Topics at next week’s BPCA Belfast Training Forum will include Asian hornets, artificial intelligence and insect monitoring in a packed programme.
The free event takes place on Wednesday, October 14, at Millbrook Lodge in Ballynahinch, bringing together technical talks, a panel debate and hands-on training for pest professionals across Northern Ireland.
The morning programme opens with Sam Dumsday of 1env Solutions presenting ‘Out with the old in with the CRRU’, followed by Rose Muir from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on the threat Asian hornets pose to Northern Ireland’s pollinators.
Technology then takes centre stage. Craig Peniket of Insectram will ask whether AI is the future of pest control in ‘Smart systems, smarter tech’, before Tom Holmes of Inovus presents ‘Seeing the light (and avoiding the dark) with LED technology’.
These sessions give attendees the chance to hear from speakers working across product supply, technology and environmental protection, with time to meet exhibitors and discuss the morning’s topics over refreshments and lunch.
Insect monitoring under discussion
After lunch, a panel will explore how insect physiology can help pest professionals get more from their monitoring programmes.
The ‘Bug-brained’ debate brings together Rich Faulkner of Envu, Tom Holmes of Inovus, Rob Ruta of 1env Solutions and John Horsley of BPCA.
The discussion puts the biology behind pest activity at the centre of the programme, before delegates move into an afternoon of practical training.
Attendees will split into two groups for sessions on practical proofing with John Horsley and the BASF Fly Simulation with Laurence Barnard of BASF. The groups will swap for the second session, allowing everyone to take part in both activities.
The day closes with a final question-and-answer session, industry updates and association news, finishing at 4pm.
Free training and CPD
Alongside the agenda, a mini-exhibition will offer opportunities to meet suppliers, explore pest control innovations and catch up with other professionals.
The forum is open to everyone, including business owners, experienced technicians, surveyors, support staff and trainees. Attendees will also be able to put questions to BPCA’s Technical team in person.
Attendance offers 7.5 BPCA Registered CPD points and six BASIS PROMPT points. Breakfast rolls, lunch and refreshments are included free of charge.
The published agenda starts with tea, coffee and bacon rolls with exhibitors at 8.30am, followed by the welcome at 9am.
Millbrook Lodge is at 5 Drumaness Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8LS. Places are limited, and advance booking is required.
View the full programme by clicking here.
