Friday, April 5

8:00 Registration opens

8:00 -12:00 Master Beekeepers Program Testing

8:15 - 4:30 AHSTC Honey Show Judges Certification Program

10:00 - 1:00 Submit Honey Show Entries

11:00 - 1:00 Vendors Open

1:00 - 2:25 Opening General Session

• Testing novel varroicides and effects of treatments against Varroa on the vectoring competence of mites with Dr. Steven Cook

2:35 - 3:25 Workshop session 1

• What’s for Dinner Ladies? with Mary Palmer

  Do you know what your honey bees are eating?  Why should you care? Have you ever seen jet black honey, paper white honey with no sugar water in it, or walked within 10’ of a healthy hive that smelled like a sewer?  Learn the answers to these questions and some other interesting facts that concern what the bees are bringing home from plants they visit.  This class is designed to help you learn which plants provide beneficial nectar, pollen, or honeydew that Honeybees can and will use, in chronological seasonal order, to raise brood or make surplus honey.  There are a lot more than Daisies on the plate, folks!

• Encaustic: How to use Beeswax and Tree Resin to create Timeless Paintings with Ann Rule Thompson

  Encaustic painting has a long history, dating back to the 5th Century B.C. The word encaustic means to burn in, which refers to the process of fusing Beeswax and Damar Tree resin to the surface to create. Join me as I demonstrate this process. I’ll go through how encaustic paint is created, how it is applied and how it is fused to the surface. There are so many exciting ways to create with beeswax and resin! Come see for yourself.

• The Buzz in Technology with The Newbees

  The Newbees share their insights on the latest innovations and technologies. Explore the evolving landscape of apiculture and discover practical perspectives that may shape the future of beekeeping. Join us for a grounded exploration of how these advancements could impact the way we care for bees and contribute to a sustainable ecosystem.

• Beekeeper In Training Childrens Program

3:35 - 4:25 General Session

• Effects of Treatments Against Varroa on Mites with Dr. Steven Cook

4:35 - 5:00 Vendors open

6:00 Conference Social / Dinner – The Tavern, Clarion Inn

Saturday, April 6

7:30 - 9:30 Submit Honey Show Entries

8:00 - 8:30 Registration/Vendors open

8:30 - 9:45 General Session

• Shanda King, WVDA State Apiarist

• Backyard Queen Rearing with Lawrence Connor

10:00 - 10:50 Workshop session 2

• The Importance of Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens with Rebecca Thompson

  In my talk I will explain the importance of native plants and their role in a healthy ecosystem. I will discuss ways to incorporate them into our yards with special attention to pollinator gardens. I will discuss specific types of native plants that benefit pollinators. I'll also talk about some easy things we can all do to help pollinators in our own yard

• Honey in the Hollers: A History of Beekeeping in West Virginia and Appalachia with Justin King

  Only a century ago, West Virginia and the region along the Appalachian Mountains were the heart of the burgeoning beekeeping industry in the United States. Since the earliest days of European settlement, West Virginia and beekeeping have shared a rich, deep, and often complicated, history. In this presentation, you will learn more about the history of beekeeping in the mountains of Appalachia, how beekeeping impacted the history of West Virginia, and what role beekeeping can play in the future of the state we call “Almost Heaven.

• How to prepare for a Honey Show with Mike Price

• The Hive and the Mind: The Psychology of Beekeeping with Shanda King

  In this thought-provoking presentation, we will be discussing the psychology of beekeeping and how it impacts the decisions you make and ultimately your success or failure as a beekeeper.

• Beekeeper In Training Childrens Program

11:00 - 11:50 Workshop session 3

• Permaculture and beekeeping- a sustainable partnership with Mark Lilly

  A new look at how to grow plants and trees naturally without chemical intervention that your bees will benefit from.

• Wayward Bees with Kerri Godfrey

  A discussion about swarm collection, cut outs, and her views about how we can help bees, fellow beekeepers, and our communities.

• Simple Soap Making for Beginners with Jackie Griffith

  How to make melt and pour pup soap (or for humans).

• Enhance Your Beekeeping Journey in 2024 with The Newbees

  Join The Newbees for a practical exploration of tech tips and tricks designed to elevate your beekeeping experience. Our discussion will focus on current programs and technologies that prove valuable for beekeepers. Delve into insights that can streamline your practices, offering a grounded perspective on leveraging technology for the betterment of beekeeping. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and empowered in the evolving landscape of apiculture.

• Beekeeper In Training Childrens Program

11:30 – 12:00 Vendors closed

12:00 - 1:35 Lunch (Vendors open)

• Grand Prize Drawing – Must be present to win

1:45 - 2:35 Workshop session 4

• How to help your community become a Bee City USA affiliate with Linda Layne

  If you care about our pollinators, and I know you do, this presentation will explain the why and how to make your community an affiliate Bee City USA.

• IPM/Mite Management: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going, & Where We’re Going Wrong with Jennifer King

  A retrospective discussion on varroa in the United States: past, current, and possible future treatments, with a focus on industry, media, and beekeeping culture’s responses to varroa.

• Beeswax Wraps and Lip balm with Gina Biller

  The class will include the basics for rendering your beeswax for future projects. In this class you will also be introduced to making cosmetics using beeswax from your hives. This class will include a lip balm making demonstration and recipes to make your own at home.

• Strategies for Growth with Jason Murphy

  A discussion geared towards beekeepers of any experience level who want to grow their apiary in either size or productivity with management techniques utilizing strategic splits, nucs, resource hives, frame manipulation and more.

• Beekeeper In Training Childrens Program

2:45 - 3:30 Break

3:30 - 5:00 General Session

• The Sustainable Apiary with Lawrence Connor

• Master Beekeeper Awards

• Honey Show Awards

• Association of the Year

• Closing Remarks