Built on the success of previous years the annual PestBiz Convention hosted by the South African Pest Control Association (SAPCA) has become the benchmark event for the South African pest control industry attracting both national and international interest. 

This year the convention will be held in Johannesburg at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre on 17 and 18 August.  Since its inception in 2004 the convention has continuously grown keeping up with the changing pest control environment.  SAPCA has adopted the practise of tying a theme to each convention; this year's theme – Preserving a healthy tomorrow – is based on the pest control industry becoming increasingly more aware of responsible practices in order to protect the environment and people. 

Given the growing concern and demand for safer pest control methods and procedures, this year's theme holds significant value for the food and safety industry.  Although it is the pest who is the actual threat, the pesticides used to treat them are of greater importance to those companies within the food and safety industry. 

Therefore some of the burning issues with regards to proper pest control methods within the food and safety environment will be addressed by Dries Pretorius who will focus his attention on the Mangaung municipality's pest control and food safety procedures and practises.  Linda Jackson will host a food safety workshop and will specifically concentrate on, Pest Control Auditing Requirement Procedures. 

Tying into this will be the discussion on the new Consumer Protection Act and its effects on the pest control and other relating industries by J F Luterek from Hahn and Hahn Attorneys.  Also on the list of speakers is Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of the Griffon Poison Centre, Bruce Breedt from the South African Wood Preserving Association who will share his thoughts on what the primary preservative treatment of timber in South Africa should be.  Tying into this topic will be SAPCA board member Colin Jardine from Pest Control Specialists who will be discussing timber identification. 

The programme also boasts a record number of workshops and demonstrations, adding practical application to the more theoretical discussions.  Coupled with an entertainment evening on Tuesday and a sit down dinner on Wednesday this year's event should not be missed. 

The cost of the convention is R2200 for SAPCA members for early bird registrations and R2400 for late registrations.   Non-members pay R2600 for early bird registrations and R2800 for late registrations.  Shuttle services will be available to and from the O. R Tambo Airport every hour.  For more information or to confirm your booking for the convention, contact SAPCA on 086 111 4556 or visit xxx: sapca. org. za.

Is a welcome development.
Thanks for the update!