I did attend the National Bee conference that was held in Orlando this January. There was just too much going on that I really don’t know where to start.

Several speakers were there that I knew or at least know of. Some I met and some I did not get the pleasure. A lot of the classes were being presented at the same time and I had to make a decision of which ones I would attend.

Kim Flottum, Dr. Larry Conner, Dr. Keith Delaplane, Dr. James (Jim) Tew, Dr. Thomas (Tom) Renderer, Dr. Malcolm Sanford Dr. Lilia de Guzman, Jerry Hayes, and Davids Barnes & Westervelt  were some of the speakers. I, Ernest (Peaches) Peach, also had a small speaking part for a 30 minute presentation. There were numerous other speakers there that I did not know, but were just as important.

Several countries were represented from among the 600 - 800 attendees . Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile,  Venezuela, Trinidad, and Tobago. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom also had representatives attending. There were more, but I cannot remember. This was a national bee meeting that turned into an international gathering. I personally met people from each of these countries mentioned.

I met the now, past National Honey Queen and Princess, and I shook hands with and hugged all six State Honey Queens that were in the lineup for the new National Queen and Princess.  All in all, you that did not get to attend, missed a great meeting.

The Canadian, US, and Mexican National Organizations met at the same time and joined us in the festivities. There were 20+ vendors from the US and Mexico with all kinds of new products, equipment, and at least 4 different kinds of beetle traps.  I wish I had taken pictures of the vending area alone. It was very interesting.

Next year the ABF will be meeting in Galveston, TX. I’ll give an update as we get closer to the meeting date. I also heard that the World Apiamondia will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in September of 2011.

Looks like I wrote another book. You should by now have your wooden-ware ready for the new season. Keep your veil close, your smoker lit, and your hive tool sharp.