At Learning from the Bees, you are invited into a living, embodied experience that brings together wide-ranging disciplines and traditions: from science and conservation to apiculture, the humanities, ancestral wisdom, history, and the arts. This illuminating and impactful program, interwoven with shared meals and celebration, will create a transformational experience.
We will come together to unify a dispersed community of diverse apicultural methods, creating a space where everyone who feels called to the bees (whether a beginner or a longtime beekeeper) can find belonging, shared purpose, and a deeper respect for bees as teachers. Here, we are never done learning; the bees themselves guide us toward a future of reciprocity and connection, which will deepen your relationship with them, the land, and the wider web of life.
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
Learning from the Bees will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, experiential breakout sessions, special events, farm-to-table food, art, and much more.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE
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Marcus Briggs-Cloud, co-founder of Ekvn-Yefolecv, an intentional ecovillage community of Maskoke persons that aims to implement regenerative agriculture and revive their community’s linguistic, cultural, and ecological identity
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Jonathan Powell, trustee of Natural Beekeeping Trust and co-founder of Learning from the Bees, authored the Tree Beekeeping Field Guide and oversees forest rewilding projects in the UK and Spain
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Rebecca Robertson, founder of Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women, protecting stingless Melipona bees, and preserving ancient Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula
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Laura Rost, National Coordinator of Bee City USA & Bee Campus USA for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, supporting communities working to reduce pesticide use and protect native pollinators
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Michael Joshin Thiele, founder of Apis Arborea, a rewilding organization promoting self-willed ecological processes, holistic systems, and monitoring research
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Johannes Wirz, molecular biologist at the Goetheanum Research Laboratory, co-founder of IfGene, and board member of Mellifera e.V., where he's developing criteria for beekeeping that do not include chemical treatments against Varroa
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And many more to be announced!
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Speed BEE Talks
Inspired by TED Talks, conference attendees will be invited to apply for 5-minute slots to share their bee-related projects and observations in and around the hive. Preference will be given to young researchers and individuals from underrepresented groups and geographies. Applications will open in Spring 2026.
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Enter the Hive
An immersive installation invites us to perceive the bees’ world through our human senses and to experience their collective social activity firsthand.
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Saturday Evening Music & Dancing
A Saturday night concert and opportunity to mix and mingle in true Appalachia style, with live music by Luke Wallace and local artists from the Handmade Music School.
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Tom Seeley Tribute
As the “father” of wild honey bee research, we will acknowledge Tom’s invaluable lifetime contributions to the field and immeasurable influence on generations of honeybee scientists and beekeeping practitioners.
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With more to come! Full program to be announced soon...
FOOD
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Savor Farm-to-Table Cuisine *
Chef Adam Morrison of Two Trees Catering is honored to bring you true farm-to-table dining throughout Learning from the Bees, with local, organic, seasonal produce and livestock grown exclusively for the conference. Rooted in Floyd for over 20 years, Adam and his team craft nourishing meals that celebrate the seasons, the land, and the local growers who make it all possible. With a deep respect for place and a flair for creative flavor, every delicious bite will be a testament to care and community.
* Alcohol will not be served.
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Included Meals & Optional Delights **
Conference registration includes a welcome dinner on Friday, lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and delicious snacks on Saturday and Sunday.
We offer these add-ons to augment your conference experience:
° Hearty farm-to-table breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday
° Outdoor Appalachian BBQ to accompany Saturday evening’s festivities
** You can choose your meal options when purchasing a ticket or return to add them anytime up to 60 days before the event.
POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ***
Monday, September 28 and Tuesday, September 29
Experience the community spirit of Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary, where you'll join a handful of others for an intimate, two-day immersion in their biodynamic philosophy, principles, and practices.
*** Sold separately from Conference Tickets. Registration link coming soon.
VOLUNTEERING
Putting on a conference like this takes many hands to create. Would you like to help by becoming a volunteer? Contact Ines Kinchen at ines@spikenardfarm.org.