2026 Summer Conference

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Sunday, June 7

Subject to change

Invitation only

Presidents Reception and Exhibitor Welcome

All attendees

Time

Central

Monday, June 8

Subject to change

All attendees

Session 1: Termite Identification and Behavior

Presented by Marci Downing, Corteva

This presentation provides pest management professionals with essential knowledge of termite identification and behavior to support accurate inspections and effective control strategies. Participants will learn to distinguish termite species and castes, recognize key signs of infestation, and understand colony dynamics and environmental factors that influence termite activity. Emphasis is placed on practical application in the field, particularly in the Southeastern U.S. By connecting behavior patterns to treatment approaches, this session enhances decision-making, improves outcomes, and supports long-term prevention efforts.

Session 2: Bed Bugs

Presented by Aaron Ashbrook, Louisiana State University, Department of Agriculture

This presentation introduces bed bug identification, behavior, and prevention for pest management professionals and the public. Participants will learn how to recognize bed bug life stages, understand their nocturnal habits and hiding places, and identify common signs of infestation. The course also covers inspection strategies, travel-related prevention, and integrated pest management approaches that support early detection and effective control. Emphasis is placed on practical, real-world application to help reduce infestations and improve response decisions.

Session 3: Rodent Control

Presented by Claudia Riegel, City of New Orleans, LA

This presentation covers urban rodent control with an emphasis on practical, city-based management strategies. Participants will learn about common urban rodent species, their behavior, signs of activity, and the conditions that allow infestations to persist. The course highlights integrated pest management tools such as sanitation, exclusion, trapping, baiting, surveillance, and code enforcement, with a focus on long-term suppression rather than one-time treatment. Special attention is given to the role of municipal programs in coordinating public education, inspections, and targeted control efforts to improve community health and reduce rodent activity.

Session 4: Vector Control

Presented by Claudia Riegel, City of New Orleans, LA

This presentation introduces vector control as a public health strategy for reducing disease risk and nuisance pests in urban settings. Participants will learn how vectors are identified, how surveillance guides control decisions, and how integrated management combines source reduction, habitat modification, biological tools, and targeted pesticide use. The course also highlights the importance of public education, community reporting, and coordination among local agencies. Special attention is given to city programs that address mosquitoes and other vectors through proactive, data-driven efforts designed to protect residents and improve quality of life.

Time

Central

Tuesday, June 9

Subject to change

All attendees

Session 5: Entomology 101: Technical Training in Entomology

Presented by Bob Davis, BASF

This course explores the importance of insects to society, beginning with an overview of their evolutionary success. It covers key topics such as insect morphology, including body regions and structures, as well as both internal and external anatomy and physiology, including the exoskeleton and major systems such as circulatory, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, and digestive. Participants will also learn about insect protective mechanisms, classification and taxonomy, and the various insect orders and life cycles. In addition, the course examines how pest control professionals interact with specific areas and functions within target species. The presentation is enhanced with high-definition videos and images to support visual learning and improve comprehension.

Session 6: Label Alert: Navigating Pesticide Label Changes, Impacts & Compliance (General Law)

Presented by Bob Davis, BASF

This course provides an overview of the different types of federal pesticide labels, with a primary focus on Section 3 labels. It examines recent changes to pyrethroid labels, including updates related to exterior treatments, termite applications, and bee health, as well as revisions to neonicotinoid labels aimed at promoting pollinator safety. The course also discusses the practical impacts of these changes and outlines methods pest management professionals (PMPs) can use to continue delivering services while complying with label requirements. Attendees will review examples of both compliant and non-compliant treatments, and sample labels will be provided for reference throughout the presentation.

Session 7: Formosan and Asian Termites

Presented by Marci Downing, Corteva

This presentation covers the identification, biology, and control of Formosan and Asian subterranean termites, two highly destructive invasive pests. Participants will learn how to distinguish these species, recognize signs of infestation, and understand the behaviors that make them difficult to manage. The course also reviews practical control strategies such as baiting, soil treatments, inspection, and monitoring. By focusing on species-specific traits and field-relevant decision-making, the session helps attendees improve detection, reduce damage, and apply more effective termite management practices.

Session 8: Fire Ants

Presented by Aaron Ashbrook, Louisiana State University, Department of Agriculture

This presentation covers fire ant identification, behavior, and control with an emphasis on practical management in residential and community settings. Participants will learn how to recognize fire ant mounds and colonies, understand their aggressive behavior and preferred habitats, and identify situations that increase sting risk. The course also reviews integrated control options such as baiting, mound treatments, and the two-step method, along with basic prevention and monitoring practices. By connecting fire ant biology to treatment decisions, the session supports more effective and safer long-term control.

Awards Reception

All attendees

Time

Central

Wednesday, June 10

Subject to change

All attendees

Session 9: Cockroaches

Presented by Chris Keefer, Syngenta

This presentation covers cockroach identification, behavior, and integrated control for pest management professionals. Participants will learn how to recognize common pest species, understand where cockroaches hide and why they thrive, and use monitoring tools to assess infestation levels. The session also reviews practical control strategies such as sanitation, exclusion, baiting, and targeted treatments, with attention to resistance management and product rotation. By linking biology and behavior to treatment decisions, the course supports more effective cleanouts and long-term cockroach suppression.

Session 10: Perimeter Pest Control with a Focus on Ants

Presented by Chris Keefer, Syngenta

This presentation explains how perimeter pest control can be used to prevent and manage ant infestations around homes and other structures. Participants will learn how ant behavior, nesting habits, and exterior conditions influence entry into buildings, and how inspection supports better treatment decisions. The session reviews integrated pest management tools such as sanitation, exclusion, baiting, and targeted perimeter treatments, with emphasis on using the right approach for the site and species involved. The course highlights practical steps that reduce ant pressure and improve long-term prevention.