The UPFDA Board of Directors gathered in Boston, Massachusetts, August 18–19, 2025, for a productive planning meeting focused on building the future of the association. The group spent two days collaborating on new initiatives designed to strengthen UPFDA’s community impact, enhance member engagement, and shape the 2026 Spring Conference.
The meeting was highly interactive and idea-driven—reflecting UPFDA’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion, and connection among its members.
Building a Pillar of Community Support
A highlight of the session was the creation of a new UPFDA Pillar of Community Support—a strategic initiative aimed at amplifying the association’s positive impact in the community. Through an engaging, one-hour workshop, board members designed a framework to guide how UPFDA can champion meaningful charitable causes that align with its mission and values. The Charitable Partner Program unfolded with a two-fold approach:
To help raise visibility, UPFDA will produce a set of member slides highlighting both UPFDA and the selected charity, which members can include in their company presentations or training sessions.
The group discussed the value of establishing longer-term partnerships—supporting each chosen charity for at least two years to allow for deeper impact. A call for nominations has since been sent to UPFDA members, with four candidates to be considered by the Board at their meeting on Oct. 22, 2025.
Designing the New UPFDA Website
The Board also collaborated on the structure and functionality of the new UPFDA website, which launched in early October. The redesigned site adds functionality for member engagement and outreach.
During the planning meeting, the Board and gathered members identified the main pages and call-outs for the website. One exciting addition is the Careers Page dedicated to promoting careers within the supply side of the pest management industry.
Planning the 2026 Spring Conference
Finally, the Board laid the groundwork for the 2026 UPFDA Spring Conference, to be held April 21–22 in Charleston, South Carolina. Early discussions centered around developing an engaging agenda that balances industry insights, collaboration, and networking opportunities in one of the most charming cities in the South. Top topics to be included in the emerging agenda are AI, recruiting, state of the industry, and a possible PMP panel.
A Productive and Enjoyable Meeting
In true UPFDA spirit, the meeting balanced hard work with camaraderie. The group capped off their time in Boston with a night at Fenway Park, cheering on the Boston Red Sox as they faced the Baltimore Orioles (final score: Orioles 6, Red Sox 3).
The Boston meeting reinforced UPFDA’s dedication to fostering community, advancing the industry, and creating meaningful connections—both within the organization and beyond.