by Clyde Strang, MSBA EAS Delegate
Whether you are new to beekeeping or a Master Beekeeper, your participation in the EAS 2023 Conference will expand your knowledge and deepen your connections with the beekeeping community.
This year's conference, Beekeeping Past, Present, and Beeyond will take place from July 31 through August 4 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. An initial Short Course specifically designed for people who are new to beekeeping is offered during the first 2 1/2 days. Unique, informative, and entertaining lectures follow for beginning, intermediate and advanced beekeepers.
Active EAS (Eastern Apiculture Society) membership is required to attend. Registration is on line at https://members.easterapiculture.org. Registration is a two part process - meals and accommodation, and special events. There are four-room shared suites in the dormitories, a campus hotel, convenient off-campus lodging and camping.
The campus food is ranked #1 by the Princeton Review and meal tickets can be purchased during the registration process. On-campus dinners are scheduled for Thursday evening and on weekends. The annual banquet is held Friday evening. Attendees may participate in Dine Around Amherst with a local beekeeper on Tuesday night.
Special events requiring registration include queen rearing, microscopy, photography workshop, apitherapy workshop, and a cooking workshop.
Excellent speakers are scheduled including Bob Binnie, Dr. Dewey Caron, Dr. Cameron Jack, Dr. Heather Matilla, Dr. Samuel Ramsey, Dr. Tom Sealy, and many more. Topics presented range from the beginner track, bee health, and caring for bee equipment, to current research, and beekeeping as a business. An on-site apiary will allow for hands-on beekeeping covering topics including disease detection, constructing a cell builder, colony management, and bee drifting.
You are encouraged to enter your Maryland bee products in the honey show. Vendors will be on-site throughout the conference offering a large selection of items for purchase including beekeeping supplies and items crafted by local artisans.
The EAS Master Beekeeping Testing and certification process is given during the conference. This is a four-part examination. Other special events will include a Bee Olympics, auctions, and field trips.
Keep an eye out for Dr. Lorenzo Langstroth, who will make an appearance. Lots of engaging bee activities are planned for this conference, so we look forward to seeing a large gathering of Maryland beekeepers in attendance!
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EAS in Maryland: August 5-9, 2024
At the February meeting, the EAS 2024 Committee led by David Morris revealed that the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City has been selected as the site for the Maryland conference.
The Committee has also identified a conference slogan: "Think Like A Bee!"
More exciting details, including the results of the conference logo contest, will be announced at the June 10, 2023 meeting at UMD College Park and online.
There are still many opportunities to support this extraordinary educational event for beekeepers within our region and nationwide! Please reach out David Morris at davidm033@gmail.com to learn more.
[Return to June 2023 BeeLine newsletter]