Live from PestWorld 2015

The National Pest Management Association‘s PestWorld 2015 kicked off in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 20. The annual event, which showcases the latest products, services and technologies in the pest management industry, runs through Oct. 23. Following is Pest Management Professional‘s exclusive coverage, direct from the show floor.

Professional Women in Pest Management 5K Fun Run/Walk
The National Pest Management Association’s Professional Women in Pest Management held it’s 6th annual 5K Fun Run/Walk the morning of Oct. 23 just outside the exhibit hall. All funds raised for the event will benefit the Avon Foundation for Women, a corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women such as breast cancer research and domestic violence. More than 100 pest management professionals, association members and company reps participated. Finishing first was Thomas Tomlinson of Pest Management Systems Inc., who was followed 10 seconds later by Kevin Lemasters of EnviroPest. Congrats to all who participated and supported the event.

Industry Awards and Learning to Overcome Challenges
During the General Session held Oct. 22 at PestWorld 2015, Alison Levine recounted her adventures climbing the world’s highest peaks. One of the few people to complete an Adventure Grand Slam, Levine relates her own experiences to developing the best business practices. Read more here.

UPFDA Meeting Covers Much Ground
At its General Membership meeting held Oct. 21 at PestWorld 2015, the United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association (UPFDA) covered a lot of ground. After approving the minutes from its last meeting, which took place in April in Scottsdale, Ariz., there was a touching tribute to the late Roland Rhodes by UPFDA Public Relations Chair Dan Moreland. It was also noted that monies had been donated to the Roland and Winona Rhodes Scholarship Fund. For other highlights of the meeting, read more here.

Professional Women in Pest Management Out in Force
The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) committee held its council meeting at PestWorld 2015 Oct. 21. The event was open to all female attendees, and the turnout was fantastic. So many women in the industry showed up, it was standing room only. “It is awesome to see so many women in this room,” said Jennifer Leggett, Lindsey Pest Services, Jacksonville, Fla. Read more here.

Kicking off PestWorld 2015
With eager attendees filling the hallways of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, PestWorld 2015 kicked off the convention with words of change from National Pest Management Association CEO and a lively beat at the opening ceremony. Or, as CEO Bob Rosenberg explained, NPMA is adapting to “meet the 21st century needs of 21st century members.” Read more here.

PestWorld 2015 — Day 1
Well, the first day of PestWorld 2015 has drawn to a close and as we all shlep back to our rooms (or restaurants … or bars … or what-have-you) exhausted but enlightened, we carry noggins full of almost more pest-management intel than we can handle. It was a big busy day for everyone — including your intrepid PMP staff. Read more here.

Awards Ceremony Honors PMP‘s Hall of Fame Class of 2015
Pest Management Professional (PMP) inducted the 2015 class of its Hall of Famers at a black tie reception Oct. 19 in Nashville, Tenn. Held on the eve of the National Pest Management Association’s PestWorld event, the awards ceremony recognized John Cook Sr., Noad Corley, Dr. Laurel Hansen and Dr. Phil Koehler. Read more here.