Whether this is your first visit, or you have been before, I am delighted to welcome you to the 47th Spring Convention. The event will be busy, with topical lectures for all levels of experience, yet more workshops and seminars to book, Saturday’s Trade Show, and (following successful introduction last year) scientific poster presentations on Friday.

Throughout the Convention, thanks to Digital Urban Ltd, holders of full wristband tickets (not Trade Show only) have a complimentary opportunity to fly like a bee in a virtual reality wildflower meadow. This may be popular, so please visit the Weston foyer early, to enjoy or plan your “flight”.

On-site accommodation is again available only to those booking three nights’ dinner bed & breakfast. Though this year, those staying in other accommodation, camping or caravanning can pay in the Refectory for Harper Adams famed full breakfast. Anyone with a smaller appetite can enjoy breakfast items and refreshments in ‘Graze’ cafeteria.

A new feature will be the option of Convention updates via a WhatsApp Channel. The Channel will be broadcast-only so, if joined, only messages from the organiser will be received. Others will not see who is receiving. You can leave at any time. To join, either follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/ mrfz2rwr or scan the QR code below with your smart phone.

Saturday’s Trade Show is integral to the Convention, with products on display to help you to put into practice the knowledge gained in talks and seminars. We strongly encourage you to plan your day so that you have enough time to browse and buy, and please remember your beeswax to trade in.

The Convention is organised by beekeepers for beekeepers and takes place because of the input of hard-working volunteers on the Committee, stewards, speakers, Harper Adams and BBKA staff, exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers. Thanks are due to everyone involved for their support, which enables all wristband ticket prices to be held at 2023 rates.

I hope you enjoy the Convention and that information in the following pages, plus the map at the back, help you to make the most of everything on offer. If you have a question, please check the Convention FAQs page on the BBKA website and if anything remains unclear, please ask via scenquiries@bbka.org.uk or during the event, call in at Convention reception in the Faccenda building