[NPMA Convention] Back to Dallas

The 73rd National Pest Management Association Convention returned to Dallas, the site of PestWorld 2003.

This year’s convention, which ran Oct. 25-28, was held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. NPMA reported the total number of attendees was a little more than 3,000, which was a tie for the third largest convention in NPMA’s history. There were 11 percent more pest management professional attendees than the last time the convention was in Dallas.

This year was the largest tradeshow ever, with 160 exhibiting companies and 217 exhibit hall booths.

"Our goal for PestWorld 2006 was to go beyond the expectations of our attendees," said Rob Lederer, NPMA executive vice president. "From the largest exhibit hall in our association’s history to the increased number of educational opportunities available, this year’s PestWorld continued the tradition of meeting and exceeding the expectations of our industry."

In addition to pest control-related educational sessions concentrating on the latest business and technical issues, PestWorld 2006 offered 10 sessions dedicated to educating PCOs involved in lawn care. The PestWorld Exhibit Hall featured a section devoted to the latest lawn care equipment, products and techniques.

Helping charge up the audience for PestWorld 2006 was renowned George W. Bush impersonator Steve Bridges, who was the surprise guest speaker at the opening ceremony, which was sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science. Bridges amused the audience with impressions and mannerisms of the president.

Bayer and NPMA also recognized this year’s Young Scientist Award winner and finalists during the opening ceremony. This year’s winners, which were determined by a panel of university and industry professionals, were:

• The "Young Scientist of the Year" was Eric S. Paysen, from Clemson University, whose research focuses on the study of ants in urban environments. Paysen received a $2,500 scholarship and a $10,000 grant to further support his research.

• Finalist Alvaro Romero, from the University of Kentucky, is researching the resurgence of bed bugs and the impact of infestations. Romero received a $1,500 scholarship.

• Finalist Matthew Tarver, University of Florida, is conducting research to understand the most effective solutions for termite control. Tarver received a $1,000 scholarship.

Other speakers at the convention included Robert Gates, president of Texas A&M University and former CIA director (sponsored by FMC). Dow AgroSciences sponsored speaker Dr. Beck Weathers, who survived a storm on Mt. Everest in 1996. That event became the basis for Jon Krakauer’s book, "Into Thin Air."

The final evening banquet was sponsored by BASF.

On Thursday, PCT and Syngenta Professional Products honored winners of the 2006 Crown Awards during a special ceremony. (See related story on page 20.) The awards spotlight individuals who have contributed positively to the growth of the structural pest management industry as well as established strong ties with fellow business leaders and customers in their communities.

Next year’s convention will be held Oct. 17-20, 2007, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. For additional information contact NPMA at 703/352-6762 or visit www.pestworld.org.