GBA upcoming events

2026 GBA Fall Conference and UGA Beekeeper Certification Testing (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Experience the buzz at the Georgia Beekeepers Association Conference! This can't-miss event features an impressive lineup of experts who will share cutting-edge research and practical wisdom to elevate your beekeeping skills. Browse diverse vendor offerings, connect with fellow bee enthusiasts from across the region, and don't miss Friday's special dinner featuring Hilary Kearney's entertaining talk, followed by awards and Master Beekeeper program testing results. Whether you're a seasoned apiarist or just beginning your journey with bees, this knowledge-packed conference promises to inspire, educate, and energize your beekeeping practice!

Registration looks a little different this year. You will register for the Friday night dinner on a separate form after you register for the conference. The link will be in your registration email. Also, in order for the committee to be able to properly plan to accommodate as many people as possible (and avoid what happened last year when we sold out) we will CLOSE REGISTRATION ON SEPTEMBER 5. There will be no late or walk-in registration.

Conference Details:

Dates: September 11-12, 2026
Location: Ramsay Conference Center, 2535 Lanier Tech Dr, Gainesville, Georgia 30507
Click here to view the conference program, and here to view the honey show rules.
Pre-Conference Events (September 10):
- UGA Master Beekeeper program testing (Certified, Journeyman, Master, Master Crafts) Read more about the UGA testing here. To participate in UGA testing you must register to attend the GBA Fall Conference and select the testing level as an add-on.
- Blue Ridge and Beyond: A Thursday afternoon excursion to Jaemor Farms and Blue Ridge Honey Company

Keynote Speakers:

Jamie Ellis

Meghan Milbrath

Hilary Kearney

Lewis Bartlett

Mike Evans

For members who do bee removals, Mike Evans' talk on Friday will count as a continuing education credit for license renewal.
The website ad auction will happen on Friday, September 11.
On Saturday, September 12, the day begins with the Club President’s Breakfast at 7:30 AM (only for current local club presidents). The GBA Annual Business Meeting is at 9:15. The day closes at 5:00.
To participate in testing, you must register to attend the GBA Fall Conference and select the testing level as an add-on.

Fee Schedule:

You will have to pay online, there will be no payment accepted at the door.

Registration for the weekend is $95 for members and $150 for nonmembers.
Friday night dinner, $25 (Separate Registration)
One-day, Friday or Saturday registration fee is $65 for members, $80 for non-members.

Testing Program fees (fee includes lunch on Thursday):

Certified: $90
Journeyman, Master, Master Crafts: $100

Refund policy: If you cancel by September 5, you may receive either a refund of your registration fee if you ask the treasurer, otherwise you will recieve a credit on your account. No refunds will be issued after September 5.

2026 Fall Conference Sponsor Registration (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This is the registration form for those who wish to be conference sponsors and also be a vendor. To register as a vendor without a sponsorship, go here.

We have new sponsorship levels and guidelines this year. Click here to read them.

Thank you for your interest in supporting us as a sponsor at the GBA Fall Conference in Gainesville, Georgia this September. Hundreds of beekeepers will be in attendance and will be grateful for the opportunity to get to know your products. You should know that the majority of our attendees are hobby beekeepers and sideliners, but ours is not a large commercial beekeeper conference.

Set up is Thursday, September 10 beginning at 1:00. While folks will be there for testing on the 10th, the conference proper starts Friday morning, September 11th and runs until Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm on September 12th.

If you have any questions about sponsorship or vendor participation, please contact Julia Mahood at President@gabeekeeping.com.

This registration page is only for sponsors at the GBA Fall Conference, not for conference attendees.

2026 Fall Conference Vendor Registration (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This is the registration form for those who wish to be vendors only, not those who also wish to sponsor. If you wish to be a sponsor as well as a vendor, go to this link.

Vendor set up is Thursday, September 10 beginning at 1:00. While folks will be there for testing on the 10th, the conference proper starts Friday morning, September 11th and runs until Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm on September 12th.

If you have any questions about sponsorship or vendor participation, please contact Julia Mahood at President@gabeekeeping.com.

This registration page is only for vendors at the GBA Fall Conference, not for conference attendees.