The Rapid Solutions conference 2017 saw pest managers from across Australia coming together for another successful industry event.
With more than 450 people attending the 2017 Rapid Solutions conference, the event has established itself as the largest of its type in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s event, held in the Gold Coast from 10-13 August, further cemented its reputation as the event that pest managers cannot afford to miss.
More than 310 business owners, technicians and support staff representing the pest management and building inspection industries attended, travelling from around the country and as far as Southeast Asia. This was in addition to the many presenters, sponsors and the largest contingent of exhibitors to date.
Rapid Solutions CEO, Belinda Smith, believed the success of the event was testament to the pest management industry’s ongoing commitment to training and quality service.
“Delegates were once again able to find out about the latest regulations, safety standards and products from a host of expert commentators, manufacturers and distributors,” said Ms Smith.
“Most importantly, our clients and partners tell us that the biennial conference provides a vital opportunity for the industry to connect. While tailor-made sessions about products and technical information remain a key ingredient for the conference, it is the customer-centric workshops where pest managers and inspectors are able to share experiences with technical advisers in a less formal workshop that are most valued.
“We will continue to work with our clients and the wider pest management sector to develop more of this type of opportunity in between major conference dates,” Ms Smith added.
Communication expert and bestselling author Allan Pease opened proceedings with his keynote address on body language. He was joined by more than 35 leading speakers and commentators from the pest management and building inspection industries.
Four streams of seminars and workshops covered topics including the latest pest control news and products, business operations, compliance, inspections and personal and professional development.
Rapid Solutions marketing manager, Chris Murphy, said the 2017 conference also provided an excellent opportunity for the industry to connect.
“The conference featured a great mix of networking, socialising and education that kicked off on the Thursday evening with a ‘happy hour’, enabling delegates, exhibitors and presenters to mingle and talk in a relaxed atmosphere,” explained Mr Murphy. “It was great to see people from our industry catching up, renewing acquaintances and making new friends.
“The conference dinner featured comedian Dave Thornton and included the AEPMA awards (sponsored by BASF), giving special recognition to Laguna Pest Control who took out the prestigious Pest Manager of the Year award,” said Mr Murphy.
The conference was well supported by sponsors including: Syngenta for the welcome reception; FMC for the social event and early bird prize; BASF for the conference dinner; Sentricon for the stationery; Macquarie Pacific Funding for the breakfast; and Greenzone and Bayer as the new product sponsors.
“Rapid Solutions would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s conference and helped to make it a great success,” concluded Ms Smith.
Prize money and plaques were presented to each category winner, with other finalists receiving certificates. Gary Journeaux of Competitive Pest Control, winner of National Pest Manager of the Year 2016, concluded proceedings with a motivational video documenting the pest management industry in Australia and Myanmar.
