Pest management professionals from across the world came together in record numbers for PestWorld 2025.
More than 4,500 delegates converged on the Marriott Orlando World Center, Orlando, Florida between October 21-24, for what is the global pest management industry’s biggest conference, exhibition and educational event, with attendance up 12% more than 2024.
Delegates are drawn to this annual event, organised by the USA’s National Pest Management Association (NPMA), for the opportunity to meet fellow pest professionals, to exchange knowledge, gain fresh insights into emerging business trends and to stay abreast of the latest technical research.
Among the 4,500 delegates were 638 international attendees from 75 countries, underlining the global nature of today’s pest management business.
As part of the opening ceremony, sponsored by Envu, NPMA chief executive, Dominique Stumpf, welcomed delegates saying: “We are thrilled to be hosting our 92nd annual convention in the happiest place on earth, Orlando, Florida!
“Whether you’re attending your first PestWorld or are a decades-long member, this week we aim to invigorate and inspire you with fresh ideas, new connections, and moments that remind us why our industry matters. I hope you all have an incredible week, reconnecting, learning, and celebrating the amazing work we do together.”
The opening session was brought to a close by Derek’s Yacht Rock Band, a popular Orlando area tribute band, who treated the audience to a trio of popular 1970s classics.
Delegates attending the main session on Wednesday heard from keynote speaker and four-time high jump Olympian, Chaunte Lowe. In her motivational presentation she spoke about how having a champion’s mindset and building resilience makes you a winner. The general Wednesday session was sponsored by Corteva.
Variety of technical sessions
Over the three days there was plenty of opportunity for delegates to learn and share experiences. The 70 or so educational sessions covered business growth, innovation, and best practice with subjects as diverse as AI and the future of servicing, cracking the cockroach code, invasive ant management, attracting and retaining talent, managing unseen pests, how to prepare your business to endure natural disaster, rodenticides, resistance and the rat revolution and so many more.
During the event a number of industry awards are presented. The most prestigious of these, is the Pinnacle Award, which is made to an individual who has contributed to the industry as a whole over a lifetime or career.
This year it went to Dan Moreland, publisher emeritus at the leading North American publication, Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine. Dan is an award-winning journalist who spent more than four decades covering the pest control industry.
The exhibition is always at the heart of PestWorld events and with 256 exhibitors, visitors had plenty to interest them. As well as the core exhibitors from the US there were also many exhibitors from Europe, South America and Asia.
Global meeting
The Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC) meeting is now a well-established feature of PestWorld. Members from all around the world reviewed progress across key working groups, in particular the work of the Sustainability Task Force and the Public Health Working Group.
The appointment of Viren Merchant as vice chairman of the board was announced and preparations for the next Public Health Summit, scheduled for Hong Kong in July 2026, were discussed, signalling continued momentum in advancing global pest management strategies.
At PestWorld events there is always time to network and make new contacts, especially at the social events. The international reception sponsored by Orkin always proves popular and on the final night, the lively PestFest poolside party, sponsored by MGK, was the perfect finale to four hectic days.
Next year’s PestWorld will be in Grapevine, Texas from October 20-23, 2026.
