NPMA - PestWorld 2011: Educational Sessions

Educational Sessions

COMPLETE PROGRAM OF EVENTS

(If you would like to print a copy of the program, please click here.)

Wednesday, October 19
Thursday, October 20

WEDNESDAY

Optional National Bed Bug Forum

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

History of Bed Bug Management Techniques

Dr. Michael Potter, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Bed bugs have been biting people since the beginning of recorded time. In battling today's global bed bug resurgence, much can be learned from the past. This intriguing presentation will transport you back to when bed bugs were as common as cockroaches, and the most detested of household pests. The 2000-plus year journey will also provide important lessons, insights and answers for managing infestations today.

Bed Bug Product Efficacy

Steve Dwinnel, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee, FL; Kevin Sweeney, USA EPA (Invited), Washington, DC; Robin Todd, ICR, Inc., Baltimore, MD

Almost every day, another bed bug product comes into the market…PCO and DIY. Do they kill on contact? Provide residual protection? Do they work? Who knows? Working with a broad array of public and private stakeholders, NPMA is developing tough, uniform bed bug product efficacy standards and testing protocols; for conventional and "exempt" pesticides and devices. Learn from a panel of experts where this effort is headed.

Bed Bug Legal Update: Protecting Your Business and Your Customers

Christian Hardigree, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV

The prevalence of bed bug-related lawsuits has prompted pest management professionals to re-think their approach to risk management and recordkeeping. Find out how to protect your business and help your clients protect themselves from costly lawsuits in this need-to-know program featuring one of the nation’s top bed bug legal experts.

Bed Bug Research Update

Dr. Stephen Kells, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

The bed bug pandemic has jump-started the entomological research community’s exploration of the biology and behavior of this hematophagous pest to find ways to apply new information in the field of bed bug management. This session will provide an overview of the latest innovative bed bug research which will shape the way that we perform treatments in the future.

THURSDAY

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Public Health Implications of Bed Bugs

Dr. Jerome Goddard, Mississippi State Dept. of Health, Jackson, MS

Although bed bugs have not yet been directly linked to disease transmission, they remain a significant public health pest. In this session you will learn why bed bugs are considered a pest of public health and what the latest research holds in store for the future.

Roof Rats in Warehouses and Other Commercial Facilities

Dr. Robert Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting, Richmond, IN

The roof rat can be a particularly wily rat inside of warehouses and other large commercial facilities. Controlling roof rats requires careful planning, strategy, and matching the best trap and/or bait to the specific situation. This session provides up to date biology and behavior science on the roof rat and lists a step by step approach for getting fast control as well as tips for monitoring to prevent future infestations.

Formosan Termite Research Update

Dr. Gregg Henderson, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Formosan termites are the most aggressive termite species in North America. Controlling Formosan termites can be extremely challenging, even in the best circumstances. Learn about the latest research into the biology, behavior, control and potential for spread of this invasive termite species.

Research Update from Purdue

Dr. Gary W. Bennett, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

This session will provide an overview of the ongoing research at Purdue University’s Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management. Get updated on the cutting-edge research that is taking place at Purdue that will impact our industry for years to come.

Identification of Pest Activity Signs and SCAT for Service Professionals

Dr. Theodore A. Granovsky, Granovsky Associates, Inc., Bryan, TX

Professionals who can "read pest indicators" will have fewer call-backs and provide improved service for clients. Great insight and visuals for the beginner or the seasoned veteran who believe they know it all. Tips for collection and organization of training materials associated with this topic will also be given. Improve your inspections and treatments by knowing your “stuff”!

How to Win with People: A Working Manager's Guide to Building a Positive Productive Workplace

Bill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training & Consulting, Delaware, OH

In today's helter-skelter world of home services, managers struggle to attract, develop and keep, long-term productive workers. Often, the conclusion is that it can't be done! In his quarter century of hands-on, management development and coaching experience, Bill Hoopes has proven again and again that, with the right strategy and commitment, every manger can win with people. In this session, you'll get a time-tested, manager friendly process for success with 21st century workers. No text book theory, all practical, easy to use information.

Cross Selling to Your Existing Customer Base

Kevin Pass, Action Pest Control, Owensboro, KY

Are you as fully engaged with your current customer base as possible? Do those you service know how you can fully help them with their service needs? This session will offer tips on new and creative ways to increase leads and sales from your own customer base. Hear proven ideas that have worked well in the pest management industry.

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Strategies for Providing Bed Bug Services in Affordable Housing

Dr. Dini Miller, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Some of the most difficult bed bug infestations are often encountered in affordable housing environments. Learn about strategies for increasing resident cooperation and promoting community- wide integrated bed bug management program in these challenging accounts.

Exclusion: Defending Structures from Rodent Invasions

Dr. David Fincannon, A All Pest Termite Exterminators, Inc., Dallas, TX

Rodents have the ability to squeeze through what seem like impossibly-small spaces to gain access to buildings. An integral part of an integrated pest management program for rodents is denying them access to the structure. Learn tips, tricks and real world strategies for excluding rodent pests from the most difficult locations.

Community Wide Termite Control

Frank Guillot, USDA ARS SRRC, Baton Rouge, LA; Alan Lax, USDA ARS SRRC, Baton Rouge, LA; Dr. Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, University of Florida- IFAS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Dr. Nan Yao Su, University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Claudia Riegel, City of New Orleans Mosquito & Termite Control Board, New Orleans, LA

Termites cause $5 billion in damage year. Much of the control efforts performed by pest management professionals focus on treating individual structures but efforts are underway to control certain termite species on a larger, area-wide scale. Find out about the successes and challenges of these programs in this session.

Powderpost Beetles in Crawlspaces

Dr. Daniel Suiter, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA

A crawlspace environment is the perfect breeding ground for powder post beetles. This session will provide insight into a long term study of powder post beetles in crawlspaces including insight into the biology of these pests and the results of product efficacy trials.

Controlling Snakes in Louisiana

Terry Vandeventer, Living Reptile Museum, Terry, MS

Louisiana’s unique ecosystems provide habitat for multiple snake species to thrive. Occasionally, the habitats of humans and snakes collide, creating an opportunity to provide control services and a bit of education The proper rules of engagement in the workplace are emphasized, as well as appropriate field attire and emergency first-aid procedures. This presentation is lively, fast moving, and often humorous. Live specimens will be incorporated into a fascinating discussion on local snake species, their habits, benefits to mankind, and dangers to people (both real and perceived).

Five Ways to Improve Sales

John Lankford, ActionCOACH, Mandeville, LA; Dan Zimanski, ActionCOACH, Mandeville, LA

In this session you will learn how to focus on building your business by leveraging your efforts. You will learn how one pest control business generated numerous new clients in less than 30 days with one new strategy. Most businesses waste thousands of dollars in time and energy on the wrong actions. You will walk away from this session with a chart of strategies to increase leads, improve sales conversion, increase average dollar sale, get customers to purchase from you more often and improve profit margins. We will share some examples of how this can be done so you can start the soon as you return home.

Life Beyond Facebook: Using Even Newer Forms of Social Media to Promote Your Business

Jess Phelan, Vault Communications, Plymouth Meeting, PA

Has Facebook already become the technology of yesterday? Have you heard of GroupOn? How about QR codes? Curious of how they may (or may not) help grow your business? Join us for a one-hour discussion on the latest advances in marketing technology. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of implementing new social marketing phenomenons and provide you with relevant case studies and actionable marketing ideas.

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Bed Bug Legal Update: Protecting Your Business and Your Customers

Christian Hardigree, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV; Jeffrey Lipman, Esq., Lipman Law Firm, P.C., Des Moines, IA; Mike Welsh, Midland Claims Administrators Inc., New York, NY

In this session, learn about the legal challenges pest management professionals face in their efforts to manage bed bugs. Every day, we hear about new bed bug related lawsuits with settlements and awards reaching into six and seven figures. Learn how to protect your business, as well as your clients in this invaluable session.

Beyond 50 Feet: Rodent Control in the Post Rodenticide Risk Mitigation Decision Era

Termites in Power Line Poles and Other Unique Challenges

Edgar Bordes, City of New Orleans Mosquito & Termite Control Board, New Orleans, LA; Paul Hardy, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, GA; Dr. Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, University of Florida- IFAS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Dr. Julian Yates, PEPS, Honolulu, HI

Termite infestations don’t always happen inside a structure, and even when they do, the solution is not always as simple as it might seem. This session will highlight termite infestations in unique situations and provide insight into treatment options are “outside of the box”.

Control Strategies for Rasberry Crazy Ants and Other Invasive Species

Dr. Roger E. Gold, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Researchers continue to work to determine whether the Rasberry Crazy Ant (Nylanderia sp. nr. pubens) and the Caribbean Crazy Ant (Nylanderia pubens) are the same species. The fact remains, that whatever we call them, invasive ants can be a headache for pest management professionals. Learn about the latest research and get advice for controlling these troublesome species in this educational session.

The Future of Wildlife Control

Kevin Clark, Critter Control Ad Fund, Traverse City, MI; Jason Reger, Blue Ridge Wildlife Management, LLC, Roanoke, VA; Scott Steckel, Varment Guard Environmental Services, Inc., Columbus, OH

Join this expert wildlife control panel for a peak into the future of nuisance wildlife control. Find out about new techniques, equipment, regulatory requirements and service approaches that will change the way we perform services in the future.

Turning Workforces into Forces of Change

Mary Kausch, HR etc!!, Saint Louis, MO

Change is constant! Its speed and intensity can put you and your workforce in quite a conundrum. How is your company handling the proverbial “elephant in the room?” How are you handling the change? In this session you will learn about the Wonders of Change and what to do to decrease resistance to change so everyone is productive and the company continues growing.

Integrating Technology into Your Business Plan

Linden Griffin, Griffin Pest Solutions, Kalamazoo, MI

What do GPS systems, paperless environments and iPads have in common? They can save your employees time and your company money. Learn how to integrate the latest technologies into your company’s day-to-day business and what benefits you can expect from them.

FRIDAY

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CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Using DNA to Understand the Spread and Dispersal of Bed Bugs

Dr. Ed Vargo, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

In this session, find out how the latest genetic techniques are being used to unravel the mysteries surrounding the population dynamics of bed bugs. Insights into the origin of populations and how they move from place to place are revealed in this cutting edge session.

New Termite Product Research

Dr. Shripat Kamble, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE; Dr. Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, University of Florida- IFAS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Our panel of university researchers will provide details about the results of testing performed in their labs with the hottest new termite products on the market. Don’t miss this high-powered panel of experts as they reveal the science behind these innovative termite treatment products.

Trends in Food Plant Pest Management

Greg Baumann, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, GA; Mirko Baraga, Cleaning Control de Plagas, Cordoba, Argentina

From SQF to the Global Food Safety Initiative to restrictions on rodenticide use, working with food plants today is anything but business as usual. To service food plants, we must look at pest management in a whole new light. This session will step you through the major changes in the food industry from a pest management perspective and how, as an industry, we have to move to the next plateau to provide service to meet these new demands.

Understanding How Delusory Parasitosis Complicates Pest Control

Dr. Nancy Hinkle, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Delusory Parasitosis (also known as Delusions of Parasitosis or Ekbom Syndrome) is the conviction that one’s body is infested by invisible bugs. While this is not a pest management problem, it is the Pest Management Industry’s problem. Find out what to do and what not to do when faced with customers who are convinced they are infested with invisible bugs.

Novel Service Lines: Wildlife, Bed Bugs and Lawn Care

Donnie Blake, Okolona Pest Control, Inc., Louisville, KY; Dayton Hylton, Dayton's Pest Control Services, Inc., Knoxville, TN; Mike Rottler, Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions, St. Louis, MO

Pest management companies across the country continue to improve their services and expand the number of offerings to consumers. Whether it is to increase revenues, provide additional work for employees, offer additional services to existing customers or simply grow your business there are many complimentary areas in which companies seek to expand. This session will focus on the benefits to your business and some potential pitfalls so that you can make an educated decision on expanding your company’s service lines.

Pathways to Success in the Social Business Environment

David Armistead, Social Web Strategies, Austin, TX

Today, over half the people in the developed world use the web to get news, to bank and shop, to be entertained, to communicate, and for many basic business processes such as tax filings. This has generated a new global 'social business’ environment, with new rules, new patterns of costs, new methods of work, new risks and new opportunities. This presentation will explain how these events affect general economic conditions, competition and growth in pest management services, and actions that can be taken to adapt and thrive in the new social business environment. This session will NOT concentrate on social media marketing, but will instead address directly the types of strategies and actions senior leaders in pest management need to consider to prosper in the new social business environment.

Future of Training Using Distance Learning

Susan Amore, Copesan Services, Menomonee Falls, WI; Brent Boles, Schendel Services, Inc., Topeka, KS; Marc Dykstra, Enviropest, Loveland, CO, Dr. Ron Harrison, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, GA

Online education is increasingly embraced as a way to train pest management professionals. At the same time, misconceptions and myths related to the difficulty of teaching and learning online, technologies available to support online instruction, and the needs of online students create challenges for pest control companies. Attend this session to understand how your company can take advantage of training your staff through distance learning.

Yellow Fever – The Scourge Revealed

Stanton Cope, Armed Forces Pest Management Board, Silver Spring, MD

This non-technical, historical presentation focuses on yellow fever and some of the events by which the veil of this terrible scourge was lifted. There are four main parts to the talk:

A brief history of the disease and its impact on society in the U.S.
Discussion of the experiments done in Cuba by the Walter Reed Commission, using human volunteers, that elucidated the mode of transmission
Global impact of the findings, aftermath of the experiments, and fate of the members of the Reed Commission and some of the volunteers.
The story of Clara Maass, who gave her life during yellow fever experiments in Cuba.

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Fumigation as a Novel Bed Bug Treatment

Bert Putterman, Arizona Exterminating Company, Phoenix, AZ; Dr. Eric Smith, Dodson Bros. Exterminating Co., Lynchburg, VA; Lee Whitmore, Beneficial Exterminating, Inc., Hawthorne, CA

Bed bugs are considered to be one of the most difficult pests to control. Fumigation has been shown to be effective at controlling all stages of this elusive pest, including eggs. This session will provide insight into the novel ways that fumigation is being used as a successful treatment option for bed bugs.

Native Subterranean Termite Research Update

Dr. Brian Forschler, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Native subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes are found throughout the United States and are becoming an increasing problem in Canada. Find out about the latest research into the biology, habits and control methods for this cryptobiotic pest and how you can integrate this knowledge into a successful control program for your clients.

Third Party Audits and Pest Management Operations

Marsha Robbins, HACCP Plus

Pest management professionals play an important role in supporting their clients through interactions, documentation and communication with third party auditors. Although the emphasis of this session is on food manufacturing facility third party audits, the information is applicable for all pest management professionals and interactions with clients.

Yeast as a Trojan Horse for Termite Control

Dr. Claudia Husseneder, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Researchers at LSU have developed modified yeast that can be fed to termites to destroy the protozoa responsible for wood digestion in the termites’ guts. The demise of these protozoa results in the death of the termites. The products of the modified yeast are very specific for the wood digesting protozoa, which means they are effective in small amounts and have low general toxicity and environmental impact. Learn all about this research in this cutting edge presentation.

Novel Service Lines: Bird Control, HVAC/Plumbing, Insulation

Stuart Aust, Bug Doctor/Bird Doctor Nationwide, Paramus, NJ; Dayton Hilton, Dayton's Pest Control Services, Inc., Knoxville, TN; Ron Hodgkins, Bel-O Pest Solutions, Belleville, IL; Don McCarthy, Canadian Pest Management Association, Moncton, NB

Pest management firms are uniquely positioned to incorporate additional services to serve their existing customer base and expand their reach into untapped markets. Find out about the opportunities and challenges of incorporating bird control services, HVAC and Plumbing services from the pros that have successfully incorporated these novel services into their operations.

The Formula for Differentiating Yourself from the Competition

John Lankford, ActionCOACH, Mandeville, LA; Dan Zimanski, ActionCOACH, Mandeville, LA

What would it be worth to you to learn the ten best strategies to generate “quality new leads” to your business every week? We will reveal the system and how you can duplicate it within 30 days. During this seminar you will learn that a marketing budget can be unlimited once you are generating a desired return on investment. Instead of spending dollars on marketing, we will teach you how to invest so that you can achieve profitable growth. You will leave this session with at least ten proven strategies that you can implement in your business that will generate immediate customers.

Guarding Your Internet Reputation by Leveraging Customer Review Sites

Jeff Fenner, Pest Control Technology, Richfield, OH

With spring showers, come May flowers and weeds too! The same can be said of social media and other digital marketing tools. These tools can result in expanded brand exposure and sales for your company, but there is a potential downside as well. There are a number of instances where companies, through no fault of their own, have had their brand integrity dragged through the mud by social media posts from dissatisfied customers. How do you work to avoid having this happen to you? In this session you’ll learn how to keep your company’s brand integrity intact with practical advice and tips you can use immediately.

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Controlling Bed Bugs Where There Are No Beds

Larry Pinto, Pinto & Associates, Inc., Mechanicsville, MD

A bed bug infestation is the toughest problem in pest control. Mostly, we deal with them in sites where people sleep: apartments, dorms, hotels, private homes and the like. More and more, though, we are finding bed bugs in sites without beds. Control in these locations presents major problems for PMPs. In this presentation, the presenter will discuss experiences with bed bugs in non-bed sites. He will provide practical guidance on how to successfully detect, prevent, and control bed bugs in office buildings, schools, retail stores, and similar non-bed sites.

The Great Crawlspace Debate

Paul Hardy, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, GA; Billy Tesh, Pest Management Systems, Inc., Greensboro, NC

Everyone knows that high moisture levels in crawlspaces are a recipe for trouble. Insects, wood decay fungi and mildew all thrive in these areas. In recent years however, new approaches to moisture control have reshaped the landscape that pest management professionals encounter beneath houses, and has become a hot topic for debate. Find out about the pros and cons of the differing moisture control methods in this timely session.

Using Pheromones for Pest Management

James Campbell, USDA ARS GMPRC, Manhattan, KS

The value of using pheromones in any IPM program is enormous - early detection of presence (or absence) of certain stored product insect pests, their pressure, as well as life stage. This information gives the user an incredible amount of information in which they can make decisions for insect management. This session will explore the ways that pheromones can be used for monitoring, detection and control of stored product pests.

Pest Management Foundation Research Report

Jeff White, Cooper Pest Solutions, Lawrenceville, NJ

During this session you’ll hear about the valuable, cutting-edge research being funded by the Pest Management Foundation, NPMA’s research arm.

Overview of NPMA Health Insurance Program

Dan Semple, Chartis Accident and Health, New York, NY; Matt Snyder, ADMU Benefits, Plano, TX

NPMA is pleased to offer a brand new Chartis Limited Medical Benefit Plan, created by Weisburger Insurance Brokerage, to provide you a cost-effective way to deliver broad, affordable coverage for those employees who may not have access to traditional benefits and for those who want to supplement other insurance coverage. Attend this presentation to learn how you can customize the plan to suit YOUR preferences--from maximum coverage to maximum affordability.

Pending Regulatory Challenges for the Pest Management Industry

Gene Harrington, National Pest Management Association, Fairfax, VA

The professional pest management industry faces numerous regulatory challenges including revisions to rodenticide labels, Clean Water Act permitting requirements for certain pesticide applications, and Endangered Species Act litigation that threaten use patterns of many professional pest management products. Attend this session and get up to speed on these and the many other issues facing the industry.

Effective Website Design for PCOs

Chris Foster, Pest Control Technology, Richfield, OH

How many times have you visited a business’ Web site only to leave the site completely frustrated because you weren’t able to find what you were looking for? Your Website is often the first impression your company makes on potential customers. Make sure that impression is a positive one! During this session you will learn tips and tricks on developing an effective Website that will meet your business needs and ensure a solid first impression!

Return on Investment (ROI) in the Pest Management Business

Dan Gordon, CPA, PMP Wealthbuilders, Newton, NJ

Buying, Trying, and Growing Your PCO Business. These are the decision area PCOs are faced with every day. This discussion will focus on the decision making tools needed to make successful financial decisions. Topics covered will be asset, personnel and marketing expenditures. A special case study will be developed that will determine the ROI required to implement a Social Media campaign. Participants will learn what they must receive in order to make the investment in this area.

SATURDAY

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CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Bed Bug Strategies from Abroad: An International Perspective

John Adams, Adams Pest Control Pty, Ltd., Port Melbourne, Australia; Dave Alcock, South African Pest Control Association, Pretoria, South Africa; Yuji Hattori, Hohto Shoji Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan; Michael Kahlo, APC AG , Nurnberg, Germany; Bill Melville, PCO Services Corporation, Mississauga, Canada; Alberto Ponjoan, Servicios Depec, S.L. , Barcelona, Spain

Bed bugs have reemerged as a significant pest in many places around the globe. Find out from a distinguished panel of global PMPs how serious the bed bug problem is in their corner of the world and any novel strategies or technologies they are employing.

Mosquito Control in Communities

Claudia Riegel, City of New Orleans Mosquito & Termite Control Board, New Orleans, LA

Effective mosquito control on an area-wide basis requires the cooperation of everyone in the community. Find out how residential mosquito treatments and outreach can impact large scale mosquito populations by focusing on one backyard at a time.

Biology, Behavior and Control of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Dr. Kathy Heinsohn, American Pest Management, Inc., Fulton, MD

The Brown Marmorated Stinkbug (Halymorpha halys) was first introduced to Eastern Pennsylvania in the late 1990s. Since then, stinkbug numbers have increased and populations are found throughout the Eastern United States and are expected to spread nationwide. Find out more about the biology, behavior and innovative treatment methods for this emerging pest.

How to Build an Integrated Marketing Plan for Your Pest Control Business

Joy Gendusa, PostcardMania, Clearwater, FL

As business owners and marketers in the pest management industry, you stand at the crossroads of old and new marketing media — and you have a decision to make. The tried and true methods of direct mail, print and TV advertising now compete with online options like social media and pay-per-click for your marketing dollars. But how do you choose the best approach for your pest control business? How can you maximize your return on investment? These questions and more will be answered during this session.

Green Business Models that Work

Ron Box, Hulett Environmental Services, Inc., W. Palm Beach, FL; Mark O'Hara, Anderson Pest Solutions, Elmhurst, IL; Paul Sugrue, Nozzle Nolen, Inc., West Palm Beach, FL; Dan Van Steenwyck, Clark Pest Control, Lodi, CA

The march to green may have been slowed by the economic downturn. Yet, consumers continue their inexorable march toward greener, environmentally-conscious, more sustainable lifestyles, including pest management. The pest management industry has grappled with a plethora of different green pest management business models. Find out from industry leaders what’s working and what isn’t.

Fumigation Update

Gene Harrington, National Pest Management Association, Fairfax, VA

The world of fumigation has evolved tremendously over the last 10 years and major changes have only seemed to accelerate the last few years. Fumigators should attend this session to make sure they are up to speed.

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

New Bed Bug Detection Technologies

Changlu Wang, Rutgers University, Rutgers University

Detecting low number of bed bugs is critical for effective bed bug management programs. Bed bug monitors help early detection and evaluation of bed bug elimination efforts. This session will discuss the effectiveness of various monitors, and how to use monitors to reduce the cost and improve the overall success of bed bug elimination efforts.

Ticks, Lice, and Fleas: the Other Bloodsuckers

Dr. Faith Oi, University of Florida/IFAS, Gainesville, FL

Bed bugs are headline grabbing pests, but what about the other blood-suckers? Arthropods such as ticks, lice and fleas are not just nuisance pests, but can also transmit disease. Hear about how these pests can pose serious public health and medical problems.

Exotic Pests in Not So Exotic Locations

Wayne Grush, Holder's Pest Control Co., Houston, TX

Exotic species cross our borders every day, but not all have the capacity to become pests. This presentation will focus on introduced pest species with emphasis on more recent introductions. Learn how to identify these species and mitigate their impact in ways that are both effective and profitable.

Understanding Your Marketplace to Maximize Your Marketing

Panel of Industry Experts

While there are many universal aspects of the pest management industry, marketing isn't necessarily one of them. Your business should be marketed to your community based on an understanding of your demographics, unique pests, and issues important to the market. Find out how to improve your lead generation and ultimately, closed sales, by tailoring your company's messaging.

Data Trends in the Pest Control Industry

Gary Curl, Specialty Products Consultants, LLC, Mendham, NJ; Jed Smith, National Association of Realtors, Washington, DC -- DELETE

What is the "state of the industry"? Are our numbers up or down or somewhere in between? This session will offer a look at some of the baseline numbers important to understand about the professional pest control industry so stakeholders have the tools necessary for a thorough understanding of the market.

Understanding LEED Certification

Lonnie Anderson, Terminix International, Memphis, TN

This session will provide a useful overview on the opportunities companies have to provide IPM services to LEED registered or certified accounts. During the presentation we will examine USGBC as a leading certifier of “green” building and “green” building practices and the LEED rating system as it applies to indoor and outdoor IPM practices.

Clarifying What is Organic, Inorganic, Natural and Synthetic for Turf Treatments

Roger Funk, The Davey Tree Expert Co., Kent, OH

Interest in “organic” has been growing in recent years as people strive to do the right thing for the environment and their families. As professionals, we need to have a better understanding of the science of organics in order to assure that our clients and the environment are getting the expected results.

CONCURRENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Heat Treatments: Analyzing Jobs to Increase Success Rates

Michael Botha, Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions, Pearl City, HI; Jay Bruesch, Plunkett's Pest Control, Inc., Fridley, MN; Tom Jarzynka, Massey Services, Inc., Orlando, FL; Dr. Jeff Weier, Sprague Pest Solutions, Tacoma, WA

The use of extreme heat has been touted as the perfect solution for bed bugs. Unfortunately not every job goes as planned. When things don’t work out as expected, the job needs to be analyzed to determine what went wrong and how to avoid the problem in the future. This panel of heat treatment veterans will provide insight into how their companies define success and evaluate failures to ensure effective heat treatments for bed bugs.

Implementing Community Based Tick IPM

Ron Harrison, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, GA

The black-legged, or deer tick, is one of the most important arthropod vector species in North America due to its ability to transmit the pathogen that caused Lyme disease. Find out the results of a large scale, community-wide tick management program implemented to reduce tick populations and decrease the incidence of disease.

The Brown Recluse Spider: Myths, Mistakes and Hyperbole

Rick Vetter, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA

The infamous reputation of the brown recluse spider occurs throughout North America. Although it is indeed a medically important spider, many misconceptions are still persistent in the general public, medical literature and even the scientific literature. This talk will highlight new research that should be useful for pest management professionals.

Good to Great: Growth Strategies of Small, Medium, and Large Companies

Panel of Industry Experts

Whether you are a large company or a start-up, you want to be a complete and total success. But success can be complicated. There is more to it than just good performance. Attend this session and hear from a panel of pest management professionals who will share how they achieved success in their career—the good, bad, and the ugly.

Net Promoter Scores

Brent Boles, Schendel Services, Inc., Topeka, KS

How likely is it that your customers would recommend your company to a friend or colleague? Based on the best-selling book written by Fred Reichheld, you will be given tools to learn how to measure your company’s performance through your customers' eyes.

Is Your Company on the Path to Professionalism?
Andrew Architect, National Pest Management Association, Fairfax, VA

QualityPro is the largest and most widely recognized credential available for pest management companies nationwide. Through this program we aggressively seek to raise the bar for professionals while actively promoting QualityPro companies to residential and commercial consumers. After six years in existence, QualityPro companies account for well over half the revenues generated from structural pest control and continue to expand as word spreads on the benefits of hiring a certified member. Attend this session and educate yourself on how to join the program, meet the standards and take your place among the best in the business.