Wrapping Up Summer with IPMA

As August comes to a close, we'd like to thank all of our members for helping make this another busy and productive month for the Iowa Pest Management Association.

From preparing for our annual conference to supporting the next generation of pest management professionals, August has been full of exciting updates. If you missed any of our recent Facebook posts, here's a quick recap!

2026 IPMA Annual Conference Registration is Open

Planning is well underway for the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference, and we can't wait to welcome everyone to Ankeny this November!

This year's conference will once again feature quality educational sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services, continuing education credits, and our popular Thursday evening reception.

Whether you're an owner, manager, technician, or industry partner, there's something for everyone.

If you haven't registered yet, now is a great time. Hotel information is also available on our conference webpage.

Visit iowapest.org/conference to register and learn more.

Supporting the IPMA Scholarship Fund

One of our favorite conference traditions is the Silent Auction, with all proceeds benefiting the IPMA Scholarship Fund.

Every donated item and every winning bid helps support students connected to Iowa's pest management industry as they pursue higher education.

If your company would like to donate a product, service, gift basket, or other item, we would sincerely appreciate your support. Donations can be brought to the registration desk when you arrive at the conference.

Thank you to everyone who helps make this program successful each year!

Your IPMA Board is Hard at Work

Earlier this month, we shared a photo from our July Board meeting.

During the meeting, Board members continued planning for the 2026 Annual Conference by reviewing speakers, discussing our next State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR), and brainstorming educational programs and networking events for 2027.

We appreciate every Board member who volunteers their time to help strengthen our association and serve our members.

What Are You Most Looking Forward To?

We asked our members what they're most excited about for this year's conference.

Whether it's educational sessions, visiting exhibitors, networking with colleagues, the Thursday evening reception, or the Silent Auction, one thing is clear: everyone is looking forward to reconnecting with fellow professionals this November.

If you haven't joined the conversation yet, we'd still love to hear what you're most excited about!

Sharing Knowledge Across the Industry

One of our favorite questions this month was:

The responses were a great reminder that some of the best ideas come from conversations with fellow professionals.

Whether it's a treatment technique, safety practice, business strategy, or product recommendation, learning from one another is one of the greatest benefits of being an IPMA member.

Pest of the Month: Wasps

August is peak season for stinging insects across Iowa.

Paper wasps, cicada killer wasps, and yellow jackets become much more active this time of year, creating challenges for both homeowners and pest management professionals.

As always, technician safety comes first. Proper personal protective equipment, situational awareness, and careful treatment planning help ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.

Looking Ahead

Summer may be winding down, but we're just getting started.

Conference preparations continue to move forward, and we look forward to seeing many of you this November for another outstanding IPMA Annual Conference.

Thank you for your continued support of the Iowa Pest Management Association. Together, we're building a stronger pest management industry across Iowa.

We hope to see you in November!