The Annual World Treehouse Conference attracts an eclectic group of treehouse enthusiasts from around the globe. Attendees include a diverse mix of professional and amateur builders, arborists, architects, engineers, net builders, tree climbers, and entrepreneurs. This gathering brings together individuals from various backgrounds who share a common passion for treehouses and their unique construction challenges.

The conference is October 2-5, 2025 at Camp Gallagher in Washington State, USA.

This marks a change from its historical location at Out'n'About Treesort in Taklima, Oregon. The new venue is conveniently located just 1.5 hours from Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Lakebay, WA and can accommodate approximately 120 attendees, offering a fresh environment for this beloved event.

The Annual World Treehouse Conference is the only organized conference exclusive to the art & science of building treehouses. For the past 30+ years, the conference has served as a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and building a strong community within the treehouse world. The conference offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn, collaborate, and celebrate their shared interest in arboreal architecture.

The Annual World Treehouse Conference exists to bring together kindred spirits in the treehouse community. It recognizes that treehouse building practices are innovative and constantly evolving, making it crucial for enthusiasts to stay connected and informed.

The event provides a perfect opportunity for attendees to share their projects, learn about safe building techniques for both humans and trees, and explore tree ecosystems. Participants can interact with state-of-the-art treehouse hardware and climbing equipment, brainstorm new ideas, and collectively advance the field of treehouse construction.

Above all, the conference fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among treehouse enthusiasts, creating lasting connections and inspiring future collaborations in this unique architectural niche.

Friday and Saturday have the majority of the conference programing.

All programing is subject to change but here is an overview:

Ongoing demonstrations about rigging, net building by DreamNets, treehouse hardware installation and saw milling
Back by popular demand, the miniature treehouse competition led by artist, Charles Spitzack. A great chance to get creative and win prizes!
Lectures on tree care, fundamentals of treehouse design and specialized hardware, current technologies used in treehouse design such as Lidar.
Keynote speaker - Julia Butterfly Hill - on Saturday evening followed by live music and merriment.
A conversation with Treehouse Master, Pete Nelson - guided by Michael Murphy of Barefoot Builders.
Treehouse Builders showcasing their past, present and future projects.

We are incredibly honored to invite Julia Butterfly Hill to keynote the conference this year. Julia Butterfly Hill is an environmental activist who gained international recognition for her 738-day tree sit in a 1,500-year-old California redwood, which she named "Luna," from December 1997 to December 1999. Her peaceful protest successfully protected the tree and surrounding grove from logging. Following her tree sit, Hill founded the Circle of Life Foundation to promote sustainability and founded What's Your Tree, an environmental activist training organization. She is the author of "The Legacy of Luna" and continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her message of ecological responsibility, spiritual connection to nature, and the power of individual action to create meaningful change.

There will also be a “Conversation with Pete Nelson” guided by Michael Murphy of Barefoot Builders. Pete Nelson is a world-renowned treehouse designer, builder, and author known as "The Treehouse Man." As founder of Nelson Treehouse and Supply, he has created hundreds of magical arboreal structures around the globe, combining architectural innovation with environmental sensitivity. Nelson gained widespread recognition as the star of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," where he showcased his unique ability to transform clients' treehouse dreams into reality. He's authored several books on treehouse design and construction, and operates Treehouse Point, a treehouse retreat center near Seattle. Nelson's work continues to inspire a deeper connection between humans and nature through sustainable, elevated living spaces.

All conference passes include a camping pass that starts Thursday after 4PM on October 1st and ends at 12 noon on October 5th. We strongly encourage you to stay on site, particularly Saturday evening. Tents, car/truck camping, and small RVs are allowed - please specify in your registration what you plan to bring so we can plan accordingly.

There are a few rustic bunkhouses on site that are available on a first come, first serve basis. These are communal sleeping areas and you will need to bring your own bedding. During registration, please note if you would like a bunkhouse spot. We will confirm with you by September 1st that you will have a spot in a bunkhouse.

There are many local rental options on VRBO and AirBnB but we encourage you to stay on site!

More details will be sent out after registration and as we get closer to the event, but plan for rain, hope for sun, and bring comfortable and warm clothes. Most activities and lectures will be held outside.

You will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday & Saturday night with breakfast on Sunday. Bring your own beverages.

Not required, but we also recommend bringing a mug/cup, water bottle, basic utensils, plate and a bowl to allow us to cut down on waste.

Attendees will have access to scenic forest trails, beach roaming along the shores of Case Inlet, peaceful waterside spots for relaxation, and of course, the treehouse! These activities provide a great way to unwind and connect with fellow treehouse enthusiasts during downtime.

Camp Gallagher is located at 1304 Russell Rd SW, Home, WA 98349 situated on the beautiful shores of Case Inlet in the South Puget Sound.

Camp Gallagher will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday. Non-alcoholic refreshments will also be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

To help reduce waste, we recommend bringing a mug/cup, water bottle, basic utensils, plate, and bowl, though this is not required.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Yes, we will send out a full event schedule closer to the conference date.