Explore the American Beekeeping Federation Conference 2025 in Reno, Nevada—January 7–11. Discover bee research, hands-on workshops, keynote speakers, and the future of sustainable beekeeping.
Overview
Join the American Beekeeping Federation 2025 Conference — the top event for beekeepers, honey producers, and apiculture professionals. Discover cutting-edge beekeeping technology, expert talks, and exclusive insights into the future of American beekeeping. Don’t miss this hive of opportunities
Register here and feel much welcome 👉 https://abfnet.org/2025-abf-conference
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.
- 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.
- Workshops & Hands-On Training: Attendees participated in practical sessions such as honey show judging, forklift certification, and encaustic painting.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) Conference & Tradeshow 2025
The American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) Conference & Tradeshow 2025 is set to be one of the most comprehensive, educational, and influential events in the global beekeeping calendar. Held from January 7–11, 2025, at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada, the conference attracts thousands of beekeepers, scientists, researchers, and industry stakeholders from across the United States and beyond.
This is the 82nd annual ABF conference, continuing a long-standing tradition of promoting innovation, science-based solutions, community building, and the economic sustainability of the beekeeping industry.
Event Summary
- Event Name: ABF Conference & Tradeshow 2025
- Dates: January 7–11, 2025
- Location: Peppermill Resort, Reno, Nevada
- Hosted by: American Beekeeping Federation (ABF)
- Expected Attendance: 1,000+ beekeepers, researchers, educators, and vendors
What’s New and What to Expect at ABF 2025
Multi-Track Educational Program
ABF 2025 features a diverse educational agenda designed to serve both beginning and experienced beekeepers:
- Commercial Track: Focused on scaling hive operations, managing migratory beekeeping, marketing honey in bulk, and enhancing queen production efficiency.
- Hobbyist Track: Topics include small-scale hive maintenance, organic methods, swarm control, and backyard honey processing.
- Research Track (via ABRC): Peer-reviewed research on varroa resistance, genetic diversity, bee nutrition, and pollination efficiency.
Hands-On Demonstrations
- Honey extraction and bottling stations
- Wax melting, candle crafting, and soap making
- Queen cell grafting techniques
- Varroa mite monitoring and treatment demos
- Bee-friendly landscaping and forage planting practices
American Bee Research Conference (ABRC)
ABF hosts the American Bee Research Conference in parallel with the main conference. This scientific gathering highlights new discoveries and applied research in apiculture, including:
- Disease resistance breeding
- Pesticide interaction studies
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in hive monitoring
- Honeybee microbiome and immune response
The American Honey Queen Program 2025
The coronation of the 2025 American Honey Queen and Princess will be one of the main highlights. These ambassadors travel the U.S. promoting honey consumption, pollinator awareness, and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Their duties in 2025 will include:
- Visiting schools and agricultural fairs
- Speaking at farmers’ markets and state fairs
- Supporting pollinator health campaigns
- Engaging in media interviews to promote the honey industry
Tradeshow Expo & Industry Vendors
The tradeshow will feature over 60+ exhibitors, including:
- Apiary equipment manufacturers
- Bee medication and nutrition suppliers
- Queen breeders and package bee sellers
- Honey processors and packaging firms
- Beekeeping software and IoT tech providers
Attendees will have the chance to:
- Test new hive designs
- Learn about AI-powered hive monitors
- Buy eco-friendly beekeeping suits and tools
- Discover new honey varietals and marketing solutions
Latest Updates from July to December 2025
July 2025 – Travel Grant Release
ABF announced the 2025 Travel Grant Program, helping young beekeepers, students, and first-time attendees afford travel and lodging. Applications opened in July with funding from industry sponsors and ABF fundraising efforts.
August 2025 – Bee Vaccine Education
A special webinar on honeybee vaccines, hosted in collaboration with Dalan Animal Health, explored the science behind new biotech treatments for foulbrood and other hive diseases. This marks ABF’s growing focus on biotechnology in hive health.
September–October 2025 – Advocacy & Outreach
- ABF launched a national petition in September supporting the Pollinator Protection Act of 2025, advocating for stricter pesticide regulations.
- Educational materials on the Bee Informed Partnership’s latest research were distributed to members.
- State chapters hosted localized events promoting National Honey Month (September), boosting honey sales and beekeeper exposure.
November 2025 – Call for Scientific Papers
- November 1 marked the submission deadline for researchers and graduate students wishing to present at ABF 2026. Topics ranged from entomology and genetics to pollination and technology.
- ABF received a record number of research abstracts, indicating strong momentum for evidence-based practices in 2026.
📄 December 2025 – Delegate Assembly Preview
- ABF announced the 2026 Delegate Assembly agenda, including:
- Bee import/export updates
- Pollination contract standards
- Pesticide risk assessments
- Honey purity and labeling regulations
- Also in December: release of the final workshop schedules, keynote bios, and meal ticket availability.
Networking & Community Events
Attendees can connect during:
- Welcome Reception & Ice Cream Social
- Beekeeper Brain Buster Trivia Night
- Fundraising Auctions (live and silent)
- ABF Awards Banquet (featuring speaker highlights and top honorees)
These events foster collaboration between commercial beekeepers, academics, tech companies, and environmental groups.
Who Should Attend
- Commercial beekeepers seeking scalable solutions
- Sideline and hobby beekeepers wanting hands-on skills
- Scientists and students exploring pollinator research
- Policymakers and advocates promoting bee health
- Entrepreneurs and vendors introducing new hive products
Travel & Lodging Tips
- Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (15 minutes from venue)
- Hotel: Book early via ABF discount block at Peppermill Resort
- Weather: Expect winter temperatures (30–50°F); pack accordingly
- Nearby: Restaurants, casinos, Lake Tahoe excursions, nature walks
Q1. What is the ABF Conference & Tradeshow 2025?
The American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) Conference & Tradeshow is an annual gathering of beekeepers, researchers, and industry experts, featuring educational sessions, networking, and an extensive tradeshow.
Q2. When did the ABF Conference & Tradeshow 2025 take place?
It was held from January 7–11, 2025, with the tradeshow open from January 8–11.
Q3. Where was the 2025 ABF Conference hosted?
The event took place at the Peppermill Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada.
Q4. Who attends the ABF Conference & Tradeshow?
Beekeepers, honey producers, researchers, industry suppliers, policymakers, and educators from across the United States and beyond.
Q5. What were the main highlights of the 2025 conference?
Keynote lectures, educational workshops, tradeshow exhibits, the ABF auction, and networking events for all levels of beekeepers.
Q6. Was there an exhibitor tradeshow in 2025?
Yes, the tradeshow showcased the latest in beekeeping equipment, technologies, bee health products, and services.
Q7. What types of educational sessions were included?
Sessions covered honey bee health, pollination research, colony management, sustainability, honey production, and industry regulations.
Q8. Could beginners attend the ABF 2025 conference?
Yes. The ABF conference offers sessions suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced beekeepers.
Q9. Did the ABF 2025 include youth or student programs?
Yes. ABF often includes special sessions for young and beginning beekeepers, along with scholarship opportunities.
Q10. How could attendees register for ABF 2025?
Registration was available online through the ABF official website prior to the event.
Q11. Were there opportunities for networking?
Yes, the event featured networking breaks, meet-and-greets, and social functions for beekeepers to connect.
Q12. Did ABF 2025 host any auctions?
Yes. A fundraising auction was held, supporting ABF initiatives and honey bee research.
Q13. Were international participants welcome?
Yes. While focused on American beekeeping, ABF welcomes international researchers and industry professionals.
Q14. What makes the ABF Conference important?
It is one of the largest U.S. gatherings for beekeeping, offering cutting-edge research, latest innovations, and policy updates.
Q15. When and where will the next ABF Conference take place?
The ABF Conference is an annual event; details for 2026 will be announced on the ABF official website.
