Virginia Pest Management Summit

 

 

Join us at the Virginia Pest Management Summit | Omni Richmond Hotel | November 10-12, 2026!
Innovate. Educate. Elevate.

The VPMA Pest Management Summit is a forward-looking event that brings together the best minds in pest management for learning, innovation, and collaboration.  Whether you are looking to enhance your professional skills, gain technical insights, or network with industry peers, this meeting is a must-attend. Enjoy two days of focused sessions on Business Management (11/10) and Technical Pest Management (11/11), with customizable registration options for your team.  The Exhibit Hall will be a hub of activity with over 30 vendors, live demonstrations, and shared meals. Register your team and experience learning, innovation, and collaboration and prepare to grow your business!

 

Registration for Summit 2026 Coming Late Summer

 

 

Registration for Summit 2026 Coming Late Summer

Customize your team's registration - pick and choose from the packages below.
Get Early Bird Rates through October 15th!
Pre-registration ends on November 3rd - After that prices increase by $25

Virginia Pest Management Summit Registration Packages

Packages

Includes

VPMA Member

Non-Member

Full Conference Package *

  • Exhibit Hall Happy Hour
  • President's Reception
  • Management Day Training
  • Technical Day Training

$378 thru 10/15
$404 from 10/16 - 11/3
$429 from 11/4-11/12

$414 thru 10/15
$440 from 10/16 - 11/3
$465 from 11/4-11/12

Management Day  Package *

  • Exhibit Hall Happy Hour
  • Management Day Training
  • President's Reception
$244 thru 10/15
$269 from 10/16 - 11/3
$294 from 11/4-11/12
$285 thru 10/15
$311 from 10/16 - 11/3
$336 from 11/4-11/12

Technical Day Training Only *

  • Technical Day Training
$145 thru 10/15
$170 from 10/16 - 11/3
$195 from 11/4-11/12
$187 thru 10/15
$212 from 10/16 - 11/3
$237 from 11/4-11/12

Pre-Conference Category 8 Prep Course 

  • Prep Course
  • VDACS Proctored Exam
  • Exhibit Hall Happy Hour
$90 thru 10/15
$100 from 10/16 - 11/3
$125 from 11/4 - 11/12
$130 thru 10/15
$140 from 10/16 - 11/3
$165 from 11/4 - 11/12

* Add Category 8 Prep Course to any package.

Add-Ons & Guest Tickets

VPMA Board Meeting

Sit in on this meeting and see your volunteer Board hard at work for the industry.

No Cost - Just RSVP 
on the registration form

No Cost - Just RSVP 
on the registration form

Exhibit Hall Happy Hour

Guest tickets are available for individuals not purchasing a package.
 

$45 thru 10/15
$50 from 10/16 - 11/3
$55 from 11/4 - 11/12

$45 thru 10/15
$50 from 10/16 - 11/3
$55 from 11/4 - 11/12

President's Reception

Guest tickets are available for individuals not purchasing a package and anyone attending the Technical Day Only.
 

$70 thru 10/15
$75 from 10/16 - 11/3
$80 from 11/4 - 11/12

$70 thru 10/15
$75 from 10/16 - 11/3
$80 from 11/4 - 11/12

Pre-Conference: Category 8 Prep Course & Exam

Simplifying Cat 8 Certification
November 11, 2025, 12:00 pm - 5:15 pm 
Omni Richmond Hotel

The Category 8 Prep Course prepares attendees to sit for the Category 8 exam by providing classroom instruction, vocabulary review, quizzes, and a Q&A session. VDACS will be on-site to proctor the actual exam at the conclusion of the Prep Course. Those who have secured an authorization to test letter from VDACS will be able to take the exam immediately after the course. Self-study materials will be provided to registrants to begin preparing for the exam shortly after registration.

Be sure to apply to take the Category 8 exam early so you will have your VDACS issued testing approval letter in hand on the day of the event. You can use this Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Application, but the fastest way to secure approval is through the VDACS online portal. If you need assistance gaining access to your account on the portal, please email office@vpmaonline.com and provide us with your name, birthdate, the last 4 of your social, and your certification number. 

Tuesday, November 11th - Pre-Conference: Category 8 Prep Course
12:00AM - 12:50PM  Pathogens and Vectors – Intro, Cockroaches, Flies Jeff Zeiber, ACE, Accel Pest and Termite Control LLC  
12:50PM - 1:45PM Mosquitoes and Ticks – Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Disease David Price, BCE, CMI, Mosquito Joe  
1:45PM - 2:00PM Break    
2:00PM - 2:50PM Vertebrate Vectors Marcus Johnson, Target-Specialty Products  
2:50PM - 3:40PM Surveillance and ULV Jon-Erik Escribano, Clarke  
3:40PM - 3:50PM Break    
3:50PM - 4:15PM Questions and Review    
4:15PM - 5:15PM Administration of Exam by VDACS    

Virginia Pest Management Summit Agenda from 2026

An Agenda Built to Innovate, Educate, and Elevate Your Team! Take a look at last year's agenda to get an idea of the types of sessions offered...

 
Tuesday, November 10th - Pre-Conference Events  
9:30AM - 11:00AM  VPMA Board Meeting - guests are welcome to attend Potomac Room    
11:00AM - 6:00PM Registration James River Foyer    
11:00AM - 4:30PM Sponsor & Exhibitor Set-Up James River Foyer & Ballroom    
12:00PM - 5:15 PM Category 8 Prep Course and Exam Meeting Room TBD    
6:00PM - 8:00PM

Dine Around Richmond - small group dinner reservations at some of Richmond's finest restaurants. Sign up required.

     
Wednesday, November 11th - Management Day Schedule  

 

 
7:30AM - 8:15AM Registration, Breakfast & Exhibits Top of the Grand, James River Foyer/Salons AB    
8:15AM - 8:45AM Welcome, Sponsor Introductions and Keynote James River Ballroom Shannon Harlow-Ellis, VPMA President   
8:45AM - 9:45AM Session I James River Ballroom Kemp Anderson, Kemp Anderson Consulting  
9:45AM - 10:05AM Break & Exhibits James River Foyer/Salons AB    
10:10AM - 11:05AM Scaling Smarter: Building the Leadership to Grow Your Business James River Salon CD Cody Barbour, Baton  
11:05AM - 12:00PM From Policy to Practice: Navigating Today’s Regulatory Landscape in Pest Management James River Salon CD Heather King-Alonso, BCE, Target-Specialty Products  
12:00PM - 1:00PM Lunch  Potomac Room    
1:00PM - 1:30PM VPMA Annual Meeting  Potomac Room    
1:30PM - 2:00PM Dessert in the Exhibit Hall James River Foyer/Salons AB    
2:00PM - 2:55 PM The 18-Month AI Roadmap: A Practical Guide + Case Studies James River Salon CD Madi Allen, xrai labs  
3:05PM - 4:05PM Answer Fast, Sell Smart: Inside Sales for Pest Control Success James River Salon CD Panel moderated by David Price; panelists: Andrea Brubaker, Margaret Garcia, and  Mickey Thomas   
4:10PM - 5:00PM Saving the Cancel: Turning Customer Loss into Loyalty James River Salon CD Mickey Thomas, Arrow Exterminators  
5:00PM - 6:30PM President's Reception  - Cocktails, social time and pre-gaming in the exhibit hall James River Foyer & Ballroom    
Thursday, November 12th - Technical Day Schedule  

Recertification Credits Available on the Technical Day:  Recertification Credits have been applied for in VA in categories 7a– General Pest,  7b – Wood-Destroying Pests, 8 – Public Health Pests, and 60 – Registered Tech in Virginia, and the corresponding categories in MD, WV, DC, NC, TN, PA, and KY.

 
7:15AM - 8:15AM Registration, Breakfast & Exhibits Top of the Grand, James River Foyer/Salons AB    
8:15AM - 8:30AM Welcome & Introductions James River Salon CD John Reid, VPMA President  
8:30AM - 9:40AM Transforming Service Professionals into Selling Technicians James River Salon CD Keynote by Glenn Glover with panel following Moderated by Shannon-Harlow-Ellis, ACE; panelists: Kyle Franklin, John Singletary, ACE  
9:40AM - 10:05AM Break & Exhibits James River Foyer/Salons AB  
10:05AM - 10:55AM Spider Biology & Control (cat 7a) James River Salon CD Desiree Straubinger, BCE, BASF  
10:05AM - 10:55AM Commercial Pest Control (cat 7a) Shenandoah David Moore, BCE, Dodson Pest Control  
11:05AM - 11:55AM Protecting Structures from Moisture and Fungi (cat 7b) James River Salon CD Jeff Lloyd, Ph.D., Nisus Corp  
11:05AM - 11:55AM Understanding Bed Bugs (cat 7a) Shenandoah  Morgan Wilson, Ph.D., Fox Pest Control  
11:55AM - 1:10PM Lunch Potomac Room  
1:20PM - 2:10PM Staying Ahead of the Bite: Mosquito Management Strategies for Today’s Vector-Borne Threats (cat 8) (required session for cat 8 recert credits) James River Salon CD Jon-Erik Escribano, Clarke  
1:20PM - 2:10PM Stinging Insects Uncovered: Identification, Risks, and IPM Solutions (cat 7a) Shenandoah Heather King-Alonso, BCE, Target-Specialty Products  
2:20PM - 3:10PM Cockroaches and Silverfish…Gotta Love ‘em (cat 7a) James River Salon CD Daniel Dye, for Control Solutions Inc.  
2:20PM - 3:10PM WDI Wood Boring Beetles (cat 7b) Shenandoah John Singletary, ACE, Nisus Corp  
3:10PM - 3:30PM Break James River Foyer    
3:30PM -  4:15PM Protecting Public Health, Food, and Property: The Role and Responsibility of the Pest Control Industry (cat 7a) James River Salon CD Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., PPMA & NPMA  
4:15PM - 5pm Pest Professionalism from the Regulatory Standpoint (required session for recert credits) James River Salon CD Eric Pratt, OPS, VDACS  

 

Hotel

Conference Site and Accommodations

Home to the Virginia Pest Management Summit!Omni Richmond

Omni Richmond Hotel
100 S 12th St,
Richmond, VA 23219

This hotel provides us with ample space for learning, networking, and socializing. A block of rooms have been set aside for conference attendees at the rate of $178+ tax and fees for Single or Double rooms. The discounted rate will be honored through October 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm., or until the block sells out. Book early!

VPMA Reservation Booking Link

Reservation Guarantees and Changes: Attendees can guarantee reservations with a valid major credit card, which will be supplied at the time of reservation. Any guaranteed reservation that is cancelled less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival will be subject to one (1) night guestroom plus tax cancellation fee. In the event an Attendee within the Room Block checks out prior to the Attendee's reserved checkout date, Hotel will add an early departure fee in the amount equal to one night guestroom and tax to that Attendee's individual account.

 

Virginia Pest Management Summit

An Exciting Vendor Opportunity to Exhibit & Connect with Virginia PMPs

Dates: November 10 - 11, 2026
Omni Richmond Hotel, 100 South 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219

Sponsor and Exhibitor Information & Registration

VPMA is proud to present the 21st Annual Virginia Pest Management Summit — a meeting designed to create meaningful connections between industry suppliers and Virginia’s pest management leaders.

Here’s what makes this event worth your investment:

  • Connect with the Decision Makers – Day One is focused on business management and draws company owners, managers and other key decision makers from across Virginia.
  • Reach the Entire Team – Day Two adds technicians and field professionals for a full day of technical education, expanding your opportunity to connect with attendees at every level of the company.
  • Quality Access — Not Just a Bigger Crowd – With attendance reaching approximately 220 PMPs, the Summit offers an environment where vendors can have real conversations, strengthen existing relationships and develop new ones.
  • Be Part of Pest Fest & Casino Night! – One of the Summit’s most popular networking events is back! Casino Night returns during Pest Fest, giving vendors and PMPs a fun, relaxed setting to connect after the educational program. Premium Sponsors receive prominent signage on the gaming tables.
  • More Time to Build Relationships – Exhibits, receptions, breaks and social events are intentionally designed to keep vendors and attendees together throughout the Summit — while evenings still allow time to host customers for dinner.
  • Elevate Your Visibility – Premier and Gold Sponsorships provide added recognition before, during and beyond the Summit. Premium opportunities are limited, so secure your sponsorship early.

Now that you know what makes the Summit special, how will YOU participate?

Whether you choose a sponsorship or an exhibit package, VPMA is committed to helping you make meaningful connections with Virginia’s pest management professionals.

  • Sponsors receive added visibility, on-site recognition and promotional benefits that extend beyond the conference.
  • Exhibitors receive a budget-friendly way to put their company in front of owners, managers, technicians and other industry professionals throughout the Summit.
  • Every vendor matters to the success of the Virginia Pest Management Summit, and we work hard to create an exhibit experience that gives you real opportunities to connect.

Explore the packages below and choose the level that best fits your goals and budget.

Virginia Pest Management Summit Vendor Participation

Premier Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Exhibitor

VPMA Member Registration Fee
$1,865
$1,550
$1,035
Non-Member Registration Fee
$2,125
$1,810
$1,295
Booth placement -  all vendor booths include Table Top Exhibit Space in the Exhibit Hall. Premier Central
Placement 
Premium Perimeter Placement  Pre-conference Area Placement
Representative Tickets - Conference Registration (including meals), President's Cocktail Recaption, PestFest & Casino Night and Lunch both days. 2 Reps 2 Reps 1 Rep, Add'l Rep Ticket $345
Vendor Directory Listing - your contact information will be shared with attendees in the Conference Program X X X
President's Cocktail Reception hosted by VPMA President Shannon Harlow-Ellis on Nov. 11, 6:00 - 6:45 pm in the Exhibit Hall X X X
Casino Night - special signage on gaming tables during PestFest & Casino Night on Nov. 11, 6:45 pm - 10:00 pm   X    
Mic Time - make a quick 3-5 minute intro of yourself, your company and product/service to attendees prior to introducing a speaker on the Business Management Day. Specific sessions will be assigned to you by VPMA. X    
Roll-up Banner placement next to mainstage in the main meeting room. X    
Summit Speaker Introductions - our sponsors have the honor of introducing our session speakers. We will assign a speaker to you and provide a written introduction which will be in your sponsor packet. X X  
Recognition on all conference promotional materials and signage, plus year-long recognition at all VPMA training events through July 2027, including WDI, Master Tech, ACE, STM Admin Conference and Webinars. X X  
Banner Ad on VPMA Website - enjoy year-long recognition front and center on the homepage of VPMAonline.com. X X  
Complimentary ad in the electronic Virginia Pest Management Summit Conference Program. X X  
Invitation to present at VPMA General Recertification Webinars (technical topics). X X  
 
A la carte Sponsorships - available to any vendor registered for the Virginia Pest Management Summit Cost # Available Benefit
Breakfast Sponsor $300 4 available Signage on breakfast and coffee buffets, recognition and logo placement in electronic program
Break Sponsors $200 4 2 available Signage on break table, recognition and logo placement in electronic program
Lunch Table Sponsors on Management Day $300 8 available Signage on lunch table, logo placement in electronic program, invitation to have lunch as host of your table.
AV Sponsor $500 2 available Logo placement on recognition slides, logo placement in electronic program
President's Reception Sponsor $500 4 Signage on bar and cocktail rounds, and logo on cocktail napkins if secured by Oct. 15.
Category 8 Prep Course Sponsor - preconference 5 hour prep course and exam for category 8. $250 4 available Logo placement on Intro slides and printed agenda, and inclusion in promotional materials.

 

Follow these links for additional information:

Conference Site & Accommodations

Exhibitor Events & Timeline

Important Exhibitor Information

By registering to be an exhibitor or sponsor at the 2026 Virginia Pest Management Summit, each company and all of their representatives present agree to the following:

• The exhibitor assumes the entire responsibility and liability for losses, damages, and claims arising out of the exhibitor’s activities on the Omni Richmond Hotel premises and will indemnify, defend and hold harmless VPMA, the the Omni, their agents, servants and employees from any and all such losses, damages and claims.
• Each exhibitor agrees to represent his/her booth throughout the Virginia Pest Management Summit, beginning Tuesday, November 10th at 5:00 pm through 10:05 am (exhibitors) or Noon (sponsors) on Thursday, November 12th.
• Each table-top exhibit space will include a table and one chair (upon request). Please be considerate of traffic flow and other exhibitors’ visibility. VPMA reserves the right to request that any materials causing an obstruction be removed.
• VPMA and the Omni Richmond Hotel cannot ensure the security of items left unattended in the exhibit areas. Please be sure to remove all valuables from your booth when it is unattended.
• Allied members who wish to market and promote their company’s services should register as a Sponsor or Exhibitor. Attendee registration is intended for PMP companies and staff only.
• The vendor agrees to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times during the conference.