Summer 2024 UF/IFAS Bee College

Join the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory at the 2024 University of Florida Bee College in Panama City, Florida, for one or two days of all things honey bees. Those new to beekeeping can follow the beginner track, while more experienced beekeepers can participate in hands-on training in the apiary, classes on honey bee research, and other advanced topics in beekeeping.

Discounted Rates

"Early Bee" Discounted tickets are available through Friday, June 28, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Additionally, a discount (10% off) is available for 1- & 2-day tickets to active duty military members, retired veterans, first responders, Florida State Beekeepers Association members, active members of the UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist Programs, 4-H Members, and anyone under 18 years of age. E-mail honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu for the promo code to use at checkout.

Late registrations begin July 26, 2024, and will incur additional fees. Late registrations cannot be discounted.

Bee Clubs/Associations can purchase a 2-day ticket at a discounted rate ($160) to raffle off to your club's members. Only one discounted ticket is allowed per club. Follow the steps below:

1. As a club, purchase the $160 bee club ticket. When completing this registration, enter your bee club’s name, not the purchaser’s name.
2. Hold your raffle and e-mail honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu with the winner's name and e-mail address.
3. The winner will receive instructions on how to register for their free ticket.

Vendors

Bee-related vendors may be on site at Bee College throughout the event. If you are interested in becoming a Bee College vendor, please contact us at honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu!

Schedule

We will be emailing a draft agenda to attendees after the close of regular registration, with our final schedules provided at registration check-in at Bee College. To view a sample agenda, you may visit this past Bee College schedule.

Bee College Honey Show

All Bee College participants are encouraged to participate in the 2024 Bee College Honey Show. Entry is free! This is an opportunity to have your honey, candles, lotions/balms, baked goods, mead, bee-themed art, and more critiqued by certified judges. This is a great way to learn how to improve the hive products that you produce. Rules and other details can be found on our website HERE. To view our video on preparing entries, visit Preparing Entries for a Honey Show.

Honey Judge Training Presented by The American Honey Show Training Council

Join us in Panama City Beach for this exciting event! This program is perfect for honey enthusiasts looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, this comprehensive program is appropriate for any level of beekeeping experience!

During this event, you'll learn about the science of honey judging, from the basics to advanced techniques. Our expert instructors will cover topics such as

• food safety and hygiene,
• proper harvesting, processing, and handling,
• honey show logistics and administration, and
• proper judging etiquette, ethics, and techniques.

Don't miss this opportunity to start on the path to becoming a certified honey judge, or to continue with your training and certification journey! Winning awards for your honey and other "products from the hive" is a source of pride and accomplishment that may increase recognition and value among friends, peers, colleagues, and even customers!

[This training will be held concurrently with our Bee College event. This is a separate registration for a separate course administered by our partners at AHSTC at the same location.]

For information about Honey Judge Training, please contact Ms. Glinda Burnett at gburnett@ufl.edu. Registration for the Honey Judge Training and Certification (Levels 1-3) can be accessed at the link found here.

"Social Bee" Event and Awards

Mingle with other Bee College attendees as well as faculty and staff from the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab! During the event Honey Show participants will be honored for their award-winning entries. "Social Bee" attendees will have the chance to win bee-related door prize items as well as dine on culinary delights, so make plans to join us on Friday, August 23rd! More details on the event are coming soon!

Refunds

Refund requests will be honored in full if submitted prior to July 14, 2024. No refunds will be granted on or after August 3, 2024.

Participants cancelling/withdrawing within 40 days prior to the start of the program are liable for fees in accordance with the following schedule:

31-40 days prior to the program's start date (July 14-July 23): 50% of program fee

21-30 days prior to the program's start date (July 24-August 2): 75% of program fee

0-20 days prior to the program's start date (August 3-August 23): 100% of program fee

We count the day UF HBREL receives the written e-mail notification as the date of cancellation/withdrawal.

The University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (UF HBREL) will not refund airfare or other costs (including lodging reservations) incurred as a result of cancellations/withdrawals. Participants should keep this in mind if purchasing non-refundable tickets and should consider purchasing cancellation insurance to reduce risk.

The University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory reserves the right to cancel a program. Under such circumstances, program fees are refunded based on aforementioned refund policy. UF/IFAS HBREL reserves the right to make changes, modifications, or substitutions to any of our programs.

Miscellaneous

• Registration will be 8 a.m. on both days. Doors to the buildings will not be open prior to 8 a.m.
• Bee veils and other protective equipment will be provided for all in-hive courses. However, you are encouraged to bring personal veils, suits, etc.
• Light refreshments will be available for attendees at registration in the morning, as well as drink refreshments throughout both days.
• Logistical information for the workshop will be e-mailed to participants closer to the workshop days.

E-mail honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu for any comments/questions.