Buzz in the Black Hills 2027
Friday, February 12th & Saturday, February 13th at The Box Event Center in Rapid City, SD!
CALL FOR ARTISTS!
Buzz in the Black Hills 2027 Conference Artwork Contest
Theme: Resilient Bees, Resilient Beekeepers
The Buzz in the Black Hills Beekeepers Conference is seeking original artwork for our 2027 conference. The winning design will be featured on the official conference T-shirt and used in conference advertising and promotional materials.
Grand Prize
🏆 Free admission to the 2027 Buzz in the Black Hills Beekeepers Conference (February 12–13, 2027)
🏆 Recognition during the conference
🏆 Complimentary conference T-shirt featuring the winning artwork
🏆 Artwork featured on conference promotional materials
Suggested Design Elements
Artists are encouraged to incorporate:
- Honey bees or native pollinators
- Beekeeping imagery
- The Black Hills landscape
- Themes of resilience, adaptation, stewardship, and community
Entry Requirements
- Original artwork only.
- Up to two entries per artist.
- AI-generated artwork is not permitted.
- Graphic design software and design platforms such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Inkscape, and similar tools may be used.
- Artwork must be created by the submitting artist and may not include AI-generated images or AI-generated design elements.
- Artwork should be suitable for use on a T-shirt and in print and digital advertising.
- Artist must own all rights to the submitted work.
- Digital submissions are preferred (PNG, JPG, or PDF formats).
- By entering, participants grant Buzz in the Black Hills permission to use, modify, reproduce, and distribute the artwork for conference-related promotional purposes.
Timeline
📅 Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
📅 Public Voting: October 10-17, 2026
📅 Winner Announced: October 20, 2026
Voting
A conference committee will review all submissions and select 3–5 finalists. Finalists will then be presented for public voting through an online ballot.
To submit artwork or ask questions, contact: bhabc.media@gmail.com
We can't wait to see your creativity and celebrate the resilience of bees and beekeepers throughout the Black Hills and beyond!
Bee-Ginner's Beekeeping 101
From 2pm-4pm on Friday, February 12th at The Box Event Center, we are offering as a conference add on, a Bee-ginners Beekeeping 101 course for up to 25 registrants. This two-hour beginner overview is designed for those curious about beekeeping and covers the very basics: common beekeeper terminology, hive components, equipment, how to get started with bees, and what to expect your first season. This session is intended as a simple introduction and is not a comprehensive beekeeping course. For those interested in getting more in-depth education, the Basic Beekeeping Course at Western Dakota Tech is strongly recommended.
Friday Evening Social
We have a Friday evening session and social from 6:00-9:00pm. Doors open at 5:00pm at The Box Event Center. 631 Watiki Way, Box Elder, SD 57719
Social: Flat Breads - Margherita, Pepperoni, & BBQ Chicken. Drink cart with specialty cocktail, Bee's Knees.
Saturday Main Conference
On Saturday, doors open at 7:00 am. Breakfast from 7:00-8:00am. Conference from 8:00-4:30pm at The Box Event Center. 631 Watiki Way, Box Elder, SD 57719
Breakfast: Danishes & Coffee
Lunch: Soup and Sandwich Buffet. Soup Du Jour, Sliced Ham, Smoked Turkey, Swiss & Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Artisan Breads, Sandwich Condiments, Mixed Green Salad with Two Dressing Options, Potato Salad, Rolls and Butter. Lemonade & Tea.
Keynote Speaker:
David Burns
Burns’ work is rooted in education and mentorship. He started blogging and uploading beekeeping videos in 2006, which grew into a YouTube channel with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. He teaches workshops year-round at the Eastern Apicultural Society’s Training Center in Fairmount, Illinois, and offers a mentorship program called Beeteam6. He also writes a weekly column for Bee Culture Magazine and produces a weekly beekeeping podcast.
Interested in having a booth at the conference?
2027 Commercial Vendor & Nonprofit/Informational Booth Registration Information:
Are you interested in exhibiting at the Buzz in the Black Hills Conference? We welcome businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and beekeeping organizations that help support and educate our attendees.
Important Information
Booth spaces are intended for exhibiting during conference hours to include both Friday Evening and Saturday.
Booth set-up is Friday from 2pm-6pm; or Saturday from 6am-8am.
Because vendor/booth space is limited, we ask that vendors keep their displays to 1-2 tables. Tables are 8'. If additional space is needed, extra tables may be reserved for $10 each, pending space is available. This helps ensure every vendor has sufficient space and keeps the exhibit area comfortable for attendees.
Seating in speaker sessions is reserved for registered conference attendees as seating is limited.
Exhibitors without conference registration are welcome to staff their booths and network in vendor areas but may not attend speaker presentations.
Electricity may be available upon request.
Reserve a room at The Courtyard by Marriott attached to The Box Event Center
Reserve a Hotel Room
We secured a block of 15 rooms at the The Courtyard by Marriott, for conference attendees for $99 plus tax. The Courtyard by Marriott is attached to The Box. Call The Couryard by Marriott Rapid City at 605-791-0945 or us this link to Book Your Group Rate for Buzz in th Black Hills to book your own room with your own payment. When you call to book, mention “BH Beekeepers Club” to get the discounted rate.
There is an additional parking fee for hotel registrants of $8.99 plus tax per room per night. This parking fee includes perks: buy one, get one Drink at The Bistro; 10% Discount on order at attached Starbucks; 10% Discount at The Bistro; Complimentray Market item; $20 Free Play at Cadillac Jack's & Tin Lizzie Gaming Resports in Deadwood.