2025 Western Pennsylvania Beekeeping Seminar

Western Pa's premier beekeeping seminar returns on February 7th and 8th. Two days filled with the best beekeeping knowledge from around the area. Guest speakers include Dr. Larry Connor, Dr. Jon Zawislak, and more! We will also have great vendors and other fun filled activities for guests of all ages. Check out the schedule below for more information!

Those that are looking to volunteer for the event, please email Bill Kopar at wkopar@gmail.com. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt!

Event schedule:

Friday February 8th, 2025

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. "Buzz In"

Dr. Robyn Underwood hosts an interactive beekeeping trivia game with our guest speakers, and invites audience participation. Are you smarter than a PhD?

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Morning session – 8:00-11:45 a.m. will be in the auditorium.

7:00 a.m. – Registration begins – coffee and donuts in vendor area of Auxiliary Gym

8:00 a.m. – Welcome – Joe Zgurzynski (WPA Beekeeping Seminar Chair), Hannah Durkin (MC, 2018 PA Honey Queen) (15 Minutes)

8:15 a.m. – Dr. Jon Zawislak– Honey Bee Pheromones (60 Minutes)

9:15 a.m. – BREAK (20 Minutes)

9:35 a.m. – Karen Roccasecca – PA State Apiarist - Beekeeping in PA (20 minutes)

9:55 a.m. – Dr. Lawrence Connor – What EVERY Beekeepers Need to Know about Bee

Genetics and Bee Breeding (60 minutes)

10:55 a.m. – BREAK (20 Minutes)

11:15 a.m. – Dr. Robyn Underwood – Penn State Extension Update (20 minutes)

11:35 a.m. – Remarks by 2025 PA Honey Queen and PSBA Representative (10 minutes)

11:45 p.m. – LUNCH BREAK – VENDORS OPEN

Breakout Session 1 (1:15 – 2:05 p.m.)

*More Than Honey: Other Products of the Hive – Dr. Jon Zawislak

*Welcome to the Drone Zone: You About to Enter Another Dimension to Beekeeping – Kate

Anton

*Honeybee Anatomy Witnessed Through Photos and Experiences – Fred Dunn

Breakout Session II (2:25 – 3:15 p.m.)

*Spotted Lanternfly Honeydew Honey – Dr. Robyn Underwood

*Why Increase Colonies are Essential to a Successful Beekeeping Operation - Dr. Lawrence

Connor

*Go With The Flow: Nectar Flows, Bloom Dates, and How They Help You – Dr. David Peck

Breakout session III (3:35 – 4:25 p.m.)

Round Table Discussion – moderated by Joe Zgurzynski and Hannah Durkin

Robyn Underwood, Jon Zawislak, David Peck, Lawrence Connor

Host or Publisher Beaver Valley Area Beekeeping Association and Country Barn Farm