Organisers expect several hundred participants to attend, including researchers, industry leaders, farmers, naturalists, enthusiasts, and educators. The flourishing community of hobby and professional native bee keepers will be represented, and many of these contribute to innovation, research, and development of this growing activity.

Bees are the most important group of pollinators on the planet, in both natural ecosystems and in food crops. Although 1650 different native bee species are known from Australia, the true number is thought to be closer to 2000 as new species are being discovered every year.

Bee researchers around Australia are currently investigating topics that include managing native bees as pollinators of valuable crops, native bee conservation, effects of climate change on native bees, and native bee honey and propolis. Workers are using native bees for community engagement and international development. Close to 40 presenters will share their knowledge, recent innovations, and new methods.

The firts two conferences were popular and constructive, and this year’s event is expected to be even better with a hive exhibition, photographic competition, panel discussions and plenary presentations. A tradeshow will showcase some of the enterprises springing up around native bees, as well as the activities of research groups, professional societies, and education providers. The knowledge sharing along with opportunities for social and networking will create a weekend of learning and inspiration.

The organisers of the conference are respected and highly qualified professionals and include university professors and industry leaders.

The conference is hosted by the Australian Native Bee Association

Dr Tim Heard, Chair of the organising committee, has been keeping and researching bees for nearly 40 years, “If you are interested in native bees then this meeting offers an abundance of new informative and inspiration. We welcome anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these useful and fascinating insects to attend, learn and share their knowledge.”