PCOs Journey to San Diego for PestWorld 2019

NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf said that in 2019 the association is reaping the benefits of the strategic plan it established three years ago.


SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Sunny and spectacular San Diego was the destination for last week's PestWorld 2019, the National Pest Management Association's 87th annual convention and exposition.

NPMA said more than 3,700 industry professionals from 47 countries made the journey to San Diego for four days of educational sessions, networking events and service opportunities.

NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf kicked off PestWorld by providing an overview of the industry and NPMA. Stumpf said that despite the pest control industry’s continued growth it remains family-oriented and that member companies are “driven to help others or give advice to peers.”

“That friendly camaraderie and vested interest in helping others succed is not commonplace in other industries. We are exceedingly fortunate to have it, and it's something I hope we continue to nurture as we grow and expand,” said Stumpf.

And NPMA continues to expand, said Stumpf, who noted during the past year NPMA has added more than 540 new member companies, and has had its highest renewal rates since the new dues structure was enacted in January of this year.

Stumpf added that 2019 has been significant for NPMA as the association is “realizing the full benefits of operating under one united clear vision and mission set forth when our strategic plan that was established three years ago.”

In closing, Stumpf encouraged PestWorld attendees to “discover” and experience PestWorld 2019, and to take full advantage of all their NPMA memberships.

Following Stumpf’s opening remarks, attendees heard from Ildem Bozkurt, head of professional pest management and vector control for the Environmental Science Unit of Bayer in the U.S. Bozkurt encouraged PestWorld attendees not to run away from change, but embrace it.
 

After Bozkurt’s opening remarks, she introduced the Opening Ceremony performers, the Greatest Show, a cast of Broadway-accredited singers and dancers that entertained attendees with an original song and dance routine about the pest control industry.

Attendees were then led to the exhibit hall by a mariachi band. On the exhibit hall, attendees got first-hand demonstrations on the latest products and services from industry suppliers.