The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) 75th annual convention & exhibition will feature more than 75 educational sessions, an expansive trade show with 175 exhibiting companies, and thousands of attendees from the United States and 55 other nations.
“As NPMA and its annual convention celebrate their 75th anniversaries, it is fitting that we return to Washington, D.C. - the city that hosted 50 participants from Maine to Texas at our association’s first annual convention,” said Rob Lederer, executive vice president for NPMA.
The PestWorld 2008 marketplace is the heart of the show and features exhibitors representing every segment of the pest management industry, including manufacturers, distributors and business services launching new products, showcasing cutting-edge technology, and demonstrating new ways for the pest management professional (PMP) to be more successful.
NPMA continues to present world-class speakers who inspire and invoke new ways of thinking and PestWorld 2008 will be no different. This year’s keynote speakers include Cal Ripken Jr., baseball’s “Iron Man” and Hall of Famer; Bob Beckel, a political analyst and consultant; and John Kasich, a former U.S. congressman and author. Bob Beckel and John Kasich will host a friendly political debate, which is fitting since PestWorld 2008 is being held in Washington, D.C. less than two weeks before the historic 2008 U.S. presidential election. Additionally, PestWorld 2008 will feature a hypnotic and high-energy performance by Michael Israel at the Opening Ceremony.
In honor of the 75th anniversaries of the NPMA and the PestWorld convention, PestWorld 2008 will feature two special celebrations, including a dessert reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, featuring the Orkin Insect Zoo, and a black tie optional dinner dance at the Final Night Banquet, “Puttin’ on the Glitz.” Stepping back in time to the 1930’s, the Final Night Banquet will feature the award-winning, 17-person ensemble big band Doc Scantlin & His Imperial Palms Orchestra.
PestWorld 2008 will also feature an optional Behind the Scenes Pest Management Field Trip to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Participants will visit with the zoo’s pest management staff and keepers, and be given an overview of their unique challenges and sensitive approaches to ensure the safety of their exotic zoo animals, while also eliminating problem pests. A tour of two local pest management companies will also be offered for PestWorld’s international delegates.
As the host city for PestWorld 2008, Washington, D.C. is a city that makes history, and its attractions are a seemingly endless playground of national treasures. In addition to the Spouse & Guest Program and Kids’ Program, optional day and evening tours will be offered this year.
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the luxurious new addition to the Gaylord family and offers all the services and amenities of a world-class resort, on the banks of the Potomac River. Hotel room reservations can be made by calling 301-965-4000 before September 17, 2008 to receive the discounted room rate of $219 plus a $10 resort fee per night.
From incredible networking to unparalleled professional development to an Exhibit Hall that has it all, PestWorld 2008 will provide the pest management industry with the tools needed to grow in today’s competitive market. Take four days to discover the power of PestWorld 2008!
The PestWorld 2008 program of events and conference registration are now available online. Visit www.npmapestworld.org/events. Save money with the discount registration rate and register by September 17. For more information contact NPMA at 703/352.6762 or e-mail npma@pestworld.org.
Exhibit hall space is still available. For more information contact Alexis Wirtz at 703/352-6762 or via e-mail, awirtz@pestworld.org.