September 2026 Updates | Meet Iowa's New spar: Andy Smith

September is here, and the countdown to the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference is officially on! This month, we're continuing to prepare for our biggest event of the year while also sharing an exciting leadership update for Iowa's pest management industry.

IPMA Board member Andy Smith is taking on a new role as Iowa's State Policy & Regulatory Representative, or SPAR, with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Keep reading to learn more about Andy's new role and how he will help represent professional pest management in Iowa.

The 2026 IPMA Annual Conference Is Getting Closer!

November will be here before we know it! Join the Iowa Pest Management Association for the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference on November 12-13 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

This year's conference will bring pest management professionals, owners, managers, technicians, manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners together for education, professional development, networking, vendor displays, continuing education opportunities, and more.

Thursday's program will focus on owners and managers, followed by an evening reception. Friday will feature a full day of technical education and industry updates for pest management professionals.

We'll continue sharing conference updates as November approaches, but there is no reason to wait to reserve your spot!

REGISTER FOR THE 2026 IPMA CONFERENCE

Thank You to Our 2026 Conference Sponsors!

The IPMA Annual Conference would not be possible without the support of our industry partners. We are proud to recognize and thank our current sponsors for helping make this year's conference possible.

The support of our sponsors helps IPMA continue providing valuable education, professional development, networking opportunities, and resources for Iowa's pest management professionals.

We sincerely appreciate these companies for investing in IPMA and supporting our industry. When you see our sponsors and vendors at the conference this November, please take a moment to thank them for their continued support!

Meet Iowa's New SPAR: Andy Smith

IPMA is excited to share an important leadership update for Iowa's pest management industry.

Andy Smith, co-owner of Preferred Pest Control in Urbandale and an IPMA Board member for the past three years, is taking on a new role as Iowa's State Policy & Regulatory Representative, or SPAR, with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

For Andy, the position is an opportunity to expand his involvement beyond his work with IPMA and help represent professional pest management on issues that could affect companies throughout Iowa.

What Does a SPAR Do?

As Andy explained, his new role will make him a connection between the pest management industry and Iowa's regulators and policymakers.

He will stay informed about proposed laws and regulations that could affect the industry and help ensure professional pest management has a voice in conversations surrounding those decisions.

That connection is particularly important in pest management because regulations can have a direct effect on day-to-day operations.

Changes at the state level can influence the products professionals use, technician training requirements, how pest management services are performed, and ultimately how companies serve their customers.

Having someone engaged in those conversations gives Iowa's pest management community another way to stay informed about issues that could affect the industry.

Taking Iowa's Voice to Washington, D.C.

One of the opportunities that comes with Andy's new role is participating in Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.

SPAR representatives have the opportunity to meet directly with legislators, explain the work performed by professional pest management companies, discuss the potential effects of proposed legislation, and build relationships with the people involved in making those decisions.

For Andy, it will be another opportunity to represent the industry while learning more about the policy and regulatory process.

Continuing to Serve IPMA

Andy has already spent the past three years serving on the IPMA Board while co-owning Preferred Pest Control, a second-generation, family-owned pest control company located in Urbandale.

His new SPAR responsibilities provide another connection between IPMA, NPMA, policymakers, regulators, and the pest management professionals working throughout Iowa.

We appreciate Andy's willingness to take on this responsibility and represent our industry, and we're excited to see him grow into this new role.

Fall Pest Season Is Here

As September moves along, Iowa pest management companies are also beginning the transition from summer pest pressures into fall.

Cooling temperatures mean increased activity from spiders, rodents, and other pests looking for protected areas to overwinter.

It's a good time to begin conversations with customers about exclusion, sealing potential entry points, reducing exterior harborage, and addressing pest activity before colder temperatures arrive.

Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty happening in Iowa's pest management industry!

We'll See You in November!

Our biggest event of the year is getting closer every day. Join IPMA this November to learn, network, visit with industry suppliers, reconnect with other members, and be part of two days dedicated to Iowa's pest management community.

REGISTER TODAY

We can't wait to see you in Ankeny!