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LAKE GRAPEVINE, Texas - The 73rd National Pest Management Association Convention has returned to Dallas, the site of PestWorld 2003.
This year’s convention is being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and NPMA is anticipating final attendance figures to be more than 3,000.
In addition to pest control-related sessions concentrating on the latest business and technical issues, PestWorld 2006 offers 10 educational sessions dedicated to educating PCOs involved in lawn care. As an added bonus, the PestWorld Exhibit Hall will feature 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 today’s opening ceremony, which was sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science. Bridges amused the audience with dead-on 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, are:
• The “Young Scientist of the Year” is Eric S. Paysen, from Clemson University, whose research focuses on the study of ants in urban environments. Paysen will receive 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 will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
• Finalist Matthew Tarver, University of Florida, is conducting research to understand the most effective solutions for termite control. Tarver will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Following the opening ceremony, PestWorld ’06 attendees had an opportunity to check out the latest products and services during exhibit hall hours.
PestWorld continues on through Saturday. Upcoming notable events include a pair of keynote speakers. The General Session speaker will be Robert Gates, president of Texas A&M University and former CIA director. Dow AgroSciences is sponsoring the second speaker, Dr. Beck Weathers, who survived a storm on Mt. Everest in 1996, which became the basis for Jon Krakauer’s book, “Into Thin Air.”
The final evening banquet, sponsored by BASF, will be filled with fun, live music, interactive activities and a fabulous Tex-Mex feast.
Check back with www.pctonline.com for continuing PestWorld coverage.