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