Every beekeeper, no matter their experience level, eventually asks the same question: where can I go to learn more and connect with others who share my passion for bees? Books and online resources are helpful, but nothing compares to gathering with other beekeepers in person. That is exactly what BEECON 2025, the first-ever conference of the New York Bee Club, is designed to do.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the doors will open at St. Thomas Church in Brooklyn for an afternoon of education, inspiration, and community. Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper with decades of hive experience, a beginner just starting out, or someone who is simply fascinated by bees, BEECON is for you.
What You Can Expect at BEECON 2025
BEECON is more than a conference. It is a gathering place for everyone who cares about honey bees, wild bees, and the role pollinators play in New York City’s environment.
Here’s a look at the day’s schedule:
- 12:30 – 12:55: Club Business Meeting (members only)
- 1:00 – 1:45: Kevin Inglin – The Gadget Garage
- 2:15 – 2:45: Breakout Sessions – Small group discussions and hands-on learning
- 3:00 – 3:30: Sarah Kornbluth – Wild Bees of New York City
- 3:45 – 4:00: Wrap-Up and Black Jar Honey Tasting Results
- 5:00 – Afterparty: Food, drinks, and community time at a local venue (TBA)
One of the highlights will be our two featured speakers:
- Kevin Inglin, an EAS Master Beekeeper and host of the Beekeeper’s Corner Podcast, will share clever tools and practical solutions from his “Gadget Garage.”
- Sarah Kornbluth, a bee biologist at the American Museum of Natural History, will take us inside the world of New York City’s wild bees. Did you know there are over 170 species of native bees living right here in the city? You’ll learn how these species interact with our landscapes and what you can do to support them.
And of course, no beekeeping gathering is complete without honey. The Black Jar Honey Tasting will give attendees the chance to sample and vote on local honeys in a fun, blind-tasting format.
Who Should Attend
BEECON is open to everyone. If you are a member of the New York Bee Club, admission is FREE. Non-members can register early for just $20 or pay $25 at the door. The first 50 registrants will also receive a free commemorative enamel pin made especially for this inaugural event.
You don’t need to be an active beekeeper to benefit from the conference. Gardeners, educators, students, and anyone curious about the world of bees will find the talks and breakout sessions both accessible and inspiring.
Why This Year Is Special
This is the very first BEECON. Attending means you’ll be part of history as the New York Bee Club launches what will become an annual tradition. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new connections, and maybe even some bragging rights for saying, “I was at the first one.”
The location in Brooklyn is also intentional. Our goal is to rotate the conference through different boroughs in future years, highlighting the diverse communities and beekeeping practices across the city.
How to Register
Registration is now open, and spots are limited. To secure your place, visit the BEECON 2025 page. Remember, early registration is $20, but it’s free for club members. Walk-in tickets on October 18 will be $25, so signing up ahead of time saves you both money and time at the door.
And don’t forget: the first 50 people to register will receive a free enamel pin to mark the occasion.
Beekeeping is about more than managing colonies. It is about community, learning, and supporting each other in the challenges and joys of working with bees. BEECON 2025 is your chance to be part of that community in a bigger way.
If you’ve ever wondered where to meet other beekeepers, how to pick up new skills, or how to stay inspired through the ups and downs of the beekeeping year, this conference is the answer.
Join us on October 18 in Brooklyn for a day full of learning, honey tasting, and connection. Visit the BEECON 2025 page to register today.
And if you haven’t joined the New York Bee Club yet, now is the perfect time. Membership gives you free admission to the conference, access to monthly meetings, and the chance to be part of a growing community of bee enthusiasts across the city.
We look forward to seeing you there!
