State Technical Meeting

VPMA State Technical Meeting

Join us at the Virginia Pest Management State Technical Meeting, now at its new home at the Greater Richmond Conference Center from November 12-14, 2024!

This event offers something for everyone in the pest control industry. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional skills, gain technical insights, or network with industry peers, this meeting is a must-attend. Enjoy two days of focused sessions on Business Management and Technical Pest Management, with customizable registration options for your team. The Exhibit Hall will be a hub of activity with over 30 vendors, live demonstrations, and shared meals. After each day's events, unwind at the Hilton Richmond Downtown Hotel, our designated home base.

Don't miss this opportunity—register your team today and prepare to elevate your expertise and grow your business!

GRCC

 

Registration Opening Soon!

Customize your team's registration by selecting from the packages below.

 Registration Packages & Rates

Full Conference Package

Includes: Gold Sponsor Happy Hour, President's Reception, Management Day Training,
Pest Fest & Casino Night; and Technical Day Training
Member - $365 Non-Member - $400

Business Day Package

Includes: Management Day Training, Pest Fest & Casino Night Member - $235 Non-Member - $275

Technical Day Package

Includes: Pest Fest & Casino Night, Technical Day Training Member - $235 Non-Member - $275

Technical Day Training Only

Includes: Technical Day Training
Member - $140 Non-Member - $180

Management Day Training Only

Includes: Management Day Training
Member - $140 Non-Member - $180
Add-Ons
 

President's Reception

Included in Full Conference Package, Business Day Package, and Technical Day Package. Use this option to purchase Guest Tickets for individuals not purchasing a package.
Guest Tickets are available. Guest Ticket $65

Pest Fest & Casino Night

Included in Full Conference Package, Business Day Package, and Technical Day Package. Use this option to purchase Guest Tickets for individuals not purchasing a package.
Guest Tickets are available. Guest Ticket - $105

Agenda

Recertification Credits: We will be applying for recertification credits in VA, MD, WV, DC, NC, TN, PA, and KY. 

We will seek credits in: 
7a – General Pest 
7b – Wood-Destroying Pests 
8 – Public Health Pests 
60 – Registered Tech

Tuesday, November 12th - 
11:00AM - 6:00PM Gold Sponsor& Exhibitor Set-Up GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
1:00PM - 4:00PM VPMA Board Meeting - guests are welcome to attend GRCC,B20, Second Floor  
4:30PM - 6:00PM STM Kickoff Happy Hour hosted by our sponsors Hilton, Executive Lounge  
6:30PM - 8:00PM President's Reception & Exhibit Hall Opening GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
Wednesday, November 13th - Management Day Schedule
7:30AM - 8:15AM Breakfast & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
8:15AM - 8:55AM Welcome and Sponsor Intro GRCC, Ballroom 21B Shannon Harlow-Ellis, VPMA Vice-President
8:45AM - 9:45AM Keynote: GRCC, Ballroom 21B  
9:45AM - 10:05AM Break & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
10:10AM - 11:05AM The State of Your Business Panel GRCC, Ballroom 21B  
11:05AM - 12:00PM Sales GRCC, Ballroom 21B  
12:00PM - 1:20PM Lunch in the Exhibit Hall GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
1:25PM - 2:05PM Legislative Panel GRCC, Ballroom 21B  
2:05PM - 3:00PM Economics of Finished Products    
2:05PM - 3:00PM Don't Sell, Attract!   Tony Leone
3:05PM - 4:05PM AI Workshop: Mastering Real-Time Prompting and Practical Applications (Max 25) GRCC, Ballroom 15A - 1st floor  
3:05PM - 4:05PM Financials - P & L and Budgeting Workshop    
4:05PM - 4:25PM Break & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
4:30PM - 5:00PM VPMA Annual Meeting GRCC, Ballroom 21B  
5:45PM - 6:30PM Pest Fest Cocktails & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
6:30PM - 9:45PM Pest Fest Dinner & Casino Night GRCC, Ballroom 21A  
Thursday, November 14th - Technical Day Schedule
7:15AM - 8:00AM Breakfast & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
8:00AM - 8:30AM Welcome & Introductions GRCC, Ballroom 21B John Reid, VPMA President
8:30AM - 9:30AM Keynote GRCC, Ballroom 21B  
9:30AM - 9:55AM Break & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
10:00AM - 10:50AM Peri-Domestic Cockroaches (cat 7a)   David Price, Mosquito Joe
10:00AM - 10:50AM Management of Native and Invasive Termite Species of Virginia (cat 7b)    
11:00AM - 11:50AM IPM and Safety   Daniel Frank, Virginia Tech
11:00AM - 11:50AM Tick Talk: Understanding and Preventing Vector Borne Diseases (cat 8)    
11:50AM - 1:00PM Lunch & Exhibits GRCC, Ballroom 21C  
1:00PM - 1:55PM Pest Control Lessons Learned Panel    
1:00PM - 1:50PM Nuisance Ant Management   Timothy Husen, Ph.D., BCE, PHE, PCQI, Syngenta
2:00PM - 3:15PM Occasional Invaders (cat 7a)  

Lucas Carnohan, Ph.D., BCE, Pest Management Systems, Inc

2:00PM - 3:00PM Disinfection, Sanitation, and Bio-sanitation in the Pest Management industry: Becoming a True Protector of Public Health (cat 8)  

Jamel Sandidge, MA, Ph.D., BCE, Nisus

3:00PM - 3:10PM Break    
3:10PM -  4:05PM Knowing the Structure: Building Your Deductive Skills    
3:30PM -  4:15PM      
4:15PM - 5pm VDACS Regulatory Update GRCC, Ballroom 21B  

 

Hotel

Conference Site 

The State Technical Meeting has a new home at the Greater Richmond Conference Center (GRCC) located at 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219. This conference facility provides us with ample space for learning, networking, and socializing. Enter the GRCC on the corner of North 5th Street and Broad, and take the elevator or escalator to the second floor. 

  • Registration - B21 Foyer
  • General Sessions - Ballroom 21B 
  • Breakout Sessions - B15A
  • Breakout Sessions B15C
  • Conference Hub & Exhibits will be in Ballroom 21C

Click here for a map of the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Accommodations

The Hilton Richmond Downtown, located at 501 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219, will provide attendees with overnight accommodations. The Hilton is located diagonally across the intersection of Broad and North 5th Street from the GRCC. The Hilton will serve as a home base before and after events scheduled at the GRCC. Attendees will enjoy meeting up at the spacious Gather & Hem Bar in the lobby, grabbing breakfast at the 1885 Café & Market, or dining at La Grotta for a northern Italian feast.

VPMA has negotiated a discounted room rate of $172 for reservations made by October 19, 2024. To make your reservations within the group block a credit card must be provided to cover the first night's deposit, refundable up to 72 hours in advance of arrival. The group rate will be honored for reservations between November 8th through November 15th. The Hilton has Valet Parking available at $41.00 per car per day, and $51.00 for oversized vehicles. Self- parking is $20.00 per vehicle per day. 

Book A Reservation

 

Sponsors/Exhibitors

2024 Education Sponsors

VPMA is so fortunate to have so many engaged, generous sponsors to support the mission of VPMA through the education that we provide. 

 



Premier Sponsor




Gold Sponsor


Message from VPMA President, John Reid, "Vendors - the State Technical Meeting (STM) is entering an exciting new phase, with a fresh location, updated dates, and plans for significant growth. VPMA is introducing major changes, including a fully integrated exhibit hall where all vendors will be in one shared space, complete with a demonstration stage. This exhibit hall will serve as the central hub for the event. Additionally, the VPMA Board is implementing a targeted marketing plan to attract more companies and technicians, aiming to fill the STM with as many PMPs as possible. We are committed to creating a prime opportunity for vendors to connect with a larger audience and showcase their products and services in a dynamic and engaging environment.

Don't miss out—register today and be a part of something truly exceptional!"

 

The VPMA State Technical Meeting Offers Vendors

An Exciting Opportunity to Exhibit & Connect with Virginia PMPs

New Dates: November 12 - 14, 2024

New Home: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219

 

Sponsor & Exhibitor STM Registration

 

 

The STM has always been a great meeting - but we're working hard to make it even better! 

VPMA is proud to present the 19th Annual State Technical Meeting (STM) and invite you to join us as we bring PMPs from across Virginia to learn, network and grow their businesses. 

  • Exposure to Virginia PMPs - This event provides vendors with an excellent opportunity to interact with more than 200 PMPs over the 2 1/2 day event - plus, VPMA has invested in a professional marketing campaign to drive additional engagement from current members and added participation from companies that have not attended in the past.

  • Key Client Relationships - The VPMA STM provides numerous social events where you will have the opportunity to build vital relationships with owners and key players of Virginia-based pest management companies.

  • Enhanced Exhibit Experience - We have a new home for the STM this year at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and are planning for the Exhibit Hall to be a hive of activity! All vendors will be located together in a single, spacious exhibit hall.
    • We will host all meals in the Exhibit Hall.
    • We will host the President's Reception on Tuesday evening in the Exhibit Hall - previously we charged $65 for this event, but it's included in all exhibit packages in 2024!
    • We  brought back the PestFest Cocktail Hour which will be held in the Exhibit Hall - giving attendees an extended time to visit with vendors on Wednesday evening.
    • The Exhibit Hall will also feature a Demonstration Stage where Premier and Gold sponsors can sign up for blocks of time and claim the stage to feature their company or product. 
    • A Meet & Greet Game is being planned that will motivate attendees to visit each exhibitor. Think about prizes you can contribute to make the game fun!
  • Premier Sponsorships & Gold Sponsorships - Amp up your company's exposure to Virginia PMPs and get year-long benefits by registering for the STM as a Premier or Gold Sponsor. See a list of benefits for each category below to get so much more out of your investment. Act fast to secure one of the limited Premier Sponsorships - only five spots are available for this exclusive opportunity.

Now that you have the details, how will YOU participate?

VPMA strives to provide a meaningful exhibit experience for all of our Sponsors and our Exhibitors! Sponsorships allow VPMA to build a stronger STM. Sponsors get extra on-site perks, plus they get lots of additional post-conference promotion. Our exhibitors are an important part of the mix too, so if this budget-friendly package suits you, just know we will work hard to provide a positive, meaningful experience for you as well. See what is included in each registration package below.

State Technical Meeting Vendor Participation Premier Sponsor
limited to first 5
Gold Sponsor Exhibitor
VPMA Member Registration Fee
$1,800
$1,500
$1,000
Non-Member Registration Fee
$2,025
$1,725
$1,225
Booth placement -  all vendor booths include Table Top Exhibit Space and Complimentary WiFi in the Exhibit Hall. Premier Central Placement at Entrance Premium Central Placement  Perimeter Placement
Representative Tickets - Conference Registration (including meals), President's Reception and PestFest & Casino Night 2 Reps 2 Reps 1 Rep, Add'l Rep Ticket $365
Vendor Directory Listing - your contact information will be shared with attendees in the Conference Program X X X
STM Kickoff Happy Hour - Tuesday, Nov. 12th, 4:30pm - 6:00pm - Executive Lounge, Hilton - this sponsor-hosted event offers an exclusive opportunity for sponsors to welcome participants - the best part is VPMA picks up the tab! X X  
President's Reception - Tuesday, Nov. 12th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm - GRCC, Ballroom 21C - STM kickoff reception in the exhibit hall hosted by VPMA President John Reid (previous cost $65 - but included for 2024). X X X
Mic Time - make a quick intro of yourself, your company and product/service to attendees - staggered throughout the day on the Business Management Day Morning Lunch Breaks
STM Speaker Introductions - our sponsors have the honor of introducing our session speakers. We will assign a speaker to you and provide a written introduction which will be in your sponsor packet. X X  
Demonstration Stage - promote your company, service or product on the demo stage in the exhibit hall - get creative and make this a fun interactive way to engage attendees and help them learn about your company. Complimentary 10 minute slot Complimentary 5 minute slot $50 based on availability
Recognition on all STM promotional materials and signage, plus year-long recognition at all VPMA training events through July 2025, including WDI, Master Tech, ACE, STM Admin Conference and Webinars. X X  
Banner Ad on VPMA Website - enjoy year-long recognition front and center on the homepage of VPMAonline.com. X X  
Complimentary ad in the electronic STM Conference Program. X X  
Invitation to present at VPMA General Recertification Webinars (technical topics). X X  
Casino Night Sponsor - gain additional exposure as a sponsor of this favorite event - name a horse for the River City Racing and get your logo on a gambling table, Casino Night program and any additional signage. X    

Complimentary Ad on Electronic Pedestal Signage - the mobile electronic sign will move with the flow of attendee traffic and will rotate between Premier Sponsor Ads and VPMA announcements.

X

   

 

Follow the following links for additional information:

Conference Site & Accommodations

Vendor Timeline & Events

Important Exhibitor Information

By registering to be an exhibitor or sponsor at the 2024 VPMA State Technical Meeting, each company and all of their representatives present agree to the following:

• The exhibitor assumes the entire responsibility and liability for losses, damages, and claims arising out of the exhibitor’s activities on the GRCC and Hilton premises and will indemnify, defend and hold harmless VPMA, the GRCC, the Hilton, their agents, servants and employees from any and all such losses, damages and claims.
• Each exhibitor agrees to represent his/her booth throughout the STM, beginning Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm through 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 14th.
• Each table-top exhibit space will include a table and one chair (upon request). Complimentary wireless internet connection is available in the exhibit area. Please be considerate of traffic flow and other exhibitors’ visibility. VPMA reserves the right to request that any materials causing an obstruction be removed.
• VPMA and the GRCC cannot ensure the security of items left unattended in the exhibit areas. Please be sure to remove all valuables from your booth when it is unattended.
• Allied members who wish to market and promote their company’s services should register as a Sponsor or Exhibitor. Attendee registration is intended for PMP companies and staff only.
• The vendor agrees to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times during the conference.