NASHVILLE, Tenn — PestWorld 2005, attended by more than 3,000 professionals, featured educational sessions, nationally recognized speakers and an exhibit hall filled with the latest products and service offerings.
The event kicked off with a bang thanks to a toe-tapping performance by the country music group the Mike Snider Band. The band’s performance followed comments from NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer, who praised the pest control industry for its hurricane relief fundraising efforts, which totaled $72,500. These funds were distributed among Gulf Coast PCOs who were impacted by Hurricane's Katrina and Rita. Lederer presented a ceremonial check to leaders of state associations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Lederer lauded the pest control industry for its ability to rally in support of a cause and reflected back to PestWorld 2001, which was held in New Orleans only about a month after the 9-11 attacks. At the time, five conventions were scheduled at the New Orleans Convention Center and PestWorld 2001 was the only one that did not cancel.
Following Lederer’s remarks, the Mike Snider Band treated attendees to a spirited country set. The opening ceremonies were sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science.
PestWorld 2005 continued throughout the next four days at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Nationally recognizable speakers included Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, and Dr. Bob Arnot, author and former medical correspondent for NBC News, are scheduled to speak.
On Saturday, Pest Control Technology and Syngenta Professional Products honored winners of the 2005 Crown Awards during a special ceremony. The awards spotlight individuals who have contributed positively to the growth of the structural pest management industry as well as established strong ties with fellow business leaders and customers in their communities.
Additionally, PestWorld 2005 offered more than 50 educational sessions, featuring new programming and addressed the needs of technicians, managers and owners of small, mid-sized and large pest control companies.
The following photos were taken during by PCT during the past few days.
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