Complete Story
05/18/2026
High Desert Seminar Returns with Strong Technical Education, Business Strategy & Industry Networking
OPCA
High Desert Seminar is Almost Here
June 4–5 · Eagle Crest Resort · Redmond, OR
The 2026 OPCA High Desert Seminar is bringing together pest management professionals, vendors, speakers, and industry leaders for two days of education, networking, golf, and industry connection in Central Oregon.
This year’s program features a strong lineup of technical education, business development sessions, vendor engagement, and networking opportunities designed specifically for pest management professionals.
Cassie Krejci, Ph.D., BCE – Forshaw
Explore how innovation is shaping the future of pest management. This session examines advancements in digital tools, smart devices, manufacturing, process improvement, and emerging technologies influencing the industry. Topics include AI, smart traps, predictive analytics, and modern service models connected to real-world pest control applications and future opportunities.
Cassie Krejci, Ph.D., BCE – Forshaw
Small flies are one of the most common causes of callbacks in residential and commercial pest control. This session covers identification, biology, inspection techniques, and IPM-based treatment strategies for fruit flies, fungus gnats, phorid flies, and drain flies. Attendees will learn how to locate breeding sources, improve client communication, and apply practical control methods that reduce repeat service calls.
Nick Grisafe – Syngenta
Explore the evolution of pest management from its earliest practices to modern-day professional applications. This session examines major milestones, innovations, products, regulations, and integrated pest management strategies that shaped today’s pest management industry and continue to influence modern service practices.
Joe Hayman – HY-C
Exclusion is one of the most effective—and often overlooked—tools in pest and wildlife control. This session focuses on identifying common entry patterns, understanding airflow and pressure within structures, and installing durable barriers that prevent re-entry without creating moisture or ventilation issues. Attendees will learn practical exclusion strategies designed to reduce callbacks and improve long-term control results.
Jon Paulsen – Liphatech
This session explores practical strategies for effective rodent baiting and trapping in residential and commercial environments. Topics include rodent behavior, bait acceptance, trap placement, monitoring, maintenance, and integrated rodent management principles designed to improve long-term control outcomes while reducing non-target concerns and callbacks.
Joe Pipher – Rockwell Labs
Learn how 25(b) minimum-risk pesticide products fit into modern pest management programs. This session reviews differences between conventional and minimum-risk products, including efficacy considerations, application strategies, customer expectations, trends, limitations, and practical use opportunities in residential and commercial environments.
Designed specifically for owners, managers, and leadership teams, these sessions focus on growth, operational efficiency, staffing, sales, and the changing business landscape impacting pest management companies.
How AI Decides Who Gets the Lead Before the Phone Rings
Brent Cheney – Lizard
Learn how AI-powered search, answer engines, and lead platforms are changing the way customers find pest control companies. This session explores how businesses can position themselves to remain competitive and visible in an AI-driven marketplace.
Gabe Chariton – Align Works
Explore staffing structures, support systems, and operational strategies designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and scalability while supporting long-term business growth.
Smarter Launch
Practical strategies for improving technician communication, identifying service opportunities, building customer trust, and supporting company growth through better field-level sales awareness.
We’re incredibly grateful for the strong vendor support behind this event. Our exhibitors, sponsors, and industry partners help make OPCA events possible while creating valuable opportunities for attendees to connect directly with manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.
No High Desert Seminar would be complete without the Paul Heidtke Memorial Welcome BBQ & Reception catered by Rich & Rene Kesecker. Great food, Central Oregon evenings, families, vendors, and pest professionals together in one place — it’s one of the most anticipated networking events of the year.
The OPCA room block has officially closed, but there may still be rooms available directly through Eagle Crest Resort. If you still need accommodations, we encourage you to contact the resort as soon as possible.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Redmond.
