As the doors closed on a successful PestTech 2016 much of the talk was about what next years event would be like, in its new home, just round the corner in the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
The fact that the event was planning to move from the Motorcycle Museum had been known for some time but, organisers the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA), had remained tight-lipped about precisely where to.
| So what’s changed, why is PestTech on the move and why did NPTA settle on the Ricoh Arena?
Pest caught up with NPTA’s Adam Hawley and Steve Hallam in their hotel over breakfast on the morning after this year’s event. Adam explained: “To a large extent, we’ve simply outgrown the old venue but also we felt that it was the right time to make a change and give the whole event a fresh look. The Ricoh is centrally located and easy to access, just off the M6, there’s more room for meetings and networking, better parking and better catering on site too.” Steve Hallam added: “The Motorcycle Museum has been a good venue for us over the years. But our industry is getting more and more professional and by moving we can take the event on to the next level.” Moving to the Ricoh Arena means everything can be pulled under one roof so the Pest Control News dinner will also be held at the Ricoh next year. There’s a Hilton hotel on site too and a number of other hotels, all within easy striking distance, not to mention the casino, billed as the largest in the UK and a number of bars and restaurant areas. The purpose built exhibition halls have easy access for exhibitors and there’s plenty of onsite parking, although when we popped down to take a look before driving back to the office after this year’s event, there was a hefty charge. Of course, that may be waived for those attending an exhibition. We’ll have to wait and see. The venue is certainly bright, airy and modern and unlike the Mortocycle Museum there’s plenty of room to sit down with customers and have business meetings around the event. The Ricoh Arena (commonly known as the Ricoh) is situated in the Rowleys Green district of Coventry. It contains a 32,609-seater rugby union and association football stadium used by Wasps RFC and Coventry City FC, a 6,000 square metres exhibition hall, a hotel and a casino. The site is also home to Arena Park Shopping Centre, containing one of UK’s largest Tesco Extra hypermarkets. The next PestTech will be on Wednesday 8 November 2017, |
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Adam Hawley
Steve Hallam