 The Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Bayer, featured Rhythm Extreme, a musical act that used trash cans and other assorted objects to create a unique sound. |
ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 3,000 industry professionals from 80-plus countries traveled to Orlando, Fla., for PestWorld ’14, Oct. 21-24
NPMA President Billy Tesh (president of Pest Management, Inc.) kicked off the conference by updating attendees on important issues and initiatives the association is involved in, including the pollinator health issue. Tesh noted that this year NPMA joined forces with government agencies, private companies, non-profit government organizations and foundations to call attention to the importance of pollinator health. Additionally NPMA has created customized marketing pieces that PMPs can provide to their customers that explains the pest control industry’s commitment to pollinator health. NPMA also has a pollinator hotspot at PestWorld that provides attendees with educational materials and opportunities to speak with experts on this topic.
 Attendees participate in the opening ceremony. |
Another significant project NPMA is working on is its jobs initiative. NPMA has launched a career center and has made three recruitment videos that detail the important work that pest management professionals perform. The videos can be used at job fairs and within pest control companies to recruit new workers.
NPMA also has created Mynpmapestworld.org, an online community where professionals can ask questions to one another and share information and resources.
Following Tesh’s comments was the Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Bayer, featuring Rhythm Extreme, a musical act that used trash cans and other assorted objects to create a unique sound. The group, which was discovered on “America‘s Got Talent,” crashed, banged, tapped, kicked and slammed its way through a unique sound and visual experience.
At the Opening Ceremony's conclusion, attendees proceeded to the exhibit hall to check out the latest offerings from industry suppliers.
 NPMA's Billy Tesh (right) shakes hands with Bayer's Chris Pienaar Pinnaer. Bayer sponsored the Opening Ceremony. |
PestWorld ’14 continues through Friday. Check back to PCT Online for additional coverage.