The 81st Annual American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) Conference & Tradeshow took place from January 9–13, 2024, at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana. This premier event brought together over 900 beekeepers, researchers, and industry professionals from across the U.S. and internationally to explore the latest advancements in apiculture. abfnet.org
Conference Schedule Highlights
The five-day event featured a diverse array of sessions and activities:
- Opening Ceremonies & Keynote Address: The conference commenced with opening ceremonies and a keynote speech by Frank Rinkevich, setting the tone for the event. abfnet.org
- Educational Sessions: Topics ranged from honey bee health, queen breeding, pollination contracts, and small hive beetle control to value-added products and beekeeping business strategies. Notable speakers included Dr. Samuel Ramsey and Dr. Judy Wu-Smart. abfnet.org
- Workshops & Hands-On Training: Attendees participated in practical sessions such as honey show judging, forklift certification, and encaustic painting. abfnet.org
- Special Programs: The conference hosted the “Kids and Bees” program, the American Honey Show, and the coronation of the 2024 American Honey Queen and Princess. abfnet.org+2abfnet.org+2abfnet.org+2
- Networking Events: Evening activities included the Beekeeping Brain Buster entertainment, live and silent auctions, and social gatherings like the ice cream social and the ABF Banquet. abfnet.org
Tradeshow & Exhibitions
The tradeshow, open daily, featured over 50 exhibitors showcasing the latest in beekeeping equipment, products, and services. It provided attendees with opportunities to explore new technologies and connect with industry suppliers.
American Bee Research Conference (ABRC)
Concurrent with the ABF Conference, the American Bee Research Conference (ABRC) was held from January 9–11, 2024. This segment focused on scientific research presentations, including keynote speeches by Dr. Scott McArt and Dr. Ramesh Sagili, and featured student competitions for oral and poster presentations.
Looking Ahead: ABF Conference 2025
The 82nd Annual ABF Conference & Tradeshow is scheduled for January 7–11, 2025, at the Peppermill Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada. This upcoming event promises another comprehensive program for beekeeping professionals and enthusiasts
The 82nd Annual American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) Conference & Tradeshow was held from January 7 to 11, 2025, at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada. This premier event brought together a diverse community of beekeepers, researchers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in apiculture, share knowledge, and foster collaboration within the beekeeping industry.
Event Highlights
- Dates: January 7–11, 2025
- Location: Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada
- Attendees: Commercial beekeepers, hobbyists, researchers, vendors, and educators from across the nation
Keynote Speakers & Plenary Sessions
The conference featured esteemed speakers who provided insights into current challenges and innovations in beekeeping:
- Dr. Marla Spivak: Renowned entomologist and MacArthur Fellow, discussed strategies for improving bee health.
- Dr. Scott McArt: Presented on the impact of pesticides on pollinator populations.
- Dr. Geoff Williams: Shared findings on colony health and management practices.
Educational Tracks & Workshops
The conference offered a variety of sessions tailored to different interests and experience levels:
- Commercial Beekeeping: Topics included large-scale hive management, queen rearing, and disease control.
- Sideliner & Hobbyist Beekeeping: Focused on sustainable practices, seasonal management, and product marketing.
- Scientific Research: Presented the latest studies on bee biology, behavior, and environmental impacts.
- Hands-On Workshops: Provided practical training in areas such as hive inspection, honey extraction, and equipment maintenance.
American Bee Research Conference (ABRC)
Held concurrently with the ABF Conference, the ABRC served as a platform for researchers to present their latest findings:
- Sessions: Covered topics like bee nutrition, genetics, and pathogen resistance.
- Student Competitions: Recognized outstanding research presentations and posters by emerging scientists.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitated collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
American Honey Queen Program
A highlight of the conference was the American Honey Queen Program, which crowned the 2025 Honey Queen and Princess. These ambassadors will represent the beekeeping industry throughout the year, promoting honey and educating the public on the importance of pollinators.
Tradeshow & Exhibits
The tradeshow featured a wide array of vendors showcasing:
- Beekeeping Equipment: Latest tools and technologies for hive management.
- Honey Products: Diverse offerings from local and national producers.
- Educational Resources: Books, software, and training materials for all levels of beekeepers.
Social Events & Networking
Attendees enjoyed various social gatherings designed to foster community and collaboration:
- Welcome Reception: An opportunity to meet fellow participants and speakers.
- Banquet Dinner: Celebrated achievements within the beekeeping community.
- Ice Cream Social: A fun, informal event for attendees of all ages.
Additional Information
For more details on the conference, including session recordings and resources, visit the official ABF website: https://abfnet.org/2025-abf-conference/