Major beekeeping events occur annually around the world, serving as crucial gathering points for beekeepers, researchers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and build networks.

Key Annual Beekeeping Events Around The Globe

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Major beekeeping events occur annually around the world, serving as crucial gathering points for beekeepers, researchers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and build networks.

These events range from massive international congresses to specialized regional conferences and local association meetings.

International Events

Apimondia International Apicultural Congress

Stands as the world’s most prestigious beekeeping event, organized by the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations since 1895.

The 49th Apimondia Congress will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 23-27, 2025, featuring the world’s largest beekeeping trade exhibition spanning over 7,000 square meters.

This biennial event brings together the entire spectrum of the beekeeping industry, from cutting-edge technology providers to traditional equipment traders, with participants from over 100 countries worldwide.[1][2][3][4]

World Bee Day (May 20)

Is celebrated globally each year, often featuring special workshops, exhibitions, and public outreach events.

The Second International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination will be held alongside World Bee Day 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.[5][2]

North American Events

United States

The American Beekeeping Federation (ABF)

Hosts its annual conference and tradeshow each January, serving as one of the most significant commercial beekeeping events in North America.

The 2025 ABF Conference was held January 7-11 in Reno, Nevada, while the 2026 conference is scheduled for January 6-10 in Mobile, Alabama.[6][7][8]

The Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) Annual Conference

Takes place each summer, with the 2025 event scheduled for July 27 – August 1 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

EAS is the largest noncommercial beekeeping organization in the United States and offers both short courses and main conference sessions.[9][10]

The North American Honey Bee Expo

Represents one of the continent’s largest beekeeping events, featuring the largest honey show on the continent.

The next expo is scheduled for January 8-10, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky.[11][12]

State-level conferences

Occur throughout the year, including the Texas Beekeepers Association Summer Clinic (June 21, 2025), Georgia Beekeepers Association Fall Conference (September 12-13, 2025), and Tennessee Beekeepers Association Fall Conference (October 9-11, 2025).[11]

Canada

The Canadian National Beekeeping Convention

Is jointly hosted by the Canadian Honey Council and Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists.

The 2025 convention took place February 6-8 in Ottawa.[13]

Provincial associations

Host their own annual events, including the Alberta Beekeepers’ Annual General Meeting and trade show (November 17-19, 2025), British Columbia Honey Producers’ Association Annual Meeting (October 2025), and various other provincial gatherings throughout the year.[14][15][16][17]

European Events

The National Honey Show

Located in the United Kingdom represents the world’s largest and most prestigious honey show, with a remarkable 102-year history.

The 2025 National Honey Show is scheduled for October 23-25 at Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey, featuring nearly 250 competitive classes and attracting beekeepers from around the globe.[18][19][20][21][22]

The European Beekeeping Congress

BEECOME serves as one of the biggest events in the European beekeeping industry. The 8th European Beecome Conference was held online in 2021 and attracted participants from over 90 countries.[23][3]

Australia and Oceania

The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council

Hosts the Australian Bee Congress every few years. The 5th Australian Bee Congress is scheduled for June 17-20, 2026, in Adelaide, focusing on varroa management, pollination security, and industry innovation in response to recent challenges.[24]

State-level conferences

Occur annually, including the Queensland Beekeepers’ Association State Conference (June 19-20, 2025, on the Gold Coast), and various other state association meetings throughout Australia.[25][14]

Seasonal Patterns and Local Events

Most annual beekeeping events follow predictable seasonal patterns:

Winter and Early Spring (January-March):

Major conferences and conventions, including ABF, Canadian National Convention, and various state/provincial meetings, take advantage of the beekeeping off-season for education and networking.[15][6][13]

Late Spring and Summer (April-August):

Field days, practical workshops, and hands-on training events coincide with active beekeeping season.[10][9]

Fall (September-November):

Harvest celebrations, honey shows, and preparation for the next season, including the National Honey Show and various state conferences.[19][18][11]

Year-Round:

Monthly local beekeeping association meetings occur globally, providing ongoing education and community support.[26][27][28][29]

See our recent post on Best Ways to Find Your Local Bee Club

These events collectively serve the global beekeeping community by facilitating knowledge exchange, showcasing innovations, promoting best practices, and building the professional networks essential for the industry’s continued growth and sustainability.

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