Schedule
VSBA Master Beekeeper Testing
TIME: 9AM - 2PM
LOCATION: Kirk 309
8:00 - 9:00
Check-In
& Honey Show enrollment
Check in at the registration table inside the foyer of Kirk Athletic Center. Enjoy light refreshments (YES VIRGINIA! There IS coffee and tea!), mingling with other attendees, perusing the vendors, and hob-knobbing with the event speakers.
​
honey show participants will submit your entries at the designated desk in the front lobby.
9:00 - 9:15
Welcome
A quick introduction to the event, schedule of events, and "need to knows".
9:15 - 10:05
Keynote Speaker -
Opening Session
Our first Keynote speaker, Ang Roell of They Keep Bees, speaking on “Cultivating Resilient Queen Bees as the Seeds of Sustainable Apiaries”
10:05-10:40
Vendor Floor
Take this time to visit our amazing selection of vendors located in the main event space. Check our VENDOR PAGE for the most up-to-date list of participating vendors.
10:40 - 11:30
Breakout Sessions
Choose your adventure! Select the session that speaks to YOU and your level of experience.
-
"Beekeeping as Sanctuary: Cultural, Communal and Ecological spaces of care" - hollee freeman - college church sanctuary
-
"Building Virginia’s Honey Future: Market Realities, Supply Chain Challenges and the Path Forward" - Amanda Sweeney - fellowship hall
-
​"Keeping Bees in Horizontal Hives" - Daniel Whitmore - Wilson Center RM #201
-
"Selecting Trees for Bees" - Laurel Roaldson - Kirk Room #310
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch & vendor floor
Lunch will be served by the amazing Meriwether-Godsey catering company. Line up for the buffet-style selection of dishes. Visit with the vendors and chat with fellow beekeepers!
1:00 - 1:50
Breakout Sessions
Afternoon sessions for you to choose:
-
"Yellow Legged Hornet Update with Virginia Tech and VDACS; Biology, Distribution and Monitoring Efforts" - Dr. James Wilson - College church sanctuary
-
"Using Thermal to Manage Varroa" - healthy bee ventures - Fellowship Hall
-
"Building Sustainable Beekeeping Education Programs" - ang roell - Wilson Center Room #201​
-
"- You got to be in it to win it! Preparing for the Honey Show" - Karla Eisen - Kirk Room #310​​
1:50 - 2:30
Vendor Floor
Missed some vendors in the morning? Need to revisit any to snag that perfect item? Go get 'em, Tiger! Make sure you sample mead from Breezy Hill Meadworks while you're meandering!
2:30 - 3:20
Keynote Speaker -
Afternoon Session
Our second Keynote speaker, Ryan Williamson of sourwood farm, speaking on "Nectar Management: Working with bees' instincts and queen excluders to maximize honey yield"
3:35 - 4:10
Closing panel-
wisdom from the hive
Our speakers will gather to share the biggest lessons the bees have taught them. Then we'll get to crack open the inner covers and ask our own questions!
4:10 - 4:30
awards &
door prizes
the VSBA will award Master Beekeeper certifications.
Honey show results will be announced.
last, we will announce door prize winners!
3:20 - 3:35
intermission
An opportunity to Stretch your legs before the expert panel discussion and closing events. Quick cleansing flight, last chance to get your raffle tickets, or that item from the vendor you decided you can't leave without!