Roadtrip Roundup: 79th Annual Purdue Pest Management Conference

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The 79^th annual Purdue University Pest Management Conference, held Jan. 12–14, saw the return of  many attendees who were unable to attend last year’s event because of 2014’s blizzard-like conditions. It’s hard to believe the event celebrates its 80^th anniversary next year.

Ants, bed bugs, moles, termites, techniques, tools and countless other topics were explored in depth during the three-day conference. Speakers included PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Bobby Corrigan, as well as Tommy Reeves, Gene White and Dr. Laurel Hansen. Pest Management Professional contributors Kate McGovern, Dr. Stuart “Doc” Mitchell and Mark “Shep” Sheperdigian also shared their wisdom. And this only scratches the surface of the conference offerings. There was no shortage of learning opportunities. This is one of the reasons Purdue’s conference bills itself as “the best one-stop-shop for continuing education.”

The Purdue conference also offered an expo hall, which gave manufacturers and distributors the opportunity to showcase their goods.

Several awards were given out this year at a special recognition luncheon, including 10- and 25-year attendance awards for returning attendees. Dan Glaze (represented by his son, Scott), Bob Jackson (represented by his son, Rob) and Bob Young (represented by his daughter, Sarah Florey) received the Indiana Pest Management Association’s (IPMA’s) Honorary Membership Award. Additionally, John Walton was presented with the IPMA Hall of Fame Award. Finally, PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Gary Bennett received the Indiana Council of Continuing Education Faculty of the Year Award. Congratulations to all.