Building Business is the Business of PestWorld 2026
PestWorld 2026 was bigger and better than ever in Grapevine, Texas, bringing 4,600 pest management professionals together for a week of education, networking, and industry connection.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
Tuesday's Opening Ceremony celebrated the legacy of the pest management industry, with NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf recognizing the family-owned businesses, multigenerational companies, and industry pioneers who have helped shape the profession. From companies with histories spanning more than a century to the 400 new members welcomed by NPMA this year, Stumpf highlighted the people and businesses building the industry’s future while reflecting on how technology, training, and workforce development continue to move it forward.
She also presented the 2025-2026 Committee of the Year Award to the Sustainability Task Force and the 2025-2026 Committee Chair of the Year Award to Curtis Rand of Rose Pest Solutions in Northfield, Illinois, chair of the PestVets Council.
At the Wednesday Opening General Session
NPMA President Mike Bullert welcomed everyone, reflecting on his journey from seasonal technician to business owner and industry leader. He emphasized mentorship, industry connections, and creating opportunities for the next generation while outlining his priorities for NPMA: protecting the industry, promoting the profession, and helping members build better businesses.
QualityPro and NPMA Pro Board Chair Kurt Scherzinger recognized companies and professionals raising industry standards through accreditation and certification. He highlighted the importance of ongoing education, safety, and professionalism, congratulating NPMA Pro Certified credential holders and QualityPro-accredited companies on their commitment to excellence.
Following remarks from Opening General Session sponsor Corteva Agriscience, keynote speaker Riaz Meghji, shared insights on building meaningful relationships, strengthening trust, and fostering more connected workplace cultures.
With a strong start focused on the people, relationships, and businesses driving the industry forward, PestWorld 2026 is setting the stage for more opportunities to learn, connect, and discover what’s next.
Best of the Best Recognized on Thursday
During the annual industry awards ceremony, NPMA recognized outstanding contributions across the pest management industry.
Janet Hurley of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension received the ACE Professional Award, while Ryan Olson of Olson’s Pest Technicians earned the Emerging Leaders Award. Scherzinger Pest Control received the NPMA Gives Award, Tower Pest Control earned the Excellence in Sustainability Award, Pisgah Pest Control received the Culture Catalyst Award, and BugBros Pest Control was honored with the inaugural Technology Adopter Award. Marillian Missiti of Buono Pest Control received the Women of Excellence Award, and Russ Ives of Rose Pest Solutions (pictured with NPMA President Mike Bullert) was presented with NPMA’s prestigious Pinnacle Award for his lifetime of contributions to the association and industry.
Wrapping it up in Grapevine
PestWorld 2026 finished up with the annual Day of Service in the Exhibit Hall. With the PWIPM 5k kicking off the morning and the opportunity to play with some puppies in the Exhibit Hall, the morning was time to give back to local charities. After an afternoon of education, this year's conference wrapped with PestFest and one last chance to network and socialize with colleagues.
See you next year in Boston, for PestWorld 2027, October 26-29!
