FSBA Annual Meeting / Beekeeping Conference

Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) Annual Meeting

Dates: October 3rd - October 5th, 2024
Location: Ocala, Florida

Event Description

Join us for the annual Florida State Beekeepers Association (FSBA) meeting, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting beekeepers of all levels. This year’s conference will be held in beautiful Ocala, Florida, and promises to be an engaging and educational event for beekeepers of all levels.

Event Schedule

Note: The exact agenda, including classroom assignments and the detailed schedule, will be announced soon. Please check back regularly for updates.

9/23/24 - Tickets purchased on or after 9/24 will be at a higher price, and due to Hotel restrictions will NOT include lunch.   Participants will have to make their lunch arrangements. There is a restaurant on site or several fast food places nearby.

Highlights:

Thursday, October 3rd

• 1:00 PM: Tour of the UF Honey Bee Research Lab, Gainesville, FL
  This exclusive event is limited to 25 participants. Registration is required but there is no additional charge for the tour, however, a 2-Day conference ticket purchase is required.  Transportation is not provided, and UF requires a parking pass which has to be purchased directly from UF at: https://taps.ufl.edu/visitors/...
• 3:00 – 5:00 PM:  Honey Show opens for early entry drop off – Aqueduct Room
• 5:00 PM:  Registration and Check-in
• 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Welcome Reception at the Hilton Ocala
  Mingle with fellow beekeepers and kick off the conference with a warm welcome. The reception will include a variety of Hot and Cold Hors D’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available for those who wish to purchase beverages. A separate ticket is required.

Friday, October 4th

• 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM:  Honey show entries continue.  No entries will be accepted after 10:00 AM.
• 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Conference Day 1
  A full day of informative sessions and presentations from leading experts in beekeeping.
• 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: BBQ with Live Entertainment
  Enjoy a BBQ dinner while listening to live music by the Bluegrass Band, Amelia River Ramblers, with special guests. A cash bar will be available. A Separate ticket is required.

Saturday, October 5th

• 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Conference Day 2
  Another day packed with valuable sessions and networking opportunities.
• 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Speaker Round Table
  Conclude the conference with a dynamic round table discussion featuring all our esteemed speakers.

Schedule (Subject to Change):

Please click this link to view SCHEDULE

Featured Speakers

• Dr. Jamie Ellis, UF
• Dr. Cameron Jack, UF
• Amy Vu, UF
• Kamon Reynolds
• Michael Bush
• Tucka Saville
• Quincey Burgess
• Medhat Nasr
• Diane Spoden
• David Westervelt
• Bo Sterk
• Dr. James Fulton - FDACS Honey Bee Diagnostic Lab
• Georgia Department of Agriculture representative
• Billy Fussell
• Dr. Lena Barascou

Ticket Types and Pricing

Conference Registration Levels

1. 2-Day ticket - Includes access to all conference speaker sessions from October 3rd to 5th.
• Early Bird Registration (Through 8/15): $195
• Regular Registration (8/16 - 9/23): $235
• Late Registration (9/24 or later): $275
2. One-Day Pass - Includes access to all sessions on Friday or Saturday Only
• Early Bird Registration (Through 8/15): $110
• Regular Registration (8/16 - 9/23): $185
• Late Registration (9/16 or later): $225
3. UF Honey Bee Research Lab Tour
• Price: FREE (Limited to 25 participants, with 2-Day Ticket purchase, first come first serve)
• Location: Exclusive tour of the UF Honey Bee Research Lab in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, October 3rd, at 1:00 PM.
4. Welcome Reception - Thursday evening
• Price: $35
• Description: Access to the Welcome Reception on Thursday, October 3rd, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 
  The reception will include a variety of Hot and Cold Hors D’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available.
5. BBQ Dinner - Friday evening
• Price: $50
• Description: Access to the BBQ with live entertainment on Friday, October 4th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A cash bar will be available.

Special Discounts

• Lifetime Members can purchase a 2-day ticket at 25% off the regular price. Note: No discounts apply to the Welcome Reception or BBQ Dinner tickets, which will require a separate purchase. For discount information, please send a request by email to floridabeekeepers@gmail.com.  **Discount is valid for 1 ticket only.
• Extra Miler Members can purchase a 2-day ticket at 50% off the regular price. Note: No discounts apply to the Welcome Reception or BBQ Dinner tickets, which will require a separate purchase. For discount information, please send a request by email to floridabeekeepers@gmail.com.  **Discount is valid for 1 ticket only.
• Bee Clubs/Associations
• Beekeeping Associations may purchase one 2-day ticket at a 40% discount of regular price only.  Limit 1 ticket per Club/Association. For registration information, please send a request by email to floridabeekeepers@gmail.com. **Discount is valid for 1 ticket only.
  

Honey Show Rules

Please click this link to view Honey Show rules:  LINK TO HONEY SHOW RULES

Pesticide Applicator Class

We’re offering a Pesticide Applicator Class and Test on Friday, October 4th, during the FSBA Annual Conference & Meeting! This is a unique opportunity to get certified, but space is limited to the first 30 applicants—so don’t wait to secure your spot!

Important Details:
Date: Friday, October 4th
Registration Deadline: September 18th
Ticket/Class Options:
       Class/Test + Full 2-Day Conference Access (Includes Lunch)
       Class/Test + Full Friday Conference Access (Includes Lunch)
       Class/Test Only (No Conference Access, No Lunch provided)

This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your skills and knowledge, all while enjoying everything our conference has to offer. Make sure to register by September 18th and share this info with anyone interested.

LINK TO CLASS INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Accommodations

• Host Hotel: Hilton Ocala
• Address: 3600 SW 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
• Discounted Room Rates: Participants can reserve discounted room rates through this link:  http://group.hilton.com/t8adbr
  
  
• Please note: Room availability at discounted rates is limited, and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plan early and book now.

For any questions or further information, please contact floridabeekeepers@gmail.com