11/17/2025
WSPMA Members Represented at ESA Conference – Highlights & Updates
Member Updates
Dear WSPMA Members,
I’m excited to share a brief update from the recent Entomological Society of America (ESA) conference held in Portland, Oregon, where WSPMA was proudly represented. Both WSPMA Past President Luke Rambo and I attended this year’s event, joining entomologists, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world.
One of the highlights of the conference was seeing Chris Somers recognized with the ACE Professionalism Award. Though he originally received this honor at PestWorld, ESA chose to re-award it in front of their full membership—a moment that showcased his dedication and reflected positively on our entire Washington pest management community.
This year’s ESA conference featured outstanding scientific discussions and emerging research. Major topics included:
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Pesticide Resistance: New insights on resistance development and strategies to stay ahead of evolving challenges.
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Vector-Borne Diseases: Important updates on emerging vectors and disease transmission risks.
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Innovative Technology: A student-developed software platform, Vector Guard, was presented. This tool uses real-time reporting data to identify local pest activity and the diseases those pests may be capable of spreading.
It was truly inspiring to see the caliber of work being done by students and early-career professionals across the U.S. and abroad. I made a point to encourage students to explore careers in structural and urban entomology. As an industry, it’s vital that we continue supporting the next generation of scientists—because strong science remains our most effective tool for navigating future regulations and solving complex challenges.
If you’ve never attended an ESA conference, I highly recommend considering it. The experience, collaboration, and science are invaluable.
Thank you for your continued commitment to professionalism and excellence in Washington’s pest management industry. If you have any questions about the conference or the work being shared, I’m always happy to discuss further.
Sincerely,
Billy Olesen
WSPMA State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR)