Arizona School IPM Conference: Adapting to changing times

Arizona law does not mandate IPM in schools. Arizona only has statutes that require pre-notifications and posting of areas prior to pesticide applications. Pest management professionals that apply pesticides in schools are also required to be licensed by the state.  Thus,  without supporting legislation, the Arizona School IPM Program uses two approaches to engage with schools. One is the Inside-Out approach, in volunteer school districts that commit to implementing an IPM-based program and provide data. The other is providing rapid response to specific pest issues, in any school statewide. As part of our efforts to reach more schools in the state, and to spread information and resources about IPM, the Arizona School IPM Conference was started in 2018 as a unique, dual track (indoor and outdoor) event for anyone with an interest in safe and effective pest management in schools. In 2018 and 2019, the conference was hosted at one of our volunteer school districts as an in-person event. However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, it was moved to a virtual format. With innovative and effective use of free technology such as YouTube, we nearly tripled the number of participants over our usual in-person events, as well as obtain data on participant knowledge and attitudes with respect to IPM practices. Continuing the virtual format in 2021 and adding value through continuing education credits helped us to further increase our participant numbers. In the coming years, the conference may take a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual options.