September 2026 Newsletter 
Newsletters
September 2026 Newsletter
September is here, and fall is right around the corner! As we wrap up another busy Iowa summer, the Iowa Pest Management Association would like to wish all of our members and their hardworking teams a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.
This month, we are turning much of our attention toward the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference. November will be here before we know it, and we have an outstanding lineup of speakers, education, networking, exhibitors, continuing education opportunities, and activities planned.
If you have not registered yet, now is the time!
2026 IPMA Annual Conference
November 12-13, 2026
FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway
Ankeny, Iowa 50023
The IPMA Annual Conference brings pest management professionals, owners, managers, technicians, manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners together for two days of education and industry connection.
Thursday, November 12
Conference: 1:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Thursday's program is designed especially for owners, managers, and industry leaders, with topics focusing on the future of our businesses and industry.
Following the day's sessions, join us for the Vendor Reception from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery. Enjoy food, refreshments, networking, and plenty of time to connect with exhibitors, manufacturers, sponsors, and fellow pest management professionals.
Friday, November 13
Conference: 7:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday is designed for all pest management professionals and includes a full day of technical education, industry updates, vendor interaction, and continuing education opportunities.
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 IPMA CONFERENCE
An Outstanding Speaker Lineup
We are excited to bring an incredible group of speakers and industry professionals to Ankeny this November.
They include:
- Pest Control Marketing in 2027: How to Win in AI Search presented by Coalmarch
- Artificial Intelligence Part 1 with Madison Bossom
- Artificial Intelligence Part 2: Panel Discussion with Joel Miller, Andy Smith, and Nick Fugate, moderated by Evan Alderman
- Rodents: A Multi-Faceted Public Health Pest with Laura Rosenwald, NPMA
- Ten Cryptic Mosquito Breeding Hotspots with Stan Cope, Rose Pest Solutions
- Ticks: Health Concerns and Controls with Kevin Moran, Forshaw
- NPMA Update with Laura Rosenwald
- PPE and Safe Handling, Pesticide Storage & Chemical Security with Kevin Moran
- Termites: Understanding Biology, Behavior and Treatments with Jamel Sandidge, NISUS
- Bedbugs: Good Business, Even Better Dinner Conversation with Nick Godfroid, Rockwell Labs
- Professionalism and Effective Communication panel discussion with Brian Smith, Robert Boyle, and Emily Curtis, moderated by Evan Alderman
We will be highlighting these speakers individually on our social media pages over the next several weeks, so be sure to follow along!
Earn Iowa CIC Credit
Conference education is not only a great opportunity to learn and connect with other professionals. It can also help fulfill your continuing education requirements.
Attendees can earn 2 hours of Iowa Pesticide Applicator CIC credit on Friday for commercial categories:
- 7A
- 7B
- 7D
- 8
Illinois attendees may also earn up to five total CEU credits, with one available Thursday and four available Friday.
Don't Forget to Book Your Hotel
Traveling to Ankeny for the conference? IPMA has lodging options available for attendees and exhibitors.
Residence Inn Des Moines Ankeny
1515 SW Main Street
Ankeny, Iowa 50023
Tru by Hilton Ankeny
Ankeny, Iowa
Important: The Tru by Hilton IPMA room block has an October 12 cutoff. Reserve your room early!
Hotel reservation links are available directly on the IPMA conference page.
Silent Auction Donations Needed
The IPMA Silent Auction is returning for 2026!
Proceeds benefit the IPMA Scholarship Fund, helping support the next generation connected to Iowa's pest management industry.
Companies and industry partners are encouraged to donate products, services, gift baskets, or other items for the auction. Donations may be brought to the registration desk when you arrive at the conference.
Come ready to bid, have some fun, and help us invest in the future!
Help Us Give Back
IPMA will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys during the conference for our annual community toy drive.
If you would like to participate, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy with you to the conference. Donation and drop-off information will be available at registration.
Calling All Vendors & Industry Partners
Vendor and exhibitor registration is open!
The IPMA Annual Conference provides an excellent opportunity to connect directly with pest management professionals and decision-makers from Iowa and neighboring states.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. Sponsorships include additional recognition and visibility before and during the conference.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available through November 1.
Industry Update: New NPMA Food Safety Standards
The National Pest Management Association recently announced its 2026 Pest Management Standards for Food Processing & Handling Facilities.
According to NPMA, this is the first major revision to the standards since 2016. The updated standards reflect current integrated pest management practices and pest control technologies.
For IPMA members who service food processing, food handling, or other food-related facilities, this is an important industry update to have on your radar.
Visit NPMA for the latest industry news and resources.
Swinging Into Fall: Spiders & Rodents Are on the Move
The temperatures may still feel like summer, but fall pest season is approaching quickly.
As temperatures begin to drop, pest management professionals can expect increasing pressure from spiders, rodents, and other occasional invaders seeking shelter indoors.
Now is a great time to remind customers about exclusion, sealing potential entry points, reducing harborage around structures, and addressing pest activity before colder weather arrives.
NPMA is also reminding pest management professionals to prepare for the predictable fall increase in calls involving spiders and other occasional invaders.
Interested in Serving on the IPMA Board?
There is still time to apply for the IPMA Board of Directors.
Board service is an opportunity to help guide the association, develop educational opportunities, plan events, support advocacy efforts, and bring new ideas to Iowa's pest management community.
Board applications are due October 1.
If you have been thinking about becoming more involved with IPMA, we encourage you to apply!
Happy Labor Day!
As we celebrate Labor Day, we want to recognize the hardworking pest management professionals who protect Iowa homes, businesses, food facilities, schools, and communities every day.
It has been another hot and busy summer, and we appreciate the dedication of our members and their employees throughout the state.
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day and a successful start to the fall season!
We'll See You in November!
The countdown is officially on. We hope you will join us November 12-13 in Ankeny for the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference.
Come for the education. Stay for the networking. Meet our vendors. Bid in the Silent Auction. Earn continuing education credit. Reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the industry.
Don't wait until November to register!
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 IPMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
November 12-13, 2026 | Ankeny, Iowa