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Take a look at our PDF brochure which shares an in-depth look at all of the sessions, and also provides attendee learning tracks to help you personalize your experience according to your industry!
Click here to download the 2011 BedBug University: North American Summit Brochure (PDF) |
General Sessions
Fear and Loathing: Social Issues & the Psychological Impact of Bed Bugs
Monday September 26- 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Dr. Michael F. Potter – University of Kentucky
Dr. Caleb Adler M.D. – University of Cincinnati
This key-note session will shine light on how bed bugs have evolved into much more than a pest management concern — but rather, a significant medical and societal issue. While bed bugs cannot transmit disease, the impact that this pest has at the individual and societal level is proving to be substantial. The individual impacts often involve embarrassment, social isolation, sleep deprivation, emotional and/or psychological distress, not to mention the economic burden associated with property loss and control measures. At the community level the stakes are even higher as cities and states are fighting to calm fears of residents, business owners and valued tourists. This climate is also affecting legislation and initiatives in major cities around the country.
This session will closely examine the medical implications and the social impact bed bugs are having and how this will ultimately change the way we live and conduct our daily lives. We will also explore the future of legislation and litigation surrounding this pest and what needs to be considered by all stakeholders in the brave new world of the growing bed bug pandemic.
The Search for a Silver Bullet:Where is Science Taking Us?
Tuesday September 27- 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Dr. Kenneth F. Haynes – University of Kentucky
Richard Naylor – University of Sheffield
Warren Booth – North Carolina State University
Science is the key to the evolution of new bed bug treatments and practices, and research is changing every day. Hear from the leading academic researchers and learn about their latest research findings. Each speaker will discuss the implications of their research and how it will take us into the future as treatments and products evolve in the battle against bed bugs. This exciting session is a must attend for those seeking to drive innovation.
Bed Bugs without Beds: Tackling Bed Bugs in Offices, Retail & Public Spaces
Monday September 26- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Dr. Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann – Cornell University
Jeffrey White – BedBug Central
As the bed bug pandemic continues to grow, bed bugs are becoming increasingly prevalent in schools, offices, retail stores, schools, movie theaters, libraries and other public spaces. The recent introduction of bed bugs into non-residential settings has a variety of sectors scrambling to cope. The costs associated with infestations in commercial and public settings can be considerable and can involve loss of revenue, damage to brand name, not to mention the expenses associated with treatment which can escalate rapidly. Other challenges involve human resources, risk management, and public perception. This session will explore the development of practical bed bug treatment options and how to implement appropriate response plans. We will also look at case studies in office settings, retail and public venues to examine the broader societal implications of bed bugs in public sectors.
Lastly, pest management professionals will have an opportunity to explore systematic and practical treatment options to deliver effective bed bug treatments in non-residential settings.
An International Perspective: Utilizing the Best Bed Bugs Strategies from Around the World
Sunday September 25- 1:00 to 3:20
Stephen Doggett – Westmead Hospital, Sydney Australia
Oliver Madge – Bed Bug Foundation, United Kingdom
Sean Rollo – Structural Pest Management Association of British Columbia
BedBug Central has recruited leading bed bug experts from the international community to provide attendees with insight into the status of bed bugs and what methods are working in various area of the world. International leaders in the fight against bed bugs will review the steps that their countries are taking to curb the spread of bed bugs. Pest management leaders and policy makers will also discuss protocols, treatments and public containment practices that can be incorporated anywhere. This session will provide attendees with a rare opportunity to hear some of the best information on bed bugs from around the globe.
Pre Sessions
(1 hour)
Bed Bugs 101: A Look at Bed Bug Basics
Sunday September 25- 12:00 PM to 1:00PM
Richard Cooper – BedBug Central
Monday September 26- 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Dr. Joshua Benoit – Yale University
(Content will be the same for both sessions)
Even if you think you know bed bugs and bed bug management, you may want to get up early for this critical pre-session. Dr. Benoit and the experts at BedBug Central will set the stage for the rest of the program with this primer session covering bed bug biology, behavior and management techniques. Attendance is strongly advised for anyone new to bed bugs or lacking a comprehensive understanding of bed bug management as this is essential to leveraging the maximum value from the rest of this summit
Elimination in One Shot: The Science and Methods of Fumigation
Tuesday September 27- 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Dr. Rudolf H. Scheffrahn – University of Florida
Fumigation is the only absolute method for eliminating bed bugs in a single treatment and can be used to treat personal belongings that other options fail to address. In addition to hearing the latest research on fumigation, attendees will gain a thorough understanding of how fumigation can be used to tackle the most severe bed bug infestations and overcome obstacles where other techniques are destined to fail. From discussions of whole structure fumigations to containerized fumigation of infested items, this session will provide you with the information needed to understand if fumigation is right for you and how it can be incorporated into your bed bug eradication efforts.
Core Sessions
3 Hours
The End of Puppy Love: A Deeper Look at the Evolving World of Canine Scent Detection
Tuesday September 27- 1:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Brian Taggart – A&C Pest Management Corp
Pepe Peruyero- J&K Canine Academy
Eddie Connor- Connors Pest Protection
Canine Scent Detection is among the hottest and most widely debated topics. Controversy over topics such as — cross-training, food vs. play rewards, false positives and many other issues — promise to make this a doggone dynamic session. BedBug Central will update the latest changes in the world of canines, including the evolving area of canine certification, best management practices and the different methods of training. End users will learn the key considerations when selecting a canine company. Leading K-9 trainers, entomologists and experts will explore the most common training techniques and reinforcement methods while explaining the key differences among leading traiing certifications. Experts will also review approaches for providing effective canine scent detection to the end user in a manner that is cost effective and reliable.
Spotting Bed Bugs Sooner: New Technology in Bed Bug Detection Devices and Techniques
Monday September 26- 2:30 to 5:30
Dr. Philip G. Koehler – University of Florida
Dr. Changlu Wang – Rutgers University
Andrew Klien- Assured Environments
The development of bed bug detection devices and services represents an arms race within the pest management industry. With companies vying to develop the most effective, efficient and affordable bed bug detection methods, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. This session will review the recent and exciting break-throughs in the development of detection devices. Learn about the technology behind their operations and see the latest research results from laboratory and field tests. This session will arm you with the information necessary to assess which detection methods are a sound investment and the best fit for bed bug management and business development.
From Good to GREAT: Adding Ancillary Service & Tools, Niche Products
Sunday September 25- 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sean Rollo – Structural Pest Management Association of British Columbia
Ted St. Amand- Atlantic Pest Solutions
Ancillary products and services can make the difference between a good bed bug management program and a GREAT one. Learn the role that various ancillary products play and why they are an integral component of any comprehensive bed bug management program. Explore how tools like encasements, steamers and Cryonite can round out your program and help you overcome a variety of challenges and obstacles associated with bed bug management. We will go beyond the obvious, familiar products and delve into niche tools and services that are less well known – from travel products to treatment methods. If you are not currently incorporating ancillary product and services into your pest management program, after attending this information-packed session, we bet you soon will!
Bringing the Heat: A Look at Heat Treatments
Monday September 26- 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Dr. Roberto Periera- University of Florida
Dr. Stephen Kells – University of Minnesota
Michael Botha- Sandwich Island Pest Solutions
Exposure to heat is a well-known Achilles heel for bed bugs. As heat has gained wide acceptance as a preferred treatment method, a host of issues and opportunities have presented themselves. Factors such as fuel source, heating unit sizes, tubing type, heat boxes, portable heat units and the construction and layout of a facility—all have tremendous impact on the viability of heat and which equipment or services should be purchased. Learn why heat is considered one of the better options for bed bug treatment and explore the latest scientific findings relating to the use of heat as a control method. Gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of heat as a control option — when is it the optimal choice, when does effectiveness begin to drop off, and when is it likely to fail? With the amount of heating unit options out there, it’s easy to sweat over making the right choice. This session will review the technologies that drive a variety of heating devices and will advise on the factors to consider when selecting the system that is right for you.
Chemical Treatments: Navigating a New World of Gov. Regulations and Pesticide Options
Tuesday September 27- 1:15 to 4:15
Dr. Kenneth F. Haynes – University of Kentucky
Dr. Susan Jones – The Ohio State University
Dr. Stephen Kells – University of Minnesota
Dr. Dini Miller – Virginia Tech University
Chemical treatment represents a critical aspect of many bed bug treatment protocols. But what new pesticides are being developed and what new usage regulations are coming down the legislative pipeline? It will be important to consider the newest developments in the world of chemical treatments. This session will provide attendees with the vital information they need to make informed decisions on which chemicals will best suit their treatment protocols. After reviewing the varied options, we will drill into a detailed assessment of some of the major insecticides tailored for bed bug treatments. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get the information that will enable you to make educated decisions regarding how to best incorporate chemicals into your bed bug management programs.
Avoiding Costly Lawsuits: Legal Issues Behind Bed Bugs and Risk Management
Sunday September 25- 3:30 to 5:30
Jeff Lipman- Lipman Law
The incorrect handling of bed bug complaints or reported infestations can mean the loss of hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in legal cost and damages for property managers, office buildings, retail shops, universities, pest management and other sectors. The complex and invasive nature of bed bugs, coupled with the emotional toll these pests inflict on the public, has made bed bug management a litigious minefield. Not only will this session discuss the most common legal pitfalls associated with bed bugs and liability, it will also review case studies that have resulted in substantial financial loss for a variety of sectors.
How do you protect yourself? Legal and insurance experts will help you navigate damaging liability issues, protect yourself against the danger of inadequate paperwork and documentation, and understand the latest legal precedence associated with bed bugs. Experts will also look at risk management and the importance of having adequate financial coverage in the event that a bed bug infestation interrupts daily operations.
It's Your Turn to Talk: Interactive Stakeholder Discussion Groups
Tuesday September 27- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Moderators will vary
This will be a unique opportunity to speak directly with leading bed bug experts and peers about the pressing bed bug issues affecting your industry or sector. As the Summit approaches, BedBug Central will announce the stakeholder group sessions on the webpage: These discussion groups are designed to create a lively round-table atmosphere to provide stakeholder groups with unprecedented access to experts and their invaluable insights.
Anticipated Stakeholder groups include: US Veterans Affairs, Office Managers, Colleges and Universities, Group Homes, Housing Authorities and Healthcare. Additional groups will be formed based upon interest and registration. Your group will engage in a discussion based format where you will have the opportunity to ask frank questions about bed bug issues your industry faces and receive advice, recommendations and answers from both peers and experts.
A Night Out with the Experts
Monday 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
BedBug Central invites you to join our Summit's leading speakers and bed bug experts for a casual night of questions and fun interaction at the Hyatt Regency's newly renovated "Red Bar" sports bar. This will be a unique opportunity to meet with experts to talk about anything ranging from lingering presentation questions to who will win tonight's game! With more than 10 large LCD screens showcasing the latest sporting events, a cool, modern vibe and delicious food and drinks, the Regency's luxury sports bar will be the perfect environment to relax with some great conversation.
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