A look at PestWorld 2024, one of the year’s biggest events in the pest control industry.
PestWorld is regarded as the top global conference for the pest control industry, which is organised by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in the US. This year’s event, which was held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Centre in Denver, Colorado, between 22-25 October, was nothing short of impressive. With attendance breaking the 4,000 barrier, it sets the record for the most well attended event in PestWorld’s history.
Of the 4,000 delegates, more than 500 travelled from overseas from 53 different countries. The exhibition hall, which is always a highlight of the conference, showcased the latest product offerings from 280 exhibitors.
Dominique Stumpf, CEO of NPMA, addressed attendees at the opening ceremony. “This is so much more than just an annual convention,” she said. “It’s a homecoming for our industry leaders, innovators and trailblazers. It’s a time to reunite, recharge and chart the future of the pest management industry together.”
With the event being held in Denver, quite appropriately the opening ceremony, sponsored by Envu, closed with a performance by Chris Collins and the John Denver Tribute Band who performed some of the late singer’s most famous hits.
Over the course of the following three days there was plenty of opportunity for delegates to broaden their knowledge by attending one of the many educational sessions (nearly 70 on offer over the three days). Topics included the science behind termite control, best practices for fumigation, the technical challenges of designing new rat-proof cities and mastering wildlife control. Sessions addressing business management topics, such as new office technology and keeping people safe, were well received.
The trade exhibition is always at the heart of every PestWorld event and visitors had the opportunity to visit stands not only from US exhibitors but also those from Europe, South America and Asia. Taking advantage of such an international audience, Envu took the opportunity to release news of its latest acquisition, the mosquito technology company In2Care headquartered in the Netherlands.
Once again attendance was good at the Global Pest Management Coalition with representatives from such diverse countries as Canada, India, Pakistan, Morocco, the Dominican Republic and the Maldives. During the meeting, the presidency of the Coalition passed from Alberto Ponjoan from Spain to Manuela Cordeiro from Portugal who represents the Confederation of the European Pest Management Associations (CEPA).
On Wednesday evening US rodent expert Bobby Corrigan was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Crown Leadership Awards event. Five other industry professionals also received awards.
The keynote speaker for Thursday’s general session (sponsored by Syngenta) was NFL pro bowler Justin Forsett who spoke about ‘The Hustle & Huddle: Leading Teams Through Change, Adversity and Opportunity’. He shared his strategies on how to navigate challenges and ways to develop a positive employee culture. His advice was ultimately focusing on how to succeed not only in business but in life. “If you can’t see your success for yourself, no one else is going to see it for you,” he said.
At PestWorld conferences, plenty of time is allowed for networking and the making of new contacts, especially at the social events. Hundreds of men and women attended the NPMA Professional Women in Pest Management networking breakfast (sponsored by Fieldroutes), an event which has soared in popularity in recent years. Professional empowerment grants were awarded to two women to further their educational development in the pest industry.
The international reception sponsored by Orkin always proves popular and on the final night the PestFest party, sponsored by MGK, drew these four hectic days to a close. Both of these events were held outside, taking advantage of Denver’s magnificent sunny weather and its elevated position at exactly one mile above sea level.
Agserv managing director, Eric Hess, felt the event was well worth the trip from Australia. “PestWorld 2024 was the biggest I have ever attended, with over 4000 delegates and 200-plus trade displays. It was epic,” he said. “With the beautiful Rocky Mountains as a backdrop it was truly a spectacular show. A highlight was Justin Forsett’s motivational presentation on how greatness grows best in the shadows.”
The ‘Mile High City’ proved to be an excellent location for PestWorld 2024. Next year sees Florida stepping up as host, with PestWorld 2025 being held in Orlando from October 21-24.
