Name: Michigan Beekeepers Association Fall Conference
Start: 2025-10-4EDT8:00AM
End: 2025-10-4EDT5:00PM

Michigan Beekeepers Association Fall Conference

October 4, 2025 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Picture of keynote speaker Bill Hesbach and Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building. — Photo of a past Michigan Beekeepers Association Conference

The Michigan Beekeepers Association Fall Conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI. Online registration and additional conference information is available through Michigan Beekeepers Association's website. An add-on lunch option is available for the day of the conference for those who register by Sept. 25.

Bill Hesbach will deliver a keynote presentation on Thermoregulation and Ventilation in Condensing Colonies. Zachary Huang, PhD, will present MSU Research Updates and Ana Heck will present MSU Extension Programs & Updates. Read the 2025 Fall Conference agenda, speaker presentations, speaker bios to learn more about the conference.

The conference will feature a special art gallery showcasing the creative artwork of the Bee Sisterhood Oracle. The gallery will be open throughout the day for browsing. The conference will wrap up with a reception in the gallery, where attendees will have the chance to meet some of the talented artists behind the oracle cards.

Beekeepers are also invited to join Michigan Beekeepers Association for a pre-conference social event at Bløm Meadworks + Cider on Friday, October 3 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include a brief overview of commercial mead making, a cellar tour, three 3 oz mead samples, and Michigan cheese and whitefish appetizers. Ticket sales close September 17, and space is limited.

Online registration and additional conference information are available through Michigan Beekeepers Association's website. All dates, times, presenters, and topics are subject to change and cancelation.

The Michigan Beekeepers Association has served Michigan beekeepers for more than 150 years, and it supports over 30 local beekeeping clubs in Michigan.

Keynote presenter

Bill Hesbach is a Connecticut native with a background in engineering. He's an Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper, a graduate of the University of Montana's master beekeeping program, and the President of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association. Bill also operates a side bee business called Wing Dance Apiary in Cheshire, CT., which produces artisanal raw honey and other natural hive products.

Bill teaches bee biology and various beekeeping methods at meetings hosted by regional beekeeping clubs. He is an active member of the Eastern Apicultural Society, where he participates in the Master Beekeeper Certification program, and he is a regular guest speaker at regional beekeeping seminars. His special interests in beekeeping include bee biology, flight, and the connection between local flora and bee behavior. He's a published author, and his articles on beekeeping appear in The American Bee Journal and Bee Culture magazines.

MSU Extension and Michigan Pollinator Initiative beekeeping & pollinator resources

Accessibility accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact, Ana Heck, two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

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