PestWorld 2026 Main Stage Lineup to Feature Bott, Meghji and Scheele

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association announced the keynote speakers and main stage programming for PestWorld 2026, taking place Oct. 20–23, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

This year’s event will bring together pest management professionals from around the world for four days of education, networking, innovation and industry celebration centered around the theme “Built for Your Business.”

PestWorld 2026 will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with the opening ceremony on the main stage, sponsored by Envu, featuring emcee and mentalist Sean Bott. Designed to energize attendees and set the tone for the week ahead, NPMA said the opening ceremony will bring the entire industry together for an unforgettable start to the event. Through his engaging mix of entertainment, audience interaction and inspiration, Bott will help attendees build momentum and prepare to make the most of everything PestWorld has to offer.

On Wednesday, Oct 21, sponsored by Corteva, award-winning broadcaster and human connection expert Riaz Meghji will take the main stage with his keynote presentation, “Every Conversation Counts: Building Extraordinary Relationships in a Changed World.” Drawing from his experience interviewing influential leaders across industries, NPMA said Meghji will share practical strategies for creating authentic conversations, building trust and fostering meaningful connections. Attendees will gain insights into communicating with purpose, navigating conflict with empathy and asking the right questions to create breakthrough moments that inspire action.

The main stage programming will conclude on Thursday, Oct. 22, with keynote speaker Kyle Scheele and the annual Industry Awards presentation, sponsored by Syngenta. In his keynote, “Becoming an Idea Factory,” Scheele will challenge the myth that creativity is something people are simply born with, demonstrating instead how innovation can become a skill cultivated throughout an organization, the association said. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to generate stronger ideas, unlock their teams’ creative potential and build cultures where innovation thrives.

Following the keynote, NPMA will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen the pest management industry during the annual Industry Awards presentation. Awards presented during PestWorld 2026 will include:

• The Pinnacle Award
• Culture Catalyst Award
• Technology Adopter Award
• Emerging Leaders Award
• Women of Excellence Award
• Excellence in Sustainability Award
• NPMA Gives Award
• Committee of the Year Award
• Committee Chair of the Year Award.

NPMA said PestWorld 2026 will feature a robust lineup of business and technical education sessions, networking opportunities, exhibits and special events designed to help pest management professionals grow their businesses and prepare for the future of the industry. Early-bird registration pricing is available through Sept. 3, 2026. Registration rates will increase after that date. For event information and registration details, visit www.PestWorld2026.org.