PPC115 | PestEx 2024 round-up
With over 150m² of additional floor space, more exhibitors than ever and a huge array of networking opportunities, seminars, panel debates and more, the two-day event attracted delegates from across the UK – and the world – to ExCel London in March.
The event was officially opened by Paul Scully MP, former Minister for Small Business.
Mr Scully was among the first visitors to enter the exhibition hall, which quickly filled with the buzz of people meeting old friends, making new acquaintances and networking with exhibitors and visitors alike.
He said: “I was really delighted to open PestEx 2024 for the BPCA. The Association is one voice for the sector and brings together all of that collective learning into one space. There’s plenty for small businesses to be excited about here in the UK, and in terms of pest control there’s so much technology that can help small businesses and allow technicians to get on with their frontline job.”
Exhibitors
One of the key elements of any expo is ensuring a varied mix of exhibitors, and this year’s PestEx offered exactly that. Set around a central refreshments area, sponsored by Bell Laboratories, PestEx 2024 offered visitors a huge amount of information and advice, with a great mix of manufacturers and suppliers alongside regulatory bodies and government agencies, support services, member benefit providers and industry publications.
Matthew Solo, Sanitation Manager for Tate and Lyle Sugars, was a big fan of the event. He said: “I love it. I was looking around for something quite specific, and I’ve already found some options for that and discovered some new stuff, so it’s all good.
“Events like this are important for the industry. It allows us to meet like-minded people, suppliers, manufacturers, all in one place and see the different options that are available rather than finding one brand and not seeing what’s comparable in the marketplace.”
Alongside the latest products and innovations, delegates were also able to discover new ideas and techniques and observe – or even take part in – some impressive demonstrations.
1env Solutions celebrated 10 years of supporting the UK pest control industry with a smart product showcase, while envu’s eye-catching balloons and demonstration bed – complete with some very large bed bugs – attracted clusters of onlookers throughout the event.
Visitors could also try their hands at an air rifle simulation - or even sit for a cartoonist who created individual ‘pest portraits’!
Lodi UK marked its 20th anniversary as a BPCA supporter – and the gang certainly pulled out all the stops, bringing a ‘pestival’ vibe to the exhibition. In the company of The Grain Beetles, Elvis Pestly and The Mice Girls, it was all ‘pun’ and games, along with some stellar giveaways and special show discounts – including prizes for those who snagged a selfie with Razzle the mascot.
Lodi wasn’t the only one bringing a party vibe. Defender Bird Spikes unveiled a huge ice pigeon on its stand, which turned out to be doubly impressive as it included a vodka luge!
In addition to the fun and the latest products on the market, exhibitors included information and support agencies such as the Bed Bug Foundation, Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Royal Society for Public Health.
Mike Ayers, MD Precision Pest Management and BPCA Vice-President said: “I’ve seen some interesting new developments that I think will be helpful for our business; I’ve caught up with lots of old friends, and the atmosphere is buzzing. I’m enjoying it and learning a lot.”
Among the awareness organisations at the show was the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), which was on hand with plenty of information and advice, including copies of the CRRU UK Code of Best Practice. RSPH, International Pest Control magazine, Rodenticide Resistance Action Group (RRAG), and others also provided bedtime reading to take away.
“I’ve caught up with lots of old friends, and the atmosphere is buzzing. I’m enjoying it and learning a lot.”
Seminars and talks
With two seminar theatres running packed agendas across both days, delegates had ample opportunities to learn something new. Visitors who included their CPD number online or when checking in to the registration point, sponsored by Pelsis, could also get their lanyards scanned for CPD points to be automatically added when attending lectures or discussions.
In the Technical Theatre, presentations covered key topics, including pest control and mental health, how pest control can protect public health and the current situation on Asian hornets, which was a hit with Andrew Rose from Bounty Pest Control.
He said: “It’s important to keep in the loop. There have been some great talks on Asian hornets and rat behaviour – and it’s good CPD points. It’s absolutely brilliant.”
Sponsored by Advion Syngenta – which also had a larger-than-life ant and cockroach team roaming the hall - the Technical Theatre was also the venue for the BPCA Member Awards as the first day of PestEx drew to a close.
Meanwhile, in the Spotlight Theatre, sponsored by PestFix, the first day of the expo was dedicated to a series of Big Debate panel discussions on subjects including insect resistance, social media and marketing, post-EU chemical regulation, behavioural resistance, digital pest control and AI.
David Bryden from GP Environmental was at PestEx with colleague John McCartney. David said, “It’s good to meet new people, network a bit and get some experience. It’s a positive and informative atmosphere.
“I’ve been to the social media talk and got the tips I need to go forward with that.”
Networking
Every stand, debate and presentation offered food for thought, and a brief pitstop in the central coffee lounge was enough to see that delegates had plenty of thoughts on what they had seen and heard over the two days.
It was also clear that some new friendships had been forged and business contacts made. Mandy Haggar from Tudor Pest Control appreciated a chat over coffee. She said: “It’s great to have the chance to network with other pest control technicians. The atmosphere’s very friendly and everyone is very talkative and approachable.”
For those who couldn’t make it to London for the event itself, the networking continued online, with BPCA, exhibitors, speakers, and visitors sharing their thoughts and photos on social media.
After a busy two days, which also included BPCA’s member meeting, we checked in with BPCA’s events team. They revealed they had spent 14 hours setting up the exhibition hall ahead of the event opening, with 20 of the BPCA Staff team in attendance throughout the event. Then, they had to dismantle the show in just five hours after the last visitor left at the end of the second day.
With a 10% increase in visitor numbers this year – including delegates from 62 different countries – it’s safe to say that PestEx was, without doubt, a resounding success.
PestEx in numbers
PPC Live 2025
Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate
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