EVENTS
The full programme for the PestEx Spotlight Theatre is out now. Two days of live debates, panel sessions and audience-led discussion. All free to attend.
Register for free
Running alongside the Technical Theatre on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March, the Spotlight Theatre is built for real conversations and on-the-ground experience.
Big debates
The Spotlight Theatre focuses on some of the main issues pest professionals are grappling with right now. Specifications, regulation, chemicals, invasive species, resistance, recruitment and the future shape of the industry are some of the themes experts will be tackling.
You’ll even have the opportunity to ask your own questions of the panel and join in the discussion.
Day one: politics, partnerships and pressure points
Wednesday opens with a practical look at delivering against pest control specifications, followed by Pests in Politics LIVE, where we’ll be debating how the industry can protect the future of pest management chemicals.
The programme then turns to working with Environmental Health, buying and selling pest management businesses, and one of the most topical issues: invasive yellow-legged (Asian) hornets in the UK.
Later we explore trapping when chemical control isn’t an option and finish with a wide-ranging discussion on what pest management could look like by 2030.
Day two: people, resistance and performance
Thursday begins with a hard look at insecticide resistance and whether it represents the next major challenge for pest control.
The morning continues with a session on working animals in pest management, followed by a panel focused on bringing new people into the industry and building a sustainable workforce.
The afternoon covers smarter surveying techniques, creating high-performing teams and using insect physiology to get more from monitoring programmes.
Voices from across the industry
The Spotlight Theatre brings together a broad mix of speakers.
Consultants, technicians, manufacturers, compliance specialists, academics, government departments and trade bodies all take part.
Well-known industry figures appear alongside fresh voices, creating panels that reflect the full range of perspectives across professional pest management.
Register for free
The full schedule so far
Day one: Wednesday 18 March
Spec check: Understanding and delivering to pest control specifications
Paul Westgate, Veritas Pest Consultancy
Chris Swindells, Kiwa Independent Pest Consultancy
Katie Young, Beacon Compliance
Derek Hopkins, Pret A Manger
Pests in Politics LIVE: Protecting the future of pest management chemicals
Alex Wade, Chair of BPCA Outreach Committee
Dawn Kirby, Rentokil Initial
Stuart Green, Compliance Services International
Jon Gerlis, Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Partner perfect: How to work hand-in-hand with your local Environmental Health Department
Matt O'Donnell, iX5 Pest Control
Fergal Flynn, PPM Services
Katie Young, Beacon Compliance
Brian O'Donnell, Graham Pest Control
Buying and selling pest management companies (without getting stung)
Adrian Gough, Pest Risk Management Group
Caspar Appeldoorn, Pest Control Partnership
Henry Mott, Vergo
The hornet’s nest: Debating invasive yellow-legged (Asian) hornet control in the UK
Chris Venables, Venables Pest Control
Dan Etheridge, APHA
Simon Spratley, Bounty Pest Control
Lucie Chaumeton, BBKA
A rodent’s-eye view of trapping: What really works when chemicals aren’t an option?
Oliver Smith, Wildtrack Pro
Mick Hayward, Fen Pest Control
More TBC
Pest management in 2030: Challenges, opportunities and crystal balls
Tim Bloomer, Killgerm Chemicals
Natalie Bungay, PestForce
Daniel Schroeer, Futura
Gary Nicholas, Syngenta
Colin Harrison, Anticimex
Day two: Thursday 19 March
Resistance is not futile: Is insecticide resistance our next challenge?
Dr Ife Fagbohun, Archtech
Richard Faulkner, Envu
Martin Cobbald, Dealey Environmental
Dr Richard Naylor, Bed Bug Foundation
A pest controller’s best friend? Working animals in pest management
Simon Whitehead, Pakefield Ferrets
Angela Bigwood, A&M Hawk
Adam Juson, Merlin Environmental
New blood: How to bring in the next generation of pest professionals
Julia Pittman, Chair of BPCA EDI Committee
Stephen Jacob, Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture
Kylie Wright, Wright Environmental ServicesTony Hyland, DWP
Our survey says… Smarter surveying techniques for selling pest contracts
Elaine Bliss, PestFix
Jason Cholerton, CSS Pest
Darron Pearce, Rattraxs Pest Control
Mick Hayward, Fen Pest Control
Levelling-up to get ahead: Creating amazing pest control teams
Paul Bates, Cleankill
Chris Cagienard, Pest Solutions
Natalie Bungay, PestForce
Martin Rose-King, Bounty Pest Control
Bug-brained: Using insect physiology to get the best out of monitoring programmes
Tom Holmes, Inovus
Sam Thorpe, Predator Pest Solutions
Sophie Thorogood, Pelsis
Beth Hadfield, Check Services
Free to attend
All Spotlight Theatre sessions are free for registered PestEx visitors.
Lauren Day, PestEx Events Manager at BPCA, said:
“The Spotlight Theatre is where the industry gets talking. These sessions tackle real challenges and don’t shy away from difficult questions. If you care about where pest management is heading, this is where you’ll want to be!”
PestEx takes place on 18–19 March. The full Spotlight Theatre agenda is available online, and registration is now open.
Register for free
Source: Online