Congresses and conferences are where research reaches beekeepers and where beekeepers learn from one another.

Why they matter

Beekeeping knowledge changes quickly. Varroa biology, virus research, the state of resistance and the spread of invasive species are all continually updated.

Books cannot keep pace. Congresses are where current findings are first shared.

Levels

• Local meetings: Regional problems and shared experience
• National congresses: Legislation, sector issues and research presentations
• International congresses: Global problems and research from around the world

At international level, organisations bringing together national beekeeping associations hold regular congresses.

What they are for

• Current research: Findings presented before publication
• Early warning: Information about a spreading pest moves between countries through these networks
• Transfer of methods: Practices that work in other regions
• Equipment and products: New developments
• Networking: Contact with researchers and other producers

The Tropilaelaps example

Knowledge about identifying, monitoring and controlling a spreading pest arriving ahead of the pest itself is made possible by these networks.

When Varroa reached Europe beekeepers were unprepared. Information now travels far faster.

Assessing what is presented

Not every finding presented at a congress is settled. Preliminary results, single studies and commercial presentations appear side by side.

The sound approach: note the finding, but wait for confirmation before acting on it, or trial it on a small scale in your own conditions.

For those who cannot attend

Most congresses publish proceedings and presentations. National associations also pass important findings to their members.

Joining a regional society is the most practical way of reaching that flow of information.