Etowah River Beekeepers upcoming events

GBA Certified Beekeeper Testing (September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

** Conference registration closes on Sept 5 or when all spots are filled.**

Did you know that Georgia has a Certified Beekeeper program?

Georgia offers 4 levels of beekeeper certification. If you have at least a year's experience, you're eligible to begin the certification process. Those who have actively participated in ERB's programs and attended ERB meetings are generally well-prepared for this certification.

Those club members who have pursued the certificates have done it for personal reasons, but have added that mentioning that you're a certified beekeeper can spike interest for your honey customers.

The test will be given at the GBA conference on September 10.

Useful links:

About the program: https://bees.caes.uga.edu/georgia-master-beekeeper-program/certification-levels-related-requirements.html
Certified beekeeper study guide: https://bjb211.github.io/bee-study-guide/
Register for an exam via this GBA conference link.

GBA Conference: registration required on GBA site (September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

** Conference registration closes on Sept 5 or when all spots are filled.**

The GBA conference will be held on Friday September 11 and Saturday September 12 in Gainesville.

Registration is required via the GBA site and if you're not a member, it's least expensive to join GBA for $15 and register as a member.

This two-day event is filled of plenty of presentations on the latest topics in beekeeping for beekeepers of all experience levels, a selection of vendors - many with conference pricing on their wares, the state honey competition, and opportunities to meet other beekeepers from around the state.

ERB Annual Meeting (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ERB Annual Business meeting:

Voting for Directors
Voting on any changes to bylaws
Discussing what we should focus on in 2027

Time TBD. A meal will be served.

Special Event: Dr. Jamie Ellis speaking in Canton (free admission but registration required) (October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

**Please register early so Josh can track demand vs room capacity and make changes if needed**

This event, organized by Friend of ERB and Cherokee Extension Agent Josh Fuder, brings the new UGA Bee Program Director, Dr. Jamie Ellis to Canton!

You may recognize Dr. Ellis from the Two Bees in a Podcast show. He's returning to Georgia from his time at the University of Florida where he built a world-class program. We'll be learning about what Dr. Ellis has planned for the Georgia program.

Admission is free but preregistration is required so Josh can monitor capacity and move the location if necessary to keep the Fire Marshal happy.

Do NOT register with ERB as this is not an official ERB event. Register here: https://uga.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=2ui6b2j1lH8ECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

Note that you will not receive an immediate confirmation but Josh tells us he'll be sending out emails in batches.

ERB November Meeting: Honey Festival (November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Honey Festival!

As our bees settle in for the winter, we'll be celebrating all that they've given us. Details to follow but expect honey tasting, a black jar competition, and opportunities to bring your finest honey and beeswax creations.

Time TBD

December Meeting: Getting Ready for Spring (December 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

At this meeting, we'll be focusing on the winter to-do list and things you should be thinking about and doing to be ready for spring.

Learn about cleaning and storing equipment, knowing what to order, etc.