IPCA Fall Conference – Springfield

Wednesday, September 23

8:30 am – 12:00 pm        IDPH Exam Prep Course, Curt Colwell

1:00 – 2:00 pm
Fall Seasonal Invaders – Forecasting for Callbacks, Tim Husen, Syngenta
This presentation explores the factors that drive seasonal pest invasions and how forecasting pest activity can reduce callbacks and improve service outcomes. Attendees will learn to identify common seasonal invaders and apply integrated pest management strategies, including cultural, physical, mechanical, and chemical controls. The session also covers effective treatment delivery and managing customer expectations.

2:00 – 3:00 pm
Ant Biology and Rethinking Ant Control, Desiree Straubinger, BASF
Discover how understanding ant biology can transform the way you approach control strategies. This session breaks down key species identification, behavior, and the science behind effective treatments—revealing why traditional methods often fail and how smarter, non-repellent approaches can deliver lasting results. Walk away with practical, field-ready tactics to improve outcomes, reduce callbacks, and outsmart even the toughest infestations.

3:00 – 3:15 pm
BREAK

3:15 – 4:15 pm
Equipment Calibration, Chris Jamison, Oldham
This session provides practical instruction on calibrating and maintaining pest control application equipment, including compressed air sprayers and termite rigs. Attendees will learn calibration calculations, understand the importance of flow rates for accurate product application, and review best practices for equipment performance and treatment effectiveness.

4:30 – 6:00 pm
Industry Appreciation Reception

Thursday, September 24

7:30 – 8:30 am
Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

8:00 – 8:30 am
Welcome and Association Update, Tim Campbell, IPCA President

8:30 – 9:30 am
Pesticide Safety Fundamentals, Chris Jamison, Oldham
This presentation reviews essential pesticide safety principles, including personal, public, and application safety considerations. Attendees will learn about pesticide labels, signal words, OSHA requirements, and the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safe and compliant pesticide applications.

9:00 am – 5:00pm
IDPH Testing

9:30 – 10:30 am
Flies – Your Gateway Insect to Commercial Accounts, Howard Franklin, PestWest
This presentation provides an overview of the five most common fly species encountered in commercial accounts, including their biology, breeding sources, associated risks, and key identification characteristics. Attendees will learn practical inspection, prevention, and management strategies, including sanitation, exclusion, airflow management, biological cleaners, and the proper use of insect light traps to improve commercial pest control outcomes.

10:30 – 10:45 am
BREAK

10:45 – 11:45 am
Peridomestic Cockroaches – Biology and Control Solutions, Desiree Straubinger, BASF
Discover the hidden world of peridomestic cockroaches—how they survive, spread, and impact homes and businesses—and learn why understanding their behavior is key to effective control. This session breaks down major species, real-world inspection strategies, and proven strategies for managing infestations. Walk away with practical, field-ready insights you can apply immediately to improve pest control results.

12:00 – 1:15 pm
Lunch with Exhibitors and Charity Contest

1:15 – 2:15 pm
Prepare for a Safe 2027, Dannis Warf, Envu
Discussion of safety topics and preparation for the upcoming year. Including pesticide safety, applications, driving, equipment, worker safety and wellness and more.

2:15 – 3:15 pm
State and Federal Legislative Update, IPCA Legislative Committee (Ron Hodgkins, Chris Haggerty, Tim Baietto, Tom Dobrinska) & Megan Streigel (NPMA)
This presentation provides an update on recent and proposed Illinois and federal legislative and regulatory developments affecting the pest management industry. Attendees will learn about changes that may impact licensing, pesticide use, compliance requirements, and business operations, along with practical guidance for maintaining regulatory compliance and preparing for future policy changes.

3:15 – 3:30 pm
BREAK

3:30 – 4:30 pm
Quick Field Identification of Key Stored Product Pest Species, James Miller, Trece
This presentation provides practical techniques for quickly identifying the most common stored product pests encountered during inspections. Attendees will learn key distinguishing characteristics, where to locate pests, and how accurate identification supports effective monitoring, treatment selection, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Reserve a Room in our block at the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree by Hilton