2024 Pest Control Trade Shows (Boost Your Business Growth)

Top Pest Control Trade Shows in 2024

Whether you’re growing a pest control business or maintaining your competitive edge as an established professional in an ever-changing industry, attending a pest control trade show is a smart investment of time and resources—and one your competitors are making. 

You’ll find solutions to your biggest challenges, discover the latest innovations, and take away new ideas to energize and position your business for success.

Pest control trade shows are a hub for discovering cutting-edge advancements in the industry. From business management software providers showcasing innovative solutions to equipment manufacturers unveiling their latest tools, these events offer a glimpse into the future of pest control.

You can network with industry experts and representatives, discover the latest solutions for you and your customers, and gain valuable practical tips through educational sessions and chats with fellow professionals.

To help you decide which pest control conferences to attend in 2024, we compiled a list of the top trade shows and seminars, including our own, Ignite!, in late summer. 

1. 2024 Eastern Conference

Date: January 18–19, 2024

Location: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, Atlantic City, N.J.

Cost: $380–$440 NPMA members, $435–$495 nonmembers

Click here for registration info

The National Pest Management Association’s Eastern Conference focuses on the latest research in the pest management industry, featuring in-depth management sessions, interactive training, and technical courses. Earn recertification credits, check out offerings from 35 suppliers, and network with other pest control professionals.

2. Wildlife Expo

Date: February 6–8, 2024

Location: Marriott Houston Westchase, Houston, Texas

Cost: $430–$530 NPMA members, $530–$630 nonmembers

Click here for registration info

The National Pest Management Association’s annual event focuses on wildlife animals and covers some pest control areas, such as flying squirrels. It is a good resource for pest control professionals interested in expanding into wildlife control as an add-on service. National Wildlife Control Operators Association training and certification courses are offered.

3. Legislative Day

Date: March 10–12, 2024

Location: Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C.

Cost: $250–$300

Click here for registration info

Join the National Pest Management Association leadership in the organization’s annual discussions with Congressional representatives. The group uses the time to educate leaders on the importance of pest control in protecting public safety, food, and property. It’s also a chance to network with industry leaders.

4. Purdue University Pest Management Virtual Conference

Date: March 18-21, 2024 (on-demand content available through March 29)

Location: Online

Cost: $125 per day or $295 for entire conference

Click here for registration info

Purdue University’s Department of Entomology has presented its pest control conference since 1937. The in-person event is in January, and for the first time, the virtual version launched during the pandemic has moved to a different date in March. It covers pest control methods, including the latest developments in chemicals, technology, regulations, ladder safety, and current migration patterns of regional pests. It also provides thought leadership on the role of pest control in public health today.

5. Great Western Conference & Expo

Date: March 27–28, 2024

Location: Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, Arizona

Cost: Early-bird rates, $115 for one day and $240 for two days

Click here for registration info

The Arizona Pest Professional Organization hosts two days of pest control programming covering specific species, business technology, and legal questions. The target audience includes pest control business owners and technicians.

6. Texas Pest Control Association Pest Expo

Date: June 24–26, 2024

Location: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas

Cost: TBA

Click here for registration info

Manufacturers and suppliers showcase their products and services at the largest industry event for pest control professionals in Texas, and attendees attend educational sessions focusing on business operations. Join pest control operators, technicians, manufacturers, suppliers, and other professionals nationwide at this must-see event.

7. National Pest Management Association Academy Conference

Date: July 16–18, 2024

Location: Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Orlando, Florida

Cost: TBA

Registration info will come at a later date.

NPMA's 29th Academy features three days of team-building. Attendees are grouped into teams to network, discuss opportunities and strategies, and compete against each other in fun challenges (mental and physical) to make lasting, memorable connections.

8. Aspire IGNITE! Client Conference

Date: Late summer 2024; date to be announced

Location: TBA

Cost: $795–$895 (2023 rates)

Click here for registration info

Presented as a partnership between Aspire and FieldRoutes, both Service Titan companies, this annual conference brings together customers, partners, and industry leaders for three days of educational sessions and networking opportunities. Learn how to mold Aspire and FieldRoutes business management software to your company’s needs to maximize success.

9. PestWorld

Date: October 22–25, 2024

Location: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, Colorado

Cost: TBA

Click here for registration info when it becomes available

The National Pest Management Association’s flagship event is a premier conference for pest management professionals and industry suppliers worldwide. It attracts more than 3,000 attendees from 50-plus countries and covers every significant area of the pest control industry. Pest control operators benefit from networking, collaborating, and gaining access to the latest information and solutions that build successful, cutting-edge businesses with high customer satisfaction. The event offers training and competency opportunities.

10. Entomology 2024

Date: November 10–13, 2024

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona

Cost: $505–$705 Entomological Society of America members; $785–$985 for non-ESA members

Registration opens March 1, 2024

The annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America presents the latest on insect science and technologies through symposiums, mini-workshops, and exhibitors, including pest-monitoring platforms and environmentally safe pest control products.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a Pest Control Trade Show?

Many professionals say the best part about attending a pest control trade show is networking and connecting with their community. A trade show is the best chance to:

• Talk to the industry’s top leaders

• See the latest offerings from pest control suppliers

• Compare notes with other pest control professionals

Trade show exhibitors, presenters, and attendees are all eager to share their knowledge and improve the profession. Some conferences also offer educational options to earn certification credits.

Best Practices for Networking at a Trade Show

Pest control trade shows can seem very large and overwhelming. With a full slate of educational breakout sessions every day and hundreds of companies set up on the exhibition floor, plus social events and spontaneous networking opportunities, you might find your head spinning and wish you could be in three places at once.

Here are some tips to make the most of your valuable trade show time.

Before the Show

• Most trade shows publish their program in advance and require registration for some breakout sessions. Watch for email announcements so you don’t miss any opportunities.

• Find out if your registration fee includes access to recorded sessions after the conference. Prioritize activities that are on-site only.

• Read the trade show program and choose your No. 1 priority each morning and afternoon. Think about your business goals for the coming year. Are you focusing on updating technology? Recruiting? Generating leads? Exploring franchise opportunities?

• Contact suppliers you would like to connect with and schedule meet-ups.

• Be a fan. If you plan to connect with a colleague, presenter, or supplier, look up their social media accounts for talking points and icebreakers. They’ll appreciate your knowledge about their work.

• Bring twice as many business cards as you think you’ll need.

• Try to limit the amount of work you take with you to avoid distractions. Plan ahead and delegate as much as possible.

• Add your information and photo to the event’s attendee guide. Download the mobile app.

At the Show

• Make a pass around the exhibit floor as early as possible and circle back for one-on-one conversations later.

• Note if the pest control exhibitors you’re most interested in have planned special demonstrations or other events.

• Talk to other attendees for suggestions on vendors and presenters not to miss. Ask what they are attending and why.

• Schedule downtime during the day to return to your room, drop off materials you’ve collected, revisit your agenda, check email, and recharge. Pace yourself for social events in the evening, where some of the best networking happens.

Post-Trade Show Strategies to Capitalize on Leads and Connections

• Before you leave the show, list the people you want to follow up with and why.

• Add reminders to your calendar to send new contacts a quick email—you’ll be busy catching up when you return to work and might forget.

• Follow new contacts on social media and comment on their posts about the trade show.

Learn More About Growing a Pest Control Business

Attending a trade show is a worthwhile investment for pest control professionals. It’s the best way to stay updated on fast-changing trends and innovations, find inspiration to grow your business, and make valuable connections with industry leaders and colleagues.

For more advice and tips on running and expanding a pest control business, visit the FieldRoutes blog page.