On 14 March 2018, the public health pest control sector got together in Malvern, Worcestershire for BPCA’s tradeshow, PPC Live.
With a mix of British and international exhibitors, PPC Live brought together the pest management visitors from around the UK.
Technicians, business owners and specialists visited over 50 stands and participated in seminars and outdoor demonstrations over the one-day event.
With record pre-registration numbers and a final visitor count of 380 guests (not including the numerous exhibitors), PPC Live 2018 was a day not to be missed.
PPC Live has really grown this year. When we got to the big empty space, it was a little daunting, but the exhibitors did a fantastic job of filling the space with their incredible stands. There was a good buzz in the exhibitor’s halls, and the visitors got a chance to meet some really interesting people on the day.
Lauren Day, BPCA Events Manager
Highlights from the day included Rentokil’s Savvas Othon talking about the future of pest control in light of new technological advancements in smart devices and “the internet of things”.
Clive Boase gave a fantastic talk on pesticide resistance and its effect on the daily practice of the pest management company in his “back to basics” seminar.
The outdoor demonstrations were well attended.
Falconry, drones, and moleing techniques were showcased in the Three Counties Showground beautiful outdoor space underneath the picturesque Malvern Hills.
Two of the scheduled outdoor demonstrators had car troubles on the day, but fortunately, they were both covered.
The Airgun Training and Education Organisation lead the demonstration on air rifle safety, empowering pest controllers to stay the right side of the law.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstration was saved by the official PPC Live photographer, Clark Smith-Stanley (Profile Studios), who happened to have his commercial drone with him.
While Clark demonstrated the drone, BPCA Technical Manager, Dee Ward-Thompson and BPCA Membership Manager, Kevin Higgins, told the audience how they could apply this technology to their everyday practice.
Garry Leek, from Pestforce, went home with a brand-new Xbox One and the title of PPC Live Van of the Year for his meticulously well-organised pest control van.
BPCA received plenty of visitors to the stand, with many members taking the opportunity to learn how to access new benefits such as the member’s PrintShop and Contract Sharing Network.
The Staff team spoke to members and prospective members about the value of being a part of BPCA, as well as giving out countless UV torches to anyone who signed up for a PPC Magazine, joined the Affiliate Scheme, or booked onto a training programme.
The Training team spoke to lots of professionals looking to get ahead in their careers.
We’d like to thank all the sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and visitors for getting together at PPC Live 2018 and making the event truly special.
A feedback survey will be going out shortly. A full review of PPC Live will be available in PPC magazine (issue 91).
If you have any comments or photographs from your time at PPC Live 2018, please share them with us at events@bpca.org.uk.
If you’re interested in exhibiting at BPCA’s next tradeshow, PestEx 2019, please contact our events team on events@bpca.org.uk or call 01332 225 111.