State Technical Meeting

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State Technical Meeting 2023

Are you ready to elevate your pest control business to new heights? The VPMA State Technical Meeting (STM) has been doing just that since its inception in 2006. Year after year, pest control professionals gather for an exceptional experience designed to enhance knowledge, boost business, and foster invaluable connections.

Management Day: Fueling Business Growth For business owners and managers, our exclusive Management Day is a game-changer! Packed with insightful sessions, workshops, and expert panels, this day is tailored to provide you with the strategies, tools, and insights needed to thrive in the pest control industry. Elevate your business to the next level and position yourself for success!

Technical Day: Mastering Pest Control Challenges Pest control technicians, this day is crafted just for you! The Technical Day equips professionals like you to face your customers' challenges with confidence and professionalism. Dive into the latest advancements, techniques, and best practices in pest control. Gain hands-on experience and insights from industry experts, enabling you to provide superior service and exceed customer expectations.

Network and Collaborate with Industry Colleagues: One of the most valuable aspects of the VPMA STM is the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in the pest control industry. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and establish connections that can last a lifetime. You'll be part of a community that supports your growth and success. Don't miss this chance to gain a competitive edge, connect with industry leaders, and take your pest control business to the next level. Join us at the VPMA State Technical Meeting, where expertise meets excellence, and together, we'll shape the future of pest control.

Don't miss the pre-conference events on December 5, including: the workshop, "The Acclimated Leader" by Kevin Lemasters; the Gold Sponsor Meet & Greet; and the President's Reception!

Registration

Register Here

 Registration Rates

75th Anniversary Conference Package

Includes: Pre-conference Management Session: The Acclimated Leader, Gold Sponsor Quick Connect; President's Reception; Management Day Training, Pest Fest & Casino Night; and Technical Day Training Member - $395 Non-Member - $544

Full Conference Package

Includes: Management Day Training, Pest Fest & Casino Night; and Technical Day Training Member - $295 Non-Member - $445

Business Day Package

Includes: Management Day Training, Pest Fest & Casino Night Member - $210 Non-Member - $310

Technical Day Package

Includes: Pest Fest & Casino Night, Technical Day Training Member - $210 Non-Member - $310

Technical Day Training Only

 
Member - $127 Non-Member - $190

Management Day Training Only

 
Member - $127 Non-Member - $190
Add-Ons
 

Jeffrey M. Johnson Memorial ACE Prep Course & Exam

 
Member - $175 Non-Member - $225

Pre-conference Management Session: The Acclimated Leader w/Gold Sponsor Quick Connect

 
Member - $50 Non-Member - $75

President's Reception

 
Member - $65 Non-Member - $95

Pest Fest & Casino Night

 
Member - $90 Non-Member - $149

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 
7d – Vertebrate Pests 
8 – Public Health Pests 
60 – Registered Tech

Tuesday, December 5th
11:00AM - 4:00PM Gold Sponsor Exhibitor Set-Up Virginia Ballroom  
11:00AM - 5:00PM Silver Sponsor & Exhibitor Set-Up Ballroom Foyer & Atrium  
1:00PM - 4:00PM The Acclimated Leader Jefferson Amphitheater Bryan Berry, 
4:15PM - 5:30PM Gold Sponsor Quick Connect - Registrants and Gold Sponsors  Virginia Ballroom  
5:30PM - 7:00PM President's Reception TBD  
Wednesday, December 6th - Management Day Schedule
8:15AM - 8:55AM Welcome and Sponsor Intro Jefferson Amphitheater Dave Outhous, VPMA President
8:55AM - 9:55AM Economic Conditions and Prospects for Growth in 2024 Jefferson Amphitheater Dr. Bob McNab, ODU Economics Department
9:55AM - 10:55AM The Win/Win of Focusing on Career Development: Why, How and When Jefferson Amphitheater

Shon Vodila, Accel Termite & Pest Control

Bryan Vaughan - Vaco Pest Management

Kevin Poland, American Pest

Marcus Johnson - Target-Specialty (moderator)

10:55AM - 11:15AM Break Virginia Ballroom  
11:15AM - 12:15PM Taking Your Business to the Next Level Virginia Ballroom

Dave Boose, VPMA Past President

Kevin Kordek - VPMA Past President

12:15PM - 1:45PM Lunch and Exhibits Swan Terrace  
1:45PM - 2:45PM 10 Sales Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Virginia Ballroom Robin Green, Ascend Performance
2:50PM - 3:45PM Unlocking Success: Harnessing Social Media & Video Marketing for Small Business Growth Virginia Ballroom

Sam Anderson, Enso Media

2:50PM - 3:45PM Tax Updates and Strategies Jefferson Amphitheater

Donald Hannahs - Oceanside Financial

Parker Hannahs - Oceanside Financial

3:45PM - 4:15PM Break Virginia Ballroom  
4:15PM - 5:00PM VPMA Annual Meeting Virginia Ballroom  
5:45PM - 6:30PM Pest Fest Cocktails    
6:30PM - 10:00PM Pest Fest Dinner & Casino Night    
Thursday, December 7th - Technical Day Schedule
8:00AM - 8:30AM Welcome & Intro Virginia Ballroom Dave Outhous, VPMA President
8:30AM - 9:30AM Urban Rodent Myths Virginia Ballroom Timmy Madere, NOLA Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board
9:30AM - 9:55AM Break    
10:00AM - 10:50AM What's Eating You Out of House and Home: Carpet Beetles, Clothing Moths and Pantry Pests Virginia Ballroom Larry Motes, Trécé Incorporated 
10:00AM - 10:50AM Virginia Snake Identification and Discussion Jefferson Amphitheater Bill Crisp, K2C Wildlife Encounters
11:00AM - 11:50AM Mosquitoes, Basics to Beyond Virginia Ballroom Timmy Madere, NOLA Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board
11:00AM - 11:50AM Identifying Ants Jefferson Amphitheater

David Moore, Dodson Pest Control

Morgan Wilson, PhD Student, VT Department of Entomology

11:50AM - 1:00PM Lunch    
1:00PM - 1:50PM Invasives in Virginia Virginia Ballroom Dr. Dini Miller, Associate Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Entomology
1:00PM - 1:50PM Carpenter Bees & Ants Jefferson Amphitheater David Moore, Dodson Pest Control
2:00PM - 3:15PM Termite Treatment Trifecta Virginia Ballroom

Cristapher Borden, Holiday Pest Control

Jon Furdek, Accel Termite & Pest

Nicholas Roybal, Talent Termite

Jared Miller, Corteva (moderator)

2:00PM - 3:15PM Inspection Rockstar Jefferson Amphitheater

Eddie Connor, Jr.

Timmy Madere, NOLA Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board

Tom Mares, Mares Exterminating

3:15PM - 3:30PM Break    
3:30PM -  4:15PM

Commonsense Safety Directly from the Jobsite

Virginia Ballroom Bryan Vaughan - Vaco Pest Management
3:30PM -  4:15PM What Can Molecular Markers Tell Us about Urban Pest Insects? Jefferson Amphitheatre Dr. Warren Booth - Virginia Tech Department of Entomology
4:15PM - 5pm VDACS Regulatory Update Virginia Ballroom Liza Fleeson-Trossbach - VDACS-OPS

 

Hotel

Conference Site & Accommodations

The STM has a new home at the Founders Inn & Spa, Tapestry Collection located at  5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. This property is just 10 minutes from fantastic shopping and dining options. This upscale property with a beautiful colonial vibe boasts beautiful gardens and pathways and even a lake. The Inn goes all out to decorate for the holidays so the halls will be decked and the lights will be twinkling. Perfect to get your team in the holiday spirit.

VPMA has negotiated a discounted room rate of $129 for King rooms and $149 for a room with 2 Queens. To make your reservations use the link provided below, or call guest services at call 757-366-5700 and mention Group Code VPMA23.

Book A Reservation

 

Sponsors/Exhibitors

2023 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. 

 



Gold Education Sponsor




Silver Education Sponsor


Exhibitors

Promote Your Company's Services and Products at the 17th Annual VPMA State Technical Meeting

December 5 - 7, 2023

The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA 2346

Online Registration

Hotel Registration

Promote Your Company, Products and Services at the STM

VPMA is proud to present the 17th Annual State Technical Meeting and we invite you to join us. This event provides vendors with an excellent opportunity to interact with more than 200 PMPs over the 2 1/2 day event. Over the first day and a half we provide numerous social events and exhibit times where you will have the opportunity to form vital relationships with owners and managers of Virginia-based pest management companies. The final day of the event, technicians join the mix who are eager to learn about your products and services. 

We have a new home for the STM this year, at the Founders Inn that is spacious enough to accommodate our group, plus has charm and comfort to spare. Our Gold Sponsors will receive premium placement within the expansive, main conference room, and the Silver Sponsors will be right outside the door in the pre-function area. The nice part of the layout at the Founders Inn is the flow is very open, so even our exhibitors be exposed to good attendee traffic. 

Here's The Line-Up of Events

December 5th:

Exhibit Set up - staff will be on hand to welcome exhibitors between 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, and continues until 11:00. 

Pre-Conference Workshop - this add-on bonus educational event is designed for owners and managers, but vendors may be interested in attending this meaningful session on ... as well.  If nothing else, it gives you more exposure to attendees. This meeting will begin at 10:00 and wrap up around 4:30. The fee to attend is $45 for VPMA members/$65 non-members.

Gold Sponsor & PMP Quick Connect - exclusive for Gold Education Sponsors only, this event will be held in the Gold Sponsor Exhibit Area on December 5th immediately after the Pre-Conference Workshop. This event will be attended by owners and managers of pest management companies and is a great way to make quick connections with the decision makers you want to meet!

President's Reception - between 5:00 - 7:00, VPMA President, David Outhous will be hosting a welcome reception to kick off the State Technical Meeting and greet attendees arriving the day before the Business Management Sessions. We will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and plenty of great conversations. The fee to attend is $45 for VPMA members / $65 for non-members.

December 6th 

Sponsor Recognition and Exhibitor Introductions - as part of the grand opening of the State Technical Meeting sponsors will be recognized and all vendors will get a chance to introduce themselves prior to the Keynote speaker. 

Exhibit Time with Owners & Managers - Attendees will be invited to grab a hand-held breakfast prior to the first session and will spend time perusing the exhibit hall, and will continue to visit with vendors during breaks and for an extended period of time after lunch.

PestFest - This year we are celebrating our 50th Year Anniversary and are planning a big party for this annual event where members enjoy letting their hair down and having a great time mingling and enjoying a fun-filled evening that includes dinner, a drink ticket, and entertainment. This event is included in Sponsor and Exhibit packages (2 tickets for Gold and Silver Sponsors and 1 ticket for Exhibitors).

Now that You Have the Details, How Will You Participate?

VPMA strives to provide a meaningful exhibit experience for both our Sponsors and our Exhibitors! Sponsoring this event allows VPMA to bring more to the table for both vendors and PMPs, but with this being our 75th Anniversary we are counting on some BIG help from our sponsors. In return, our  Sponsors get extra on-site perks, plus they get lots of additional post-conference promotions. 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. Below is a review of what is included in each of our registration packages for Gold Education Sponsors, Silver Education Sponsors, and Exhibitors.

 
Gold Education Sponsor   Silver Education Sponsor

VPMA Member $1500 / Non-member $1700

 

VPMA Member $1050 / Non-member $1250

Premier booth placement inside the meeting room for maximum exposure to attendees.   Premium booth placement in the pre-conference area adjacent to registration.
Tabletop exhibit and full registration, including meals and Pest Fest for 2 reps.   Tabletop exhibit and full registration, including meals and Pest Fest for 2 reps.
Includes year-round benefits at the STM and beyond   Includes 6 months of benefits at the STM and beyond!

Recognition on all STM promotional materials and signage, including recognition on all VPMA training events through July 2024.

12 months of promotion at a minimum of 6 VPMA educational events including WDI (2), Master Tech (4), ACE, and Webinars (3).

 

Recognition on all STM promotional materials and signage, including recognition on all VPMA training events through July 2024.

12 months of promotion at a minimum of 6 VPMA educational events including WDI (2), Master Tech (4), ACE, and Webinars (3).

Banner ad on VPMA’s website for 12 months.

 

Banner ad on VPMA’s website for 6 months.

Complimentary full-page ad in the onsite electronic conference program.

 

Complimentary half-page ad in the onsite electronic conference program.

Introduce yourself and your company on the management day, plus special recognition as a sponsor on both days.

  Introduce yourself and your company on the management day, plus special recognition as a sponsor on both days.

Gold sponsors get to introduce speakers.

   
"Quick Connect” session, exclusively for Gold Sponsors, to gain 1 on 1 conversations with key decision makers held in the Gold exhibit space.    

Invitation to present at VPMA General Recertification Webinars.

   
 
Exhibitor Package
VPMA Member $770 / Non-member $970
Tabletop exhibit booth in an area with traffic flow.
Full conference registration, including meals and Pest Fest for 1 rep.
Introduce yourself and your company to the owners and managers on the management day.
Listing in the onsite electronic conference program vendor directory.
     


Conference Site & Accommodations

The STM has a new home at the Founders Inn & Spa, Tapestry Collection located at  5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. This property is just 10 minutes from fantastic shopping and dining options. This upscale property with a beautiful colonial vibe boasts beautiful gardens and pathways and even a lake. The Inn goes all out to decorate for the holidays so the halls will be decked and the lights will be twinkling. Perfect to get your team in the holiday spirit.

VPMA has negotiated a discounted room rate of $129 for King rooms and $149 for a room with 2 Queens. To make your reservations use the link provided below, or call guest services at call 757-366-5700 and mention Group Code VPMA23.

Book A Reservation

Important Exhibitor Information

By registering to be an exhibitor or sponsor at the 2023 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 hotel premises and will indemnify, defend and hold harmless VPMA, the hotel, its 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 Wednesday, December 6th at 7:00 am through 10:00 am on Thursday, December 7th.
• 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 Hotel 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.