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Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

DRAFT Program
Pesticon 2024 – The People in Pest

AEPMA reserves the right to change program at any time

Wednesday 14 August 2024
The Star, Gold Coast, Australia

 
TIME
3:30pm Staggered early Registration Entrance Foyer
5:00 – 6:30pm Welcome Reception – Sponsored by Ensystex
  • Welcome to country
  • Welcome by AEPMA President
  • Announcement of the AEPMA Sustainability Award
Surfers Paradise Room

 

Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

DRAFT Program
Pesticon 2024 – The People in Pest

AEPMA reserves the right to change program at any time

Thursday 15 August 2024
The Star, Gold Coast, Australia

“The People in Pest”

Chair: Peter May & Phil Sayer
TIME STREAM 1 – Main Plenary STREAM 2 – Breakout Room
06:30 – 08:15 EXHIBITION HALL CLOSED AWPMA Networking Breakfast - sponsored by FMC
TICKETS REQUIRED – see registration page for more information
08:20 – 08:30 Housekeeping
08:30 – 09:00

AEPMA Presentation & Careers in Pest Launch

– Latest news & updates on the Pest Management Market

Vasili Tsoutouras - President, AEPMA
Marshall Blacklock - CDI Pest Management

09:00 – 10:15
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

“Debunking the Pest-ering Myths of Marketing & How Brands Grow”

Dr Cathy Nguyen, Senior Research Fellow and a Senior Marketing Scientist -Ehrenberg-Bass Institute.  The Ehrenberg-Bass Institute is the world’s largest centre for research into marketing and considered THE authority on marketing by Fortune 500 Companies. 

This presentation turns marketing thinking as you know it upside down. Dr. Cathy Nguyen will introduce the fundamental scientific laws that govern brand growth, for any product in any market. She presents research on how the brain works and buying behaviour that will overturn conventional thinking, exterminating some popular marketing myths along the way.

10:15 – 11:00 EXHIBITION HALL OPEN Exhibition Hall – Opening Ceremony – MORNING TEA
11:00 – 12:15

THE PEOPLE IN PEST – A look at sustainable business practices and how they can make your business a success

In a world increasingly focused on environmental sustainability and facing the challenges of climate change and global health risks, the pest control industry stands at a pivotal moment. This panel discussion brings together leading experts and company heads from the forefront of pest control to explore innovative strategies for navigating the evolving landscape. With a focus on sustainable practices, technological advancements in AI, and the crucial role of skilled professionals, this session will delve into how the industry is adapting to global trade and travel risks, climate shifts, and the drive towards zero carbon emissions.

Join us for a dynamic exploration of the future of pest control, where we'll uncover the resilience and adaptability at the heart of the industry.  

PANEL:
Chair: Vasili Tsoutouras - President, AEPMA
Andrew Stone - Managing Director, Pacific Region, Rentokil Initial

Andreas Sahlbom - President, Region Pacific, Flick Anticimex
Dr David Lilly - Staff Scientist, Ecolab Global RD&E

12:15 – 13:00

Panel Session: Manage Customer Expectations

The hardest thing to manage in our industry is not the pests themselves but the clients, so how do the ‘people in pest’ manage the most difficult clients? Our expert panel will dissect the good, the bad and the ugly in managing client expectations to give you the advantage out in the field. Join in the discussion with our panel who will discuss examples from the three service pillars of our industry: domestic, commercial and termite management. 

PANEL:
Chair: 
Belinda Smith (Rapid Solutions
Rob Boschma (Specialist Termite Control)
Emma Mendelsohn (Noah's Ark Pest Control)
Michelle Downs (Lethal Pest Control)

13:00 – 14:30 LUNCH – in Exhibition Hall
14:30 – 15:10 EXHIBITION HALL CLOSED

Food Industry Requirements; Good, Better, Best!

Juliana Elliott - HACCP International

Managing Psychosocial Risk and Harrassment in the Workplace

Tameka Bramwell - Bramwell Partners

15:10 – 15:50

25 Years of the Bed Bug Resurgence: An update on the Global Situation

Dr David Lilly - Ecolab

Industrial Relations Changes - How do they affect you?

John Mitchell - Bramwell Partners

15:50 – 16:30

Stored Product Insects and the Practical Use of Pheromones


Tom Meuller - Vice President, Insects Limited Inc.

Practical Business Session

Belinda Raso - Tax Invest Consulting
16:30 – 18:00   "Syngenta for Life Uninterrupted Happy Hour" Drinks – Sponsored by Syngenta EXHIBITION HALL OPEN

 

Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

DRAFT Program
Pesticon 2024 – The People in Pest

AEPMA reserves the right to change program at any time

Friday 16 August 2024
The Star, Gold Coast, Australia

“The People in Pest”

 
TIME STREAM 1 – Main Plenary STREAM 2 – Breakout Room
08:30 – 10:00   LIGHT BREAKFAST - in Exhiibition Hall - EXHIBITION HALL OPEN
10:00 – 10:10 EXHIBITION HALL OPEN Housekeeping – update on the day.
10:10 – 11:00

Red Imported Fire Ants: An International Invader

Dr Robert Puckett - Texas A & M University
Sponsored by Syngenta

11:00 – 11:45

Pest Management in the VET Sector, Jobs and Skills Councils &n Pest Management Training Product Redevelopment

John Murray - Flick Anticimex
Anthony Chan - BuildSkills Australia

11:45– 12:45
PANEL SESSION: Unveiling the Path to Success – Talent Retention, Talent Acquisition Panel

Join us for an informative session that sheds light on the diverse array of credentials available and their critical role in attracting and retaining top talent within the pest control industry.

We will connect the dots by delving into how different companies strategically integrate credentials into their career progression plans and promotion strategies for their teams. Gain valuable insights into the pivotal role credentials play in shaping successful career paths and fostering talent retention in our industry. Don't miss this opportunity to chart your path to success.

PANEL:
Chair: 
David Gay 
Kuyan Rider (Conquer Termites Northside)
Trent Chapman (Local Pest Experts)
Dr Anna Blackman (Talent Insight Solutions)

12:45 – 14:15   LUNCH – in Exhibition Hall - EXHIBITION HALL OPEN
14:15 – 15:00

Top Tips for Termite Inspection

John Cuniffe - Forensic Building Consultant, Expert Witness & Mediator
Brad Iranzad - Timber Pest Inspector, Educator

15:00 – 15:45

Drones in Pest Management - Drone-based surveying of Invasive Animal Populations

Ben Ross - Geospatial Specialist, Ninox Robotics

 

 new employee in the office - AI/Chat GPT”

Kate Vandervoort - Founder & CEO Social Mediology

In today's dynamic world, the buzz around AI integration into daily life and business is undeniable. Innovative technologies like ChatGPT are reshaping industries across the board. Discover how AI can propel your pest control business to new heights by leveraging the latest tools and insights. Explore real-world applications and gain valuable knowledge about how AI can benefit your operations, streamline processes, and drive success in the pest control industry. Join this jam-packed session to demystify AI and learn the 10 ways you can implement AI into your pest control business today. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve with AI-powered solutions.

16:30 Conference Close
19:00 – 22:30 Industry Awards Conference Gala Dinner - Announcement of the Excellence in Pest Management Award 2024 and the Pest Manager of the Year Awards 2024

 

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