforce turnover and climate risks accelerate. Immersive Augmented Reality (iAR) offers a powerful, practical solution to elevate training and assessment in Vegetation Management (VM). 

This session will explore how iAR can be used to build targeted, measurable learning experiences for vegetation management personnel. Attendees will learn how this technology supports both skill development and objective assessments—especially in complex inspection and hazard identification scenarios. 

Real-world applications will be highlighted, including PG&E’s best-in-class Vegetation Management Competency Assessment Program, where iAR is being piloted to assess Pre-Inspectors and Quality Personnel. Example use cases will include: 

• Identifying tree defects
• Assessing hazard trees
• Performing Level 2 inspections to determine appropriate prescriptions
• Tracking key behaviors such as completing a full 360° inspection and using appropriate observational techniques 

Data generated through iAR can be leveraged to close knowledge and skill gaps, enhance standards, foster consistent operations, strengthen safety protocols, and build confidence in decision-making. With controllable, realistic scenarios, iAR provides a safe, repeatable, and measurable training environment that advances both individual and organizational performance. Taking these iAR results, organizations can compare, align, and track performance indicators against in-field trends, resulting in data-driven initiatives or procedural updates that can be validated through monitoring and continuous improvements.