Beekeeping Congresses and Conferences

Beekeeping congresses and conferences are meetings where research results reach beekeepers, and where beekeepers, scientists, traders in bee products and decision-makers come together to share experience. They are held at different levels, from local meetings up to the international Apimondia congress held every two years. Not every finding heard at a congress is conclusive; knowing how to evaluate information is half of getting value from a congress.

Why do beekeeping congresses matter?

Beekeeping knowledge is changing fast. Knowledge of varroa biology, bee viruses, treatment resistance, the spread of invasive species, the effects of climate change on forage and queen breeding is constantly being updated. Books cannot keep up with this pace; congresses are where new findings are shared first.

Congresses also build a bridge between researchers and beekeepers in the field: researchers hear beekeepers' real problems, and beekeepers see where science is heading.

Levels of congresses and conferences

At international level, the largest gathering is the International Apicultural Congress held every two years by Apimondia, the federation of national beekeepers' organisations. Türkiye hosted this congress in Istanbul in 2017 and 2022. In addition, research networks working in fields such as bee health and colony losses hold their own meetings.

What will you find at a congress?

• Current research: Findings not yet published in journals are shared as talks and posters.
• Early warning: Information about spreading pests and diseases travels quickly between countries through these networks.
• Transfer of methods: Management and control practices that work in other regions.
• Equipment and product exhibition: Large congresses are usually accompanied by an exhibition of equipment and bee products.
• Workshops and field trips: A chance to see the host country's beekeeping first hand.
• Networking: Contacts with researchers, queen breeders and other beekeepers.

An example of early warning: spreading pests

When varroa spread into Europe, beekeepers in many countries were caught unprepared and learned to recognise and control the mite only after suffering damage. Today information travels much faster. For a spreading pest such as the Tropilaelaps mite, knowledge on identifying, monitoring and controlling it can, thanks to congresses and research networks, spread ahead of the mite itself. This buys beekeepers and official bodies time to prepare.

How should you evaluate information presented at a congress?

Not every finding presented at a congress is settled. Information of varying reliability sits side by side in the same hall:

• Results based on peer-reviewed publications: Examined by other experts; the most reliable information.
• Preliminary results: First data from ongoing studies; promising but subject to change.
• Findings based on a single study: Need to be repeated in other regions and conditions.
• Commercial presentations: Product promotion; should be compared with independent results.

A sound approach is:

1. Note the finding, its source and the conditions under which the study was done.
2. Ask how many colonies the study used, in which climate and over how long.
3. Wait for confirmation before putting it into practice, or try it in your own apiary on a small scale, with control colonies.
4. Apply innovations concerning medicines and treatments only with licensed products and within the legislation in force.

How do you prepare to attend a congress?

1. Study the programme in advance: Pick the sessions that suit you; at large congresses it is impossible to catch everything.
2. Prepare your questions: The real problems in your apiary are what get the most out of the talks.
3. Don't skip the poster area: It is the easiest place to talk one-to-one with researchers.
4. Take notes and share them: When you get back, give a short summary at your association or union; that is how the value of a congress multiplies.
5. Don't forget biosecurity: After field trips, clean your equipment and clothing before going to your own apiary; comply with the legislation when bringing bees, comb or bee products from abroad.

How can those who cannot attend get the information?

Most congresses publish a book of abstracts; some talks are recorded. National unions and associations pass on important findings to their members. In Türkiye, peer-reviewed beekeeping journals published by universities and research institutions also make it possible to read current research in Turkish; for example, Uludağ Arıcılık Dergisi (Uludag Bee Journal) has been published by Bursa Uludağ University since 2001.

Joining a regional association is the most practical way to tap into this flow of information.