PestWorld in Photos

December 2015

More than 3,300 industry professionals — and 207 exhibiting companies — were on hand for PestWorld 2015.

More than 3,300 pest management industry professionals — and 207 exhibiting companies — traveled to Nashville, Tenn., for the industry’s largest tradeshow and convention, the National Pest Management Association’s PestWorld 2015, in October. NPMA Chief Executive Officer Bob Rosenberg kicked off this year’s conference by reviewing some of the issues and opportunities NPMA works on that members may not be aware of, but that have been critical to the industry’s success, including:

Becoming a more durable organization.

As Rosenberg noted, three years ago NPMA set out to “build a 21st century organization that would meet the needs of 21st century members.” To that end, NPMA has put in place proper internal controls; right-sized and reorganized its staff; rebuilt its committee structure; streamlined board meetings; and created more opportunities for member engagement.

Created a series of tangible member benefits.

This includes the launch of the My NPMA online community which provides members a free photo library; free human resource consulting; discounted background screening services; respiratory fit testing; credit correction support; and more.

Improve overall experience. For example, this past summer staff designed and implemented a new comprehensive NPMA database.

Preserving Industry Products.

“Probably the most important thing we do on your behalf…is the things that don’t happen,” Rosenberg said. For example, most of the products the structural pest control industry uses have been unaffected despite EPA pressures brought on by the pollinator issue. EPA’s public policy team worked with other groups to ensure that pest management professionals have the tools they need to get their jobs done.

Throughout the four-day conference attendees learned about the latest products, services, technologies, and business applications, and had unique opportunities to network with their industry colleagues. This year’s show featured the most exhibitors ever, and third-highest number of attendees, NPMA said.

Next year’s PestWorld will be held in Seattle at the Washington Convention Center/Sheraton Hotel, Oct. 18-21, 2016. For a slideshow of photos taken by PCT editors at the event, visit http://bit.ly/1PNNNss.

Editor’s note: This article features photos from PestWorld. These photos are courtesy of NPMA.

NPMA CEO Bob Rosenberg was awarded this year’s NPMA Pinnacle Award, which is the association’s highest honor. It’s presented in recognition of an individual for his or her outstanding contributions to both the NPMA and the industry. “Whether we are aware of it or not, there is not one person in this audience who hasn’t been positively impacted by Bob,” said NPMA President Russ Ives as he presented the award. “His enthusiasm for this industry, and the people in it, is infectious, and I cannot be more pleased to have the opportunity today to present him with this award.”

The ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the tradeshow floor (left to right): Chuck Tindol, NPMA president elect; J. Bryan Cooksey III, NPMA treasurer; Russ Ives, NPMA president; Dennis Jenkins, NPMA secretary; Billy Tesh, NPMA immediate past president; and Bob Rosenberg, NPMA CEO.

PestWorld’s Opening General Session on the second day of the show featured Keynote Speaker Jason Dorsey — a.k.a. the “Gen Y Guy” — who is one of the foremost experts on solving tough generational challenges. His session was sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.