The Women in Pest Management committee hosted a number of popular events at the inaugural Termite Professional Conference in July 2023.
During the Termite Professional Conference held in the first week of July, Women in Pest Management (WIPM) held a number of events, which were well attended and positively received.
The first event was the networking breakfast, which went above and beyond the expectations of the WIPM committee, with a remarkable turnout of more than 150 passionate individuals from the pest management industry. Leading the event was Nicky Turner, President of Women In Pest Management, who kicked off the breakfast and was followed by Amanda Stevens, Australia’s foremost consumer futurist and keynote speaker. Attendees’ tastebuds were tantalised by a delightful array of food, which was enjoyed while listening to the captivating insights shared by Ms Stevens. Her presentation ‘Everyday Bravery’ explored the theme of discovering our inner courage, which resonated deeply with many people in the room, moving some to tears.
“The networking breakfast provided a platform for WIPM to acknowledge and celebrate the advancements made by women in the pest management industry, while also emphasising the importance of striving for gender equality,” said Ms Turner, of the event. “WIPM recognise the invaluable contributions that women make to our industry, and it was truly inspiring to come together and express our gratitude for their unwavering commitment and dedication.”
WIPM Leadership Development Workshop
During this dynamic and empowering one-day leadership workshop, a diverse group of 20 women gathered in a boardroom to cultivate their skills as effective leaders. The workshop focused on fostering self-awareness, building trust, and inspiring high performing teams. Through engaging speakers, interactive presentations, and hands-on workshops, attendees not only honed their leadership abilities but also developed essential management skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and performance management.
The workshop covered a range of topics tailored to the unique experiences of women in the pest management industry including sessions on insurance claims and emphasising the safety precautions that female technicians must take in the field. Strategies for handling difficult customers were discussed, which sought to equip attendees with the tools to navigate challenging interactions. However, the workshop’s emphasis on holistic wellbeing was particularly impactful, which explored techniques for maintaining health and managing stress, recognising the importance of self-care in leadership journeys.
The presenters were renowned keynote speakers who brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the workshop. Witnessing the transformation of participants as they stepped out of their comfort zones and wholeheartedly embraced the practical activities was truly inspiring.
Following the success of the WIPM workshop, planning for the 2024 event will soon be underway.
Inaugural WIPM Recognition Awards
The inaugural 2023 WIPM Recognition Awards were presented at the Termite Professional Conference gala dinner on the Friday evening.
“It was such a night of celebration and glamour!” commented Ms Turner. “The atmosphere was nothing short of extraordinary and there was no denying the buzz going around the room. With the enthusiastic responses from the audience to each winner, it was clear these women were widely recognised as worthy winners and excelling in their contribution to the pest control industry.”
Winners of the 2023 WIPM Recognition Awards
- Leadership Award – Stephanie Paddick, Jim’s Termite & Pest Control
- Office Employee of the Year – Amanda Robin, Competitive Pest Services
- Female Technician of the Year – Nathaly Haeren, Pesty Girls Pest Management
- New Zealand Excellence Award – Viv Van Dyk, Bait Technology Limited
- South Pacific Excellence Award – Kushnumma Begum, Flick Hygiene Fiji