Call for Applications to Host the 16th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) 2028

Dear fellow beekeepers,

We hope you are looking forward to the upcoming IMYB and the continued growth of our international young beekeeping community. Many of us will have the opportunity to meet again at the 14th IMYB in Belfast, Northern Ireland in July 2026, and then at the 15th IMYB in Türkiye in 2027.

As we continue planning for the future of IMYB, we are now opening the call for applications to host the 16th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in 2028.

Hosting an IMYB meeting is both a great honor and a significant responsibility. The selection of organizers is a long-term process requiring careful evaluation of each candidate’s organizational capacity, financial background, logistical preparedness, available facilities, and commitment to the core mission of IMYB – supporting, educating, and connecting young beekeepers from around the world.

Therefore, we consider the following criteria essential for organizing the meeting:

• Understanding of IMYB and its format; previous attendance at at least one IMYB meeting, ideally including members of the organizing team.
• Understanding of the competition requirements and the ability to manage the competition fairly, transparently, and professionally.
• Understanding of the importance of young beekeeper education, international cooperation, and networking.
• A lead organization with demonstrated experience and capacity to organize an event of this scale, including the ability to:
  • establish and work with partners,
  • secure sponsorships and funding,
  • recruit and manage volunteers,
  • provide suitable accommodation and event facilities,
  • manage transportation, catering, photography, cultural and social activities,
  • ensure participant safety,
  • communicate clearly and promptly with participating countries,
  • support participating countries throughout the preparation process.

To assist us in selecting the most suitable organizer, we kindly ask interested candidates to provide responses to the following questions:

• What are your proposed dates for the event? Note: The IMYB usually occurs during the first two weeks of July. Rationale should be provided for holding the event outside of this timeline.
• What venue do you intend to use, and what capacities does it offer for accommodation, catering, meetings, competitions, and practical beekeeping activities?
• How many participating countries would you be able to host (20–40)?
• Which organization would serve as the lead organizer? Are there any partner organizations?
• Who would be the principal contact person and project leader?
• Who are the key members of the organizational team for both preparation and implementation of the event?
• How do you plan to finance the event, and what budget do you anticipate?
• What is the nearest international airport, and how would participants be transported from there?
• What is your vision for both the competitive and educational/social programs for young beekeepers and mentors?
• What new ideas or activities would you add to enrich the traditional IMYB program?
• What experience do you have in organizing similar national or international events?
• What is your motivation for hosting IMYB 2028?

As in previous years, each participating country will send a team of three competitors (aged 12–17) and two mentors. Teams will cover their own travel costs to the host country and pay a participation fee. The expected participation fee for IMYB 2028 is USD 1,250 per team.

All other organizational costs are expected to be covered by the host organizer through sponsorship, grants, institutional support, and other funding sources.

In addition, the IMYB meeting will be supported by approximately 10–20 international facilitators – experienced volunteers who assist with the smooth operation of the event. Facilitators cover their own travel expenses to the host country, while local costs are covered by the organizer.

We recognize that this application requires substantial preparation and detailed planning. These requirements help ensure that every IMYB meeting maintains the high standards established over the past years and provides an outstanding experience for all participants.

The deadline for submitting applications is 31 July 2026.

Applications and any questions regarding the bidding process should be sent to:

piza@icyb.cz

Detailed information, reports, photographs, and videos from previous IMYB meetings can be found on the ICYB website.

We thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your proposals for IMYB 2028.

Best regards,

RNDr. Jiří Píza
President
ICYB – International Centre for Young Beekeepers, z.s.