The high level of attendance at pest events in the US and Europe indicate a return to ‘normal’ for the industry.
After nearly two years without face-to-face industry events, life returned to approaching normal this November in the US and UK, with PestWorld and PestTech both taking place. Certainly the largest event in the pest industry calendar is PestWorld, organised by the National Pest Management Association in the US. This year’s event held on November 2-5, broke all records with 3455 attendees, 200 exhibitors and over 60 educational sessions. Held in Las Vegas, it captured the party atmosphere of this unique location with Elvis Presley and Rat Pack lookalike performances. Although attendance was high, only a handful of international delegates managed to make their way there due to Covid restrictions.
In the words of Dominique Stumpf, CEO of NPMA, “The entire industry missed the presence of our international partners – it wasn’t the same without you.”
The UK’s big autumn event is PestTech, held this year on November 10 in Milton Keynes. This one-day event was equally well supported with over 1000 UK delegates attending.
Steve Hallam, chief executive officer of organisers at the National Pest Technicians Association, exclaimed, “It was great to be back. The event was enjoyed by all the delegates, the exhibitors and the seminars were packed out.” It was apparent at both events that industry professionals were delighted to meet with friends and colleagues again – something for Australia to look forward to next year.
