A highlight in the global pest management calendar, PestWorld 2025 proved to be another successful conference event.
Pest management professionals from across the world came together in record numbers for this year’s PestWorld. Organised by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in the US, the annual conference is an opportunity to meet fellow pest professionals, to exchange knowledge and gain fresh insights into emerging business trends.
More than 4,500 delegates converged on the Marriott Orlando World Center in Orlando, Florida, between 21-24 October, for what is the global pest management industry’s biggest conference, exhibition and educational event. Among the 4,500 delegates were 638 international attendees from 75 countries, underlining the global nature of today’s pest management industry. With the 2025 conference attendance rate up 12% on 2024, it’s a sign that the US pest control market is certainly looking strong.
As part of the opening ceremony, sponsored by Envu, NPMA CEO, Dominique Stumpf, welcomed delegates saying, “Whether you’re attending your first PestWorld or are a decades-long member, this week we aim to invigorate and inspire you with fresh ideas, new connections, and moments that remind us why our industry matters.”
The opening session was brought to a close by Derek’s Yacht Rock Band, a popular Orlando area tribute band, who treated the audience to a trio of popular 1970s classics.
Delegates attending the main session on Wednesday heard from keynote speaker and four-time high jump Olympian, Chaunté Lowe. In her motivational presentation she spoke about how having a champion’s mindset and building resilience makes you a winner.
The three days of the conference provided plenty of opportunity for delegates to learn about the latest technical research and share industry insights. The 70- plus educational sessions covered business growth, innovation, and best practice with subjects as diverse as AI and the future of servicing, cracking the cockroach code, invasive ant management, attracting and retaining talent, managing unseen pests, how to prepare your business to endure natural disaster, rodenticides and many more.
PestWorld also includes the presentation of a number of industry awards. The most prestigious of these is the Pinnacle Award, which is given to an individual who has significantly contributed to the pest control industry over a lifetime or career. This year it went to Dan Moreland, publisher emeritus at the leading US publication Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine. Mr Moreland is an award-winning journalist who has spent more than four decades covering the pest control industry.
The exhibition is always at the heart of PestWorld events and with 256 exhibitors, visitors had plenty to interest them. Core exhibitors from the US shared the floor with many exhibitors from Europe, South America and Asia.
The Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC) meeting is now a well-established feature of PestWorld. Members from all around the world reviewed progress across key working groups, in particular the work of the Sustainability Task Force and the Public Health Working Group. The appointment of Viren Merchant as Vice Chairman of the board was announced and preparations for the next Public Health Summit, scheduled for Hong Kong in July 2026, were discussed, signalling continued momentum in advancing global pest management strategies.
Network and connecting with others across the industry is an integral aspect of PestWorld, especially at the social events.
The international reception sponsored by Orkin always proves popular and on the final night, the lively PestFest poolside party, sponsored by MGK, was the perfect finale to four hectic days.
PestWorld 2026 will be in Grapevine, Texas, from October 20-23, 2026.
