Spring Convention - Home

Welcome to the 33rd BBKA Spring Convention 16th -18th April 2010. The event is one of the most important in the beekeeping year with something for everyone. The next Spring Convention dates are Friday 15th April – Sunday 17th April 2011.

Spring Convention Logo

This year’s event is bigger and better than ever; we hope that you will find lectures and events to your liking. The programme includes topical lectures given by world class speakers on honey bee losses, virus infections, American Foul Brood and Nosema ceranae, for example. However, we have not forgotten the needs of the many beekeepers new to the craft with events for beginners emphasising the basic skills to be mastered to make a sound start in beekeeping. The programme of workshops and courses offers some ever popular courses such as microscopy and queen rearing. Early booking is recommended for these courses in particular. See Spring Convention News for updates.

Trade Areas

It’s not all just about beekeeping and non beekeepers will find events to entertain them too, with two patchwork sessions, encaustic art and cookery presentations. David Archer from the Hundred-Aker-Wood Pottery will be a major attraction in the Conservation Hall where you can ‘have a go’ and make your own honey-pot or just enjoy watching others trying to ‘throw’ their pot. And if your partner wants to get away from the conference whilst you immerse yourself in the world of beekeeping, there will be a shared taxi facility available to Leamington Spa with its excellent shops and watering holes (see page 6 of the printed programme).

Other new initiatives are a debate on whether the problems with queen bees we appear currently to encounter is a new phenomenon and a Speaker’s Corner session, which will feature a series of short presentations on new products and developments in the beekeeping world.

The Brood Box Crèche reflects our wish to cater for the younger parents coming into beekeeping. Staffed by qualified and vetted professionals, a limited number of places are available so that parents may confidently leave their children to attend lectures. This service is bookable in advance only, for 3 - 7 year-olds see below.

As usual there will be the all important Trade Show with several new exhibitors this year. Please make the most of this buying-bonanza and take advantage of the many special offers available.

Finally, I wish to thank all those who make the Spring Convention the success we expect it to be, lecturers, demonstrators, workshop leaders and stewards who all make the event happen on the day, not forgetting the hard working Convention Committee that works year round on your behalf.
Tim Lovett, Chairman Spring Convention Committee

2010 Spring Convention Venue, Dates & Opening Times

The event runs over three days:

Friday 16th April 2010 – Members’ Day
Saturday 17th April 2010 - 09:00-17:00 Public Day & Trade/Exhibition
Sunday 18th April 2010 - Education Day

Venue: Stoneleigh-Park Exhibition and Conference Centre, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ. Find on Google Maps.

Tickets: Buy Advance Tickets.

Access to venue and parking: Follow local signs to RASE show-ground and use the main entrance to the show ground off the B4113. Once in the show-ground, please follow signs and stewards' directions to the official free car park. Plan your route with the AA Route Planner.

Trade Show

The Trade Show on Saturday is one of the biggest and best, plus there are bargains for all. The Conservation and Education Exhibits again covers a wide range of subjects well beyond the bounds of beekeeping. See Exhibition & Trade for more details.

Ibra Stand

Lectures, Demonstrations, Workshops and Courses

Plan your visit with the Programme and Event Guides and take advantage of the early-bird ticket offers by Booking in Advance now.

In addition to a full programme of topical lectures from leading speakers there is a range of courses, workshops and seminars covering beekeeping and non-beekeeping subjects. See Courses & Seminars for more details.

Workshop

The Brood Box Crèche

A new initiative to enable parents to leave their children aged between 3 and 7, in a safe and stimulating crèche with trained nursery staff whilst they slip off to enjoy the convention. Morning session 09.30 to 13.00; afternoon session 13.00 to 16.30. £10 per session or all-day £16.00.