UPFDA drives industry progress through key events

The United Producers, Formulators and Distributors Association (UPFDA) is strategically embracing a growth mindset to offer networking opportunities and fill out our membership with the important collaborators missing from our community.

At its core, UPFDA is an organization where the industry’s top manufacturers and distributors can meet to openly and transparently discuss the obstacles our industry must overcome from a supplier’s perspective. The overarching common challenge that each UPFDA member faces today is meeting its partners’ demand for quality products in an industry as heavily regulated as pest control. The most direct way for this vital industry to continue to grow is for our PMP partners to have reliable access to critical and innovative product solutions from their suppliers.

Building relationships

The networking opportunities that UPFDA provides its members are the key path to fostering creative discussions with trusted partners, and building and growing vital relationships.

UPFDA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Reception, held each year in conjunction with the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) PestWorld event, provides an opportunity for members to relax, connect and recharge. UPFDA has committed to targeted outreach efforts leading up to this event for the past two years.

At NPMA’s Legislative Day last month, UPFDA hosted its inaugural “UPFDA on the Hill” event. This open house gathering created a new opportunity for members to connect, energize and prepare for the important work of advocating for our industry. Without a formal program, organic conversation enabled us to learn more about one another and even problem-solve a challenge faced by a member regarding a charitable interest.

UPFDA honors longtime leader

At the UPFDA Annual Meeting in October, Karen Furgiuele was honored with a prestigious award recognizing her years of dedicated leadership and service to the organization.

Furgiuele, who also serves as president of Gardex Chemicals Ltd. in Toronto, Ontario, has played a pivotal role in shaping UPFDA’s direction and growth. She also is the first woman and non-U.S. resident to hold the position of UPFDA president.

During her tenure, Furgiuele has worked tirelessly to strengthen UPFDA’s network of manufacturers, distributors and suppliers in the pest control industry. Her strategic guidance as treasurer helped ensure the association’s financial health, and her leadership fostered collaboration among members, driving innovation and progress.

Swinging into spring

The UPFDA Annual Spring Conference is our premier, curated networking event. This year, it takes place at Florida’s stunning Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort April 22-23. While this conference is our leading networking event, we have designed some changes to augment its value.

Our welcome reception — always the event that sets the tone for connection and collaboration — begins earlier to free up time to explore the Fort Lauderdale food scene. Our conference sessions on Wednesday extend into the early afternoon and primarily feature a panel format to allow for maximizing the exchange of ideas.

Finally, we have developed an evening social event and dinner that is included in the conference for everyone. Swing Into Spring: UPFDA Social at Loop 19 takes place Wednesday, April 23. We have designed an evening of networking, camaraderie and relaxation at Loop 19 Private Golf Club, an indoor, climate-controlled facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This is an opportunity to tee up great conversations and build lasting relationships — which is key to what UPFDA means to our members. Learn more.