A summary of the key pest control conference options for pest managers in Australia and New Zealand, both locally and overseas.
The cooler months provide pest managers in Australia and New Zealand with some time to focus on business management and training. Here we have a look at the conference and training options for pest managers both home and abroad. Three of the industry pest control conferences in the region are in August, so pest managers interested in attending a conference will most likely need to select the conference that is most suitable for their needs.
Global Public Health & Food Safety Summit
What is it?
The Global Public Health & Food Safety Summit is a new conference focused on commercial pest control in food management accounts and vector control (mosquitoes and rodents) in the urban environment.
The event is being jointly organised by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) from the USA, the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA) from Europe and from Asia and Oceania, the Federation of Asian & Oceania Pest Managers Associations (FAOPMA).
Why would you go?
Pest managers focused on commercial pest control will increase their understanding of pest control in food management accounts and the use of technology (remote sensors) as a key element of account management. For pest managers involved in the public health arena the event will improve their understanding of area-based vector management (mosquitoes and rodents).
When is it?
June 4-6, Florida USA.
FAOPMA-Pest Summit
What is it?
The FAOPMA-Pest Summit is the premiere pest conference in Asia, both in terms of size and content, and is supported by the industry pest associations from across the region, including Australia. The theme for the conference is, ‘Committed to a Healthy and Sustainable World’. The speakers have yet to be announced, but the program includes both technical and business content, which will be presented by a range of international speakers. There is also a symposium session on ‘Sustainability’.
Why would you go?
Attending the FAOPMA-Pest Summit provides a varied learning experience and an insight into pest control across the region. For pest managers in Australia and New Zealand, attending this conference at least once is generally a rewarding experience, both for the quality of the international speakers and the high level of enthusiasm and passion for the pest control industry from delegates.
When is it?
August 7-11, Mumbai, India (main conference runs from August 8-10).
Pesticon
What is it?
Pesticon is the annual industry conference in Australia, run by AEPMA. This year’s conference theme – ‘The People in Pest’ – brings the spotlight onto the dedicated professionals in the pest management industry. With this in mind the program has an increased focus on business management, including sessions on recruitment, training, marketing and other presentations aimed at improving business performance. There are still a few technical sessions on individual pests.
Why would you go?
Targeting business owners, Pesticon provides a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about managing a pest management business and to pick up tips to improve business performance and drive growth, with this year having a particular focus on people. The conference traditionally has a strong exhibition hall featuring many of the leading suppliers.
When is it?
August 14-16, Gold Coast, Australia.
PMANZ Conference
What is it?
The PMANZ Conference is the biennial pest control industry conference hosted by the Pest Management Association of New Zealand (PMANZ). The conference focuses on the technical aspects of pest control with a range of independent industry experts on the program. Headlining the conference is Dr William H Robinson. Dr Robinson was previously a Professor and Director of the Urban Entomology Research Center at Virginia Tech University and Technical Director at B&G Equipment Company. Dr Robinson with give a number of presentations covering topics ranging from common pest control myths to the fascinating biology of the German cockroach.
Why would you go?
The PMANZ conference is very much a technical conference making it useful for technicians and business owners alike. The speakers are high quality, independent experts providing pest managers with the latest pest control research and unbiased information. Pest managers in Australia could consider this as an alternative to Pesticon, if they are looking for a more technical conference.
When is it?
August 29-30, Auckland, New Zealand.
Pestech
What is it?
Pestech is the annual roadshow hosted by Agserv at eight locations around Australia. The events have traditionally included presentations and a tradeshow, to provide pest managers with the latest pest control information. This year, the format of the event will be changing; instead of trade presentations, the day will include educational presentations and practical sessions designed to train pest managers on specific areas of pest control. Details of the program will be released shortly. The tradeshow will still remain a key part of the event.
Why would you go?
Pestech is a great opportunity for pest managers to meet suppliers, get educated and network. It provides a convenient, local training opportunity instead of attending one of the larger, longer conferences.
When is it?
| Date | Day | Location | Venue |
| Sept 3 | Tue | Adelaide | SAJC Morphettville Racecourse |
| Sept 4 | Wed | Perth | Claremont Football Club |
| Sept 10 | Tue | Sunshine Coast | Maroochydore RSL |
| Sept 11 | Wed | Brisbane | Kedron Wavell RSL |
| Sept 12 | Thu | Gold Coast | Southport Sharks |
| Sept 17 | Tue | Melbourne | The Views – Port Melbourne |
| Sept 18 | Wed | Sydney | Waterview – Bicentennial Park |
| Sept 19 | Thu | Newcastle | Club Macquarie |
PestWorld
What is it?
PestWorld is the annual pest control conference run by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in the US. It is the largest pest control conference, typically with over 3,000 delegates from over 50 countries. The theme of the conference and conference program has yet to be released (due early May). Traditionally, it has multiple conference streams on technical and business topics with leading researchers and industry experts. The exhibition hall is a key element of the event – in 2023 there were nearly 200 exhibitor stands, including some suppliers from Europe and Asia.
Why would you go?
PestWorld should be attended by every pest manager at least once. The program includes an unmatched line-up of speakers, including the leading global pest control researchers, and an impressive exhibition hall. It may not quite be ski season in October, but it’s still a great opportunity to combine work with a holiday too!
When is it?
October 22-25, Denver, Colorado, USA.
