NPMA’s PestWorld 2008 Attendance Tracking at Record Pace

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is pleased to announce that registrations to attend PestWorld 2008 are tracking at a record pace.  Celebrating its’ 75th Anniversary in Washington, D.C., PestWorld’s current registration numbers are nine percent higher than this time last year for Orlando, the convention that holds the largest attendance on record.

“We are thrilled to share such great news about our annual convention, particularly in light of the negative news these days when turning on the TV.  As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of our association and convention, NPMA is proud that our industry values and invests in the educational and networking opportunities PestWorld provides,” said Rob Lederer, executive vice president for NPMA.

At NPMA’s annual convention and exhibition, thousands of pest management professionals will discover the power of PestWorld with innovative ideas, solutions and connections, October 22-25, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  PestWorld 2008 will feature 75 educational sessions, an expansive trade show with 175 exhibiting companies, and attendees from the United States and 55 other nations. 

The PestWorld 2008 Exhibit Hall 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 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 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 Anniversary of the NPMA and the annual convention, PestWorld 2008 will feature two special celebrations, including a dessert reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, featuring the O. 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 big band Doc Scantlin & His Imperial Palms Orchestra.

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.

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 and evolving market.

To register for PestWorld 2008 or view the program of events, visit www.npmapestworld.org/events.  For more information call 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.