PestTech 2021 Returns to In-Person Event

After nearly two years of no large face-to-face industry events, life returned to approaching normal at PestTech 2021, held in Milton Keynes, UK, Nov. 10.

PestTech2021recap
UK pest event PestTech returned to an in-person event this year. Bottom middle photo: NPTA chief operation officer Steve Hallam (far left) thanked those who supported PestTech as well as the NPTA organizing team (with whom he is pictured).
Frances McKim
Editor’s note: Frances McKim, a UK-based freelance journalist, who was a co-founder of the independent Pest magazine and its accompanying website, Pest+, recently returned from PestTech 2021 held in Milton Keynes, UK, Nov. 10, and filed the following report.


MILTON KEYNES, UK - Organized by the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA), PestTech is a leading autumn UK event for pest management professionals. Held this year on Nov. 10 in Milton Keynes, this one-day event was well supported with over 1,000 attendees, a full to capacity exhibition and the technical seminars packed-out. 

Without doubt, the atmosphere was up-beat with everyone pleased to once again be out and about, meeting friends and colleagues whilst catching up on the news. 

The exhibition was buzzing with all the expected companies in attendance. Formerly trading in Europe as Pelsis (the owners of B&G and Curtis Dyna-Fog), the company took the opportunity to show-off its new name and identity – Edialux Professional Products.

The booths of the international companies, such as Bell, Syngenta, Bayer, BASF and PelGar, were manned by their UK-based staff. Kness proved the exception to the rule as Joseph Belcher made the journey over from the US to attend. However, international visitors were much reduced.

Commenting on the day, NPTA chief operation officer, Steve Hallam, said: “Wow. This was a fantastic event enjoyed by all. It was great to be back to some sort of normality. My thanks goes to all those who supported PestTech as well as the NPTA organizing team. Roll on PestTech 2022.”

Not all rosy. One cloud is emerging on the horizon.The UK pest control industry has fared well during the pandemic but, just like other industries around the world, it is facing supply problems. Manufacturing disruptions, coupled with Brexit issues, has led to shortages of goods ranging from pest control products all the way through to building materials and vehicles.