Live from the NPMA 2019 Technology Summit

Choosing new technology for a pest control business can be overwhelming.The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) 2019 Technology Summit gave pest management professionals (PMPs) the unique opportunity to learn about the latest innovative solutions from their peers, speakers and exhibitors.

The conference, which started Dec. 3 and continued through Dec. 6 the Georgia Tech Conference Center in Atlanta, focused on technology-related topics, products and services geared to pest management. It also featured speakers who are technology influencers inside and outside the pest management industry.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from speakers whose presentations ranged from social media solutions to video marketing to employee retention to data security. The event’s format was geared to attendees eager to learn from each other as well. Roundtable discussions and extensive question-and-answer periods encouraged PMPs to share their tips and best practices with each other.

“On a scale of one to 10, what is your ability to adapt to change,” asked Tom Morrison, the Technology Summit’s first speaker. “You cannot have people working at your company who are afraid of change.” The topic of the presentation by the life coach, author and association executive was titled “When Uberization Collides with your Industry.” Uberization is happening for every industry, he said. Explaining that the number of Uber rides in 2014 was 173 million but by 2017, had climbed to 4 billion drove home his point: Quit planning for a future you cannot predict, and figure out where your disruption is lurking.

A presentation led by Jen Blondo, VP, Finance & Efficiency, American Pest, Fulton, Md., and Ari Rogoway, director of IT, Sprague Pest Solutions, Tacoma, Wash., provided attendees with recommendations on applications that improve efficiency and communication. Those present for “Office Automation: Using Technology to Streamline Office Processes and Communication” walked away with the names of too many solutions to mention here. Rogoway said at Sprague, technology is key because the company believes in growing. New hires undergo formal training to learn some of the tools the company has implemented. Blondo advised asking your company’s power users to try out the programs you want to implement first.

Video marketing was the subject of a presentation by Jeff King, president of The Pest Rangers in Hanover Township, Pa. “Video is critical to your company strategy because it is snack-sized, memorable and measure,” he explained. Consumers use a variety of methods to research their options, including video. He advised using videos that explain the services you offer because that’s what customers want to see.

Author Corey Perlman’s presentation on “Social Media Overload” advised attendees to focus on the social media platforms their customers use. “Make it as easy as possible for customers to go from researcher to buyer,” he said. During his presentation, Perlman asked attendees to pull out their smartphones, look up their company websites and scroll through the content, just as customers do. He then recommended changes be made to those sites that were difficult to navigate. He also offered solid advice on how to handle online reviews and effective ways to boost referrals.

An exhibit area allowed attendees to learn more about technology companies that offer solutions for those in the pest control industry. In addition, user group training was held on Dec. 4, before the event kicked off. These sessions were presented by ServicePro, Insects Limited and Bell Laboratories. ServicePro served as Platinum sponsor of the Technology Summit.

Click on each photo below to enlarge.

Read more about the purpose of the event: NPMA Technology Summit explores evolving technology

The Platinum Sponsor of the NPMA 2019 Technology Summit is ServicePro.

Learn more about the speakers:

• 5 questions with Tom Morrison
• 5 questions with Corey Perlman
• 5 questions with Jack Shaw

Tom Morrison, Jack Shaw, Corey Perlman