More than 100 women gathered for the inaugural Women in Pest Control conference in Austin, Texas. The one-day event included nine presentations. Multiple vendors participated and 23 gold and silver sponsors supported the conference.
The Women in Pest Control group was started by Bobbie Terry, owner of The Bug Lady Pest Services in Cedar Creek, Texas. Together with Lisa Myers-Botts, owner of Peacock Pest Prevention in Cypress, Texas, the event on Friday, Aug. 23, became a reality.
Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, kicked off the event with a powerful presentation called “Women in Pest Control: The Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Past and Future of our Profession.” Dr. Cisse Spragins, Rockwell Labs and a 2018 PMP Hall of Famer, and Sydney Gambrell, Univar, shared insights on the latest advances in green pest control. Three presentations from women from Texas A&M covered fly control, exclusion tip, wildlife trapping and testing for ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist) certification. Those presentations qualified for CEU credits.
Next year’s event is planned for Sept. 25 in Houston. We will share more details when available.
Look for more coverage from the event online with upcoming videos and extensive reporting in our December issue, Pest Management Professional‘s yearly issue dedicated to stories and content about women in the pest management industry.
See some photos below for highlights of the event.
More than 100 women attended the one-day event. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Multiple vendors sponsored the conference. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Control Solutions Inc., kicked off the conference. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Bobbie Terry with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane Sofranec
The comfortable setting made for easy conversations and networking. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Dr. Cisse Spragins, founder of Rockwell Labs, shared insights about green pest control. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Jessica Terry with Kness Pest Defense chats with a conference attendee. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Mary Haji Gibbins, a breast cancer survivor, stands with her new B&G sprayer with a special pink top and bottom. These sprayers are available for purchase as well and B&G will donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in partnership with Women in Pest Control. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Dr. Janis Reed with Control Solutions Inc. chats with attendees. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Sydney Gambrell shares the latest innovations from Univar. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Andrea Hancock represented both Mattress Safe and P.E.S.T. Relief International. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Elizabeth Brown of Texas A&M shares details about the ACE exam and certification. Photo: Danielle Pesta
The one-day event included nine presentations and a BBQ lunch. Photo: Danielle Pesta
At the end of the day, raffle winners were announced, including the winner of the entomologist Barbie. Photo: Diane Sofranec
The ladies at registration making sure everyone checked in and received a name tag. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Molly Keck, BCE, from Texas A&M, gave a presentation on fly control. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Janet Hurley, ACE, from Texas A&M, shared exclusion tips and wildlife trapping. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Nothing like a cake to make things official. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Nisus passed out these tote bags to attendees. Photo: Danielle Pesta
The ladies at JAK Pesticide Consultants. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Marty Jones, chairman of Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia, put on a dress for a quick photo op with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Visiting the Univar booth during breakfast. Photo: Danielle Pesta
Some fun pests were left at each attendees’ seat. Photo: Diane Sofranec
Bobbie Terry with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane Sofranec
The winner of the PMP Pests Playing Poker Poster was Brenda Robinson, IPM Tech Pest Management in Ontario, Calif. Photo: Diane Sofranec
PMP’s booth. Photo: Diane Sofranec
About the Author
Diane Sofranec is the senior editor for PMP magazine. She can be reached at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.
About the Author
Danielle Pesta is the senior digital media manager at North Coast Media, the parent company of PMP magazine. She can be reached at dpesta@northcoastmedia.net.
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