The Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA) brought together professionals, researchers, industry leaders and experts from across India and overseas as it opened the 59th Annual Convention of INDIAPEST 2026 at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai.
Held from 20 to 22 August 2026, the three-day convention is centred around the theme “Safety and Dignity”, with discussions covering the changing needs of the pest management industry, from sustainable pest control and food safety to vector management, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a packed programme of technical sessions, industry discussions, networking opportunities and exhibitions, bringing together different parts of the pest management ecosystem under one roof.
A Strong Start to INDIAPEST 2026 in Chennai
The inaugural ceremony brought together several prominent figures from the pest management and wider professional community.
S. Ramanathan, IPS (Retd), former Additional Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President of the Tamil Chamber of Commerce, joined as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Satish Tyagi, President of the Pest Control Association (IPCA), addressed the gathering, while IPCA Secretary Binay P. Singh presented the broader vision and theme of the convention.
The ceremonial lamp lighting formally opened the convention and set the tone for three days focused on knowledge sharing, professional development and collaboration.
The event also featured an exhibition area where companies and industry stakeholders showcased products, technologies and solutions connected to pest management and allied sectors.
“Safety and Dignity” at the Heart of the Convention
The theme of this year’s convention, Safety and Dignity, reflects an important aspect of the modern pest management profession.
Pest control today goes well beyond simply eliminating insects or rodents. Professional pest management plays an important role in protecting public health, food supplies, commercial properties, homes and the wider environment.
The convention therefore provides an opportunity for the industry to discuss how pest management professionals can continue to improve standards while adopting safer, more sustainable and technologically advanced approaches.
Technical sessions at INDIAPEST 2026 cover subjects including food safety, sustainable pest management, biological pesticides, industrial weed management, vector management, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Bringing Industry Experience and Technical Knowledge Together
One of the most valuable aspects of INDIAPEST is the opportunity for professionals from different areas of the industry to meet and exchange ideas.
The 2026 programme features speakers and experts from fields including medical entomology, vector-borne disease research, cybersecurity, agriculture, leadership and agribusiness.
Experts such as Dr. A. N. Shriram, Senior Scientist and Head of the Division of Vector Biology and Control at ICMR-VCRC, and Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Saveetha University and former Director of ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, are among the specialists contributing to the convention’s knowledge sessions.
This wider range of expertise highlights how closely pest management is connected with public health, agriculture, technology and environmental sustainability.
Recognition and Celebration of Industry Contributions
The photographs from the opening event also capture one of the most celebratory parts of the convention, with industry professionals being recognised on stage.
The award and recognition ceremony brought together professionals from different parts of the pest management sector, creating an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution to the industry.
With decades of experience represented at the event, these moments also reflect the importance of recognising the people who have helped develop and professionalise pest management in India.
For many attendees, these interactions are just as valuable as the formal technical sessions, providing opportunities to meet peers, exchange experiences and strengthen professional relationships.
An Exhibition Showcasing Pest Management Innovation
Alongside the conference sessions, INDIAPEST 2026 features an extensive exhibition with companies from pest management, environmental science, agriculture, technology and allied industries.
The exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to explore new products, equipment, technologies and services while speaking directly with manufacturers and industry representatives.
More importantly, it creates a space where pest management companies, suppliers, researchers and other professionals can discuss practical challenges and potential collaborations.
The combination of technical discussions and an industry exhibition makes INDIAPEST more than a conventional conference. It becomes a meeting point between knowledge, business and innovation.
Looking at the Future of Pest Management
The pest management industry is changing rapidly. New technologies, improved monitoring systems, sustainable approaches and changing customer expectations are influencing how professional pest control services are delivered.
INDIAPEST 2026 reflects this shift by bringing traditional pest management expertise together with subjects such as cybersecurity, sustainable agriculture, biological approaches and vector-borne disease management.
The programme also highlights the growing importance of professional standards and continuous learning within the sector.
For pest management companies and professionals, staying informed about these developments is becoming increasingly important as customers and businesses look for solutions that are effective, responsible and supported by scientific knowledge.
Chennai Provides the Setting for a Major Industry Gathering
Choosing Chennai as the venue for the 59th annual convention also provides an opportunity for the Pest Control Association (IPCA) to connect with professionals and businesses from a different regional market.
The event at ITC Grand Chola has brought together participants from across India as well as international professionals, creating a diverse environment for knowledge exchange and networking.
The photographs from the inauguration capture that diversity, with industry representatives, speakers and award recipients coming together on the same stage.
A Milestone for the Indian Pest Management Industry
As IPCA celebrates its 59th annual convention, INDIAPEST 2026 represents another important milestone in the association’s long-running effort to bring the professional pest management community together.
From technical knowledge and sustainable practices to business networking and recognition of industry professionals, the Chennai convention demonstrates how broad the modern pest management sector has become.
With its focus on Safety and Dignity, INDIAPEST 2026 is not only looking at the challenges facing pest management today but also encouraging the industry to think about where it is heading next.
The three-day gathering at ITC Grand Chola is ultimately a celebration of the people, knowledge and innovation driving the sector forward, and a reminder that effective pest management has an important role to play in protecting healthier, safer communities.
