More than 100 women gathered for the inaugural Women in Pest Control conference in Austin, Texas. The one-day event included nine presentations. Multiple vendors participated and 23 gold and silver sponsors supported the conference.
Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, kicked off the event with a powerful presentation called “Women in Pest Control: The Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Past and Future of our Profession.” Dr. Cisse Spragins, Rockwell Labs and a 2018 PMP Hall of Famer, and Sydney Gambrell, Univar, shared insights on the latest advances in green pest control. Three presentations from women from Texas A&M covered fly control, exclusion tip, wildlife trapping and testing for ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist) certification. Those presentations qualified for CEU credits.
Next year’s event is planned for Sept. 25 in Houston. We will share more details when available.
Look for more coverage from the event online with upcoming videos and extensive reporting in our December issue, Pest Management Professional‘s yearly issue dedicated to stories and content about women in the pest management industry.
See some photos below for highlights of the event.
More than 100 women attended the one-day event. Photo: Diane SofranecMultiple vendors sponsored the conference. Photo: Danielle PestaDr. Janis Reed, BCE, Control Solutions Inc., kicked off the conference. Photo: Diane SofranecBobbie Terry with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane SofranecThe comfortable setting made for easy conversations and networking. Photo: Diane SofranecDr. Cisse Spragins, founder of Rockwell Labs, shared insights about green pest control. Photo: Diane SofranecJessica Terry with Kness Pest Defense chats with a conference attendee. Photo: Danielle PestaMary Haji Gibbins, a breast cancer survivor, stands with her new B&G sprayer with a special pink top and bottom. These sprayers are available for purchase as well and B&G will donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in partnership with Women in Pest Control. Photo: Diane SofranecDr. Janis Reed with Control Solutions Inc. chats with attendees. Photo: Danielle PestaSydney Gambrell shares the latest innovations from Univar. Photo: Danielle PestaAndrea Hancock represented both Mattress Safe and P.E.S.T. Relief International. Photo: Danielle PestaElizabeth Brown of Texas A&M shares details about the ACE exam and certification. Photo: Danielle PestaThe one-day event included nine presentations and a BBQ lunch. Photo: Danielle PestaAt the end of the day, raffle winners were announced, including the winner of the entomologist Barbie. Photo: Diane SofranecThe ladies at registration making sure everyone checked in and received a name tag. Photo: Danielle PestaMolly Keck, BCE, from Texas A&M, gave a presentation on fly control. Photo: Danielle PestaJanet Hurley, ACE, from Texas A&M, shared exclusion tips and wildlife trapping. Photo: Danielle PestaNothing like a cake to make things official. Photo: Diane SofranecNisus passed out these tote bags to attendees. Photo: Danielle PestaThe ladies at JAK Pesticide Consultants. Photo: Danielle PestaMarty Jones, chairman of Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia, put on a dress for a quick photo op with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane SofranecVisiting the Univar booth during breakfast. Photo: Danielle PestaSome fun pests were left at each attendees’ seat. Photo: Diane SofranecBobbie Terry with Lisa Myers-Botts. Photo: Diane SofranecThe winner of the PMP Pests Playing Poker Poster was Brenda Robinson, IPM Tech Pest Management in Ontario, Calif. Photo: Diane SofranecPMP’s booth. Photo: Diane Sofranec
