QBA 2026 State Conference & 122nd AGM
The Queensland Beekeepers' Association Inc. was founded in 1886, marking a proud history of advocacy and community. As we celebrate our 140th year in 2026, we are thrilled to announce that our 2026 State Conference & 122nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be heading to the Wide Bay region. Please save the date for June 11th and 12th, 2026, at the Brothers Sports Club in Bundaberg, Queensland.
The Theme: Adapt and Thrive
This yearβs conference theme, 'Adapt and Thrive,' reflects the journey of our industry over the last 140 years. The program will focus on forward-looking practices, biosecurity resilience, and informed management strategies that support a sustainable future for Australian beekeeping.
Guest Speakers
Whilst the agenda is still being finalised, we are excited to confirm an exceptional lineup of guest speakers who will be travelling to Bundaberg to share their expertise:
DR. GEOFF WILLIAMS
Associate Professor & Director - Bee Centre
Auburn University, Alabama (USA)
DR. THIERRY BOGAERT
CTO and Chairman - Commercial Pollen Replacement
APIX Biosciences, Belgium (EUR)
DR. FLEUR PONTON
Associate Professor & Director - Pollinator Futures Research Centre
School of Natural Sciences
Macquarie University, Sydney NSW (AUS)
LIZ FROST
Technical Specialist - Bees
Agriculture and Biosecurity
Dept. of Primary Industries & Regional Development, Tocal NSW (AUS)
JODIE GOLDSWORTHY AM
Co-Founder and Director - Beechworth Honey Group
Beechworth VIC (AUS)
Oceania Vice President - Apimondia
Board Member - Wheen Bee Foundation
Executive Member - HPMAA
DR. JOHN ROBERTS
Senior Research Scientist - Bee Pests and Pathogens
CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra ACT (AUS)
DANNY LE FEUVRE
CEO - Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC)
South Australia (AUS)
Non-Executive Director - AgriFutures
Co-founder - The Honey Alchemists
DR. COOPER SCHOUTEN
Senior Research Fellow
Director - Bee Research and Extension Lab
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW (AUS)
Executive Member - AHBIC
ROBERT STEPHENS
Manager Projects β Varroa Mite Innovation and Resilience Initiative
Biosecurity Queensland
Dept. of Primary Industries, Townsville QLD (AUS)
LUKE EVANS
Program Manager - Honey Bee and Pollination Program
AgriFutures, Wagga Wagga NSW (AUS)
Event Highlights
Beyond the conference sessions, there are three key social and practical events not to be missed:
1. Pollination Open Panel Discussion (Beekeepers & Growers) FREE EVENT
When: Thursday Afternoon/Evening, 11th June - ticket required to attend - available inside the registration form!
Where: John Byrne Event Centre, Brothers Sports Club
Time: 5:00 pm (may be amended on the day)
2. Formal 3 Course Dinner - TICKETS $66.00 (inc.GST) per head - DRESS UP!
When: Friday Night, 12th June
Where: John Byrne Event Centre, Brothers Sports Club
Time: 7:00 pm (Drinks on the private deck from 6:00 pm)
3. Beekeeping Field Day: Hosted by the Wide Bay Branch
When: Saturday, 13th June
Where: Main Pavilion at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct (Showgrounds)
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Contact: widebaybeekeepers@gmail.com
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
We invite industry partners to support this milestone event via a sponsorship tier of your choice or conference advertising to promote your business. Our Sponsorship Prospectus is available for download. This document outlines venue details, the conference vision, and the sponsorship tiers available for the year starting 1st May 2026 to 30th April 2027 - Prospectus 2APR26.pdf
Sponsors will be promoted extensively throughout the conference and at the venue.
See you in Bundaberg!!
Queensland Beekeepers' Association Inc.
