The Pest Management Professional (PMP) Growth Summit provided attendees plenty of networking opportunities to build and fortify friendships. Since 2017, leaders of pest control companies with revenue of $1 million or more spend two-and-a-half days at the Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, Fla. This year, PMP welcomed 15 partner companies to meet with 38 attendees from 28 companies and share proven and new solutions designed to boost revenue.
During dinner, on the golf course and at breakfast, pest management professionals (PMPs) and partner company representatives connected to discuss their pest control experiences, share tips for growth and offer tried-and-true advice.
Key takeaways
- Strategic networking: One-on-one meetings and social events like golf scrambles facilitate lasting professional connections and the exchange of growth strategies.
- Operational excellence: Industry leaders emphasize hiring for core values and morals over technical skills alone, as technical knowledge can be taught.
- Customer and employee focus: Success is driven by “loyalty departments” for retention and family-oriented cultures that offer flexibility and unique incentives for staff.
- Regulatory Foresight: Proactive education on public health and preparing for tightening rodenticide regulations are critical for future business stability.
Non-stop networking and expert guidance
Shortly after arriving, attendees gathered for an orientation where Marty Whitford, group director and VP of content for PMP’s parent company, North Coast Media, welcomed them. After a video preview, 15 partner companies were given 8 minutes each to showcase their products, setting the stage for deeper individual meetings.
The networking continued through a welcome reception at the Eleven rooftop restaurant and pool, hosted by CSI. Beyond the formal ballroom, attendees engaged in one-on-one suite meetings to explore products that help grow revenue and tackle challenging pests. New this year, the “Meet the Editors” lounge allowed professionals to discuss the PestControlU.net online training program directly with the editorial team.
Strategies for customer loyalty
During the moderated roundtables, industry leaders shared that financial concerns are often just the “easiest” excuse for cancellations. To combat this, some companies have established dedicated “loyalty departments” that use scripts to uncover the real issues and work with customers to find solutions.
Others highlighted the power of the front-line technician. Relationships built by “John Smith,” who knows the names of a client’s pets, are much harder to sever. Innovative marketing, such as social-media-focused campaigns and ensuring review requests are sent within 10 minutes of service, has also shown to significantly increase engagement.
Building a stronger team culture
Hiring was a major theme, with experts agreeing that while pest control can be taught, morals and core values cannot. Some firms utilize “hire-athons” for instant gratification, allowing applicants to interview and be hired on the same day to reduce the high rate of no-shows.
Retention is being addressed through points-based incentive systems where top performers can win cruises, or through a “family culture” that provides catered meals to employees with new children. The consensus remains: trust your technicians and avoid “breathing down their necks” to foster a healthy work environment.
Navigating pests and regulations
The summit also addressed the vital role of PMPs in public health. Educators noted that many customers are unaware of the health impacts of infestations until they are shown the reality of their situation. High-quality service and efficacy remain the primary drivers for product selection, even as chemical prices fluctuate.
Looking ahead, the industry is preparing for more stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding rodenticides. Professionals are shifting focus toward exclusion solutions — identifying and eliminating entry points — as a “mission critical” service to offset potential limits on traditional control materials.
For more detailed insights from the 2026 PMP Growth Summit, visit our individual coverage pieces:
- Two Days of non-stop networking
- Meet the Partners
- Customers roundtable
- Employees roundtable
- Obstacles & Opportunities
- Pests & Public Health / Rodents
<p>The post 2026 PMP Growth Summit: Networking and strategies for success first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2026-pmp-growth-summit-highlights/
Sacramento CA
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