SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The 13th annual Academy, presented by the National Pest Management Association, opened Thursday in Arizona. More than 200 attendees registered for the leadership development meeting in the desert.
This year’s meeting, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, focused on how pest management companies can connect with the “customer of tomorrow.”
Attendees spent half their time in education sessions and the other half competing in the Academy Olympics. The 235 pest management professionals, industry representatives and family members were split into six teams, competing in such events as water volleyball, Mario Kart on a Nintendo Wii and superhero creation for the gold medal.
Here are some photos from the three-day meeting at the Phoenician resort. For more Academy coverage, visit www.pctonline.tv.
Author and digital technology coach John Jantsch gives his keynote address at the opening of NPMA’s 2008 Academy, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.
Bobby Jenkins, ABC Pest and Lawn Services, Austin, Texas, shows off Team Recruit IV's superhero costume during a break in the educational sessions.
Bill Clark Pest Control Sales Manager Barry Bryant, right, and Chris Fitzgerald, owner of Critter Getter Pest Control, took silver in the Academy Olympics as part of Team ProFume.
Terminix Southwest Regional Manager Clint Geog, right, does his best Harry Caray impression with Ben Johnson, ABC Pest Pool and Lawn, Houston, Texas, at the annual Academy talent competition.
Ryan Spillman, Goforth Services, takes a shot at the Academy Toss event during the Olympic games.
Julie Jordan, NPMA’s director of marketing and communiations, helped judge the Academy Toss event.
At the end of the Academy Olympics, Team Vikane won the gold medal. Team ProFume came in second, and Team Sentricon took third.
