NCPMA Welcomes David Billingsly as 2026 Technician’s School Keynote Speaker
Every January, pest control professionals from across the region gather to connect, sharpen their skills, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. In a place like East Texas, where pest pressures never really pause—especially in both rural and bustling communities alike—ongoing education and leadership matter. That drive for real results mirrors the commitment local experts bring every day, both in the field and back at the training table.
Industry Leader David Billingsly Set to Lead the Conversation
The North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) has just released the news that David Billingsly, founder of the Billingsly Group, will headline the 76th annual Pest Control Technician’s School. This event, scheduled for January 26-29, 2026, is set for the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center in Durham, making it the center of pest control education once again this winter.
Billingsly brings more than two decades of specialized experience advising pest management firm leaders, earning a trusted voice in coaching and leadership circles. His keynote, titled “Developing Leaders within Your Organization,” underscores a growing focus on nurturing internal talent and equipping teams for the challenges ahead. In a region where trusted leadership means the difference between a short-term fix and ongoing peace of mind, the impact of strong leaders can’t be overstated.
Shaping Leadership for Pest Management Success
Known throughout the service industry, Billingsly launched his own consulting and coaching group in 2022. With over three and a half decades working in service businesses—including a full 20 years inside pest management—he has hands-on knowledge of what makes teams excel. His work centers on partnering with decision-makers to drive real-world improvements, often helping both small operators and larger firms assess business moves and overcome leadership hurdles.
Billingsly’s reputation for building confident, effective teams makes his insights especially timely. Managing pest problems on the ground requires more than technical know-how; it demands a steady commitment to customer priorities, long-term reputation, and continual growth.
Organizers are excited. Patrick Thompson, who chairs the Technician School committee and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the NCPMA, emphasized how Billingsly’s arrival brings added momentum to the entire event program. “We’re excited to welcome David Billingsly to help launch the 2026 Technician’s School,” Thompson shared in a recent update. “David’s knowledge and years of experience guiding pest control businesses will help set the tone for a really strong lineup of sessions and speakers on the schedule this year.”
An Annual Hub for Training, Hands-On Learning, and Networking
The Pest Control Technician’s School runs four information-packed days, all dedicated to pest management professional development. Throughout the event, attendees can expect:
- Continuing education sessions with recognized experts from across the country
- Hands-on demonstrations and real-life training courses
- Conversations that go beyond textbook knowledge, touching on everyday problem-solving and customer service
Each year, this event draws not just those venturing into the field for the first time but also seasoned owners committed to advancing professional standards and learning what’s next in pest management. It’s gatherings like this that help shape how local pest control providers stay at the forefront of the industry, always a step ahead of whatever bugs try to move in next. For anyone working on the frontlines in the Southern U.S., the school represents a place to see what’s working elsewhere and shape those lessons for their own customers back home.
About the North Carolina Pest Management Association
Since 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association has represented the interests and ongoing educational needs of professional pest control businesses and teams throughout the state. As the only statewide organization exclusively serving North Carolina’s pest management professionals, NCPMA plays a major role in promoting cooperation, staying on the leading edge of industry changes, and supporting its members through both advocacy and education. That persistent drive to improve lines up with the dedication local companies demonstrate every time they head out to a customer’s home or business.
In today’s pest control landscape, from the humid neighborhoods of East Texas to the Carolinas and beyond, maintaining strong relationships, fostering reliable teams, and learning from experienced leaders like Billingsly all add up to safer, pest-free spaces for families and businesses alike.