Destination: Orlando

The highest number of pest control company attendees ever — 3,300 — made an appearance at October’s Pest Management ’02 convention, which was hosted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Although attendance was not the highest ever, it was the highest number of pest control companies ever to attend.

"Exhibitors were extremely pleased with floor traffic, which was heavier than usual, even on the last day," said Dominique Broyles, NPMA’s director of conventions and meetings.

The convention was held Oct. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla.. The theme was "Shaping Your Destiny."

NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer pointed to the pest control industry’s increased sense of pride and unity following last year’s convention as a reason for the turnout this year. Last year, about 3,000 pest management professionals journeyed to New Orleans despite increased travel fears following the tragic events of Sept. 11.

"While the rest of the association business industry (as supported by American Society of Association Executives) has reported that their conventions and meetings are down about 30 percent after Sept. 11, this industry continues to prove otherwise," Lederer said.

Highlights from this year’s convention included the NPMA Learning Centers in which attendees received practical hands-on training in a variety of different areas, including: working with the media, handling legal situations, new technical pest management research, using new technology and much more. This year’s convention also featured the first-ever NPMA Job Fair.

Among prominent speakers at Pest Management ’02 were New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who shared with attendees how he managed himself and the chaos surrounding him after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and University of Louisville Basketball Coach Rick Pitino.

"We’ve heard nothing but praise from our members and others attending the 2002 convention," Lederer said. "We will continue to strive to improve our conventions year in and year out and live up to the expectations of our industry to always bring the best of the industry to them."

The photos on these pages are just a glimpse of what occurred at the convention. Visit PCT’s Web site at www.pctonline.com/npma for additional photos.

Next year’s show is at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas, Oct. 22-25. For more information contact 800/678-6722 or visit www.pestworld.org.