GAO, India — The Federation of Asian and Oceanic Pest Management Associations (F.A.O.P.M.A.) held its 24th annual convention in Goa, India, Sept. 22-24. F.A.O.P.M.A. is an association made up of member countries rather than individuals, and as such, represents a large segment of the world’s population and pest management firms.

Representatives from India, the Republic of China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Australia,  New Zealand and the United States were present. Nikhil Chatterjee, convenor of the convention said, “Our convention proved to be more successful than we expected and we are very happy at the large turnout for our educational sessions. We had 23 wonderful speakers and attendance was high at all of our sessions."
 
A excellent group of speakers from around the world presented current techniques for a green pest control which included the latest chemical and application techniques which control the disease vectoring pests and do so in an environmentally sound manner. Bob Kunst, NPMA past president and president of Fischer Environmental Services, spoke on the “Proper IPM Techniques for Treating Medical Facilities.”

"F.A.O.P.M.A. is known for its excellent educational sessions," said Kunst. “They are really well prepared and to be asked to participate is a great honor."
 
To top off a wonderful educational program a great cultural program was included to, complete with native dances and sightseeing through the beautiful old landscape and colonial trappings of the former Portuguese colony of Goa India.
 
The 25th convention will be held in Australia in July 2012.  For further information about next year’s program contact rlk@fischerenv.com.