The AEPMA Conference 2018 is almost upon us, a time for pest managers around the country to come together to share, learn and network.
In this issue’s President’s Report, I would like to remind all members of the upcoming AEPMA conference being held on the Gold Coast from September 19 to September 21, 2018.
Highlights of the conference include a session on how to hire the right people and the importance of understanding industrial relations; industry training and what we as an industry need to do to make it better; and a discussion into new ideas and methodologies, which will see pest managers exiting the sessions with a clear understanding of the traditional drivers of a profitable pest management business.
A session dedicated to termites is particularly well timed now that AEPMA has released two codes of practice specific to termites and both accredited with the ACCC: AEPMA Code of Best Practice for Termite Management and the AEPMA Code of Best Practice for Termite Management During Construction.
Australian Standards have produced what could be the last standards on termites in existing buildings, and it is important for pest managers to understand what these developments mean. The session will explore how an individual pest manager will cope, both legally and technically, and how the business should and can change its work plans to meet the future challenges of termite treatments.
Additionally, we have recognised the importance of marketing as a mainstream of any business and have engaged industry leaders as keynote speakers, including Steven Simpson, Australia’s leading customer care guru and Lana Luise, digital marketing and social media expert.
Friday morning will open with a session led by a number of experts in rodent control. This informative and engaging session will include information about effective pest control to protect threatened wildlife, new ideas from Europe surrounding the current status of rodent management systems, and how advancements in research are shaping our understanding of rodent control.
Once again, the Pest Manager of the Year award, sponsored by BASF, will be presented at the conference, acknowledging outstanding business efforts within the industry. Awards will be presented across four categories:
- Micro(fewer than three employees)
- Fewer than ten employees
- More than ten employees
- South Pacific.
In addition, this year, in partnership with Bayer, we are launching the Individual Excellence in Professional Pest Management award. This award will be presented to both a domestic and international winner and seeks to recognise nominees that put customers first through a commitment to excellence in customer focus, leadership, and service. The aim is to foster innovation in the pest management industry and consistently demonstrate individual excellence.
A conference isn’t complete without a trade show, and this year a wide range of suppliers will be present to discuss their products and services and provide practical ideas to improve your business. If you’re an owner or manager of a pest control company, a pest technician, sales representative, product manufacturer or distributor, or industry researcher, educator or student involved in the pest management world, then the AEPMA Conference is a must-attend event.
Packed with interesting speakers, sessions relevant to the industry and information on how you can increase business profitability, not to mention social events that will provide a unique and informal opportunity to meet with your peers and make some valuable new contacts, you can’t afford to miss it!
Vasili Tsoutouras
AEPMA President
