Germany bids to host the 51st Apimondia International Apicultural Congress 2029
Dear Apimondia Family,
we cordially invite you to celebrate Apimondia 2029 in Germany! As full members – the D.I.B. since the early beginnings and the DBIB for five years – we take great pleasure in submitting to you this bid to host the 51st Apimondia in the beautiful city of Leipzig in central Germany.
Our own enthusiasm about this bid is shared by a large community of outstanding scientists, successful businesses, political decision makers, bee-related associations and, above all, by about 150,000 professional and amateur beekeepers throughout our nation.
The last time that Apimondia was held in Germany was in Munich in 1969. In a country which at that time was divided into East and West. Things have changed. In 1989, Leipzig sparked the ‘Peaceful Revolution’ which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, German reunification and sweeping political change which became part of Europe’s history of freedom. Hosting Apimondia in 2029 would be very meaningful and a great privilege for us. Exactly 40 years after the ‘Peaceful Revolution’, and 60 years after Apimondia in Munich, we would love to give you the joyful experience of a new, open, colourful and hospitable Germany. We aspire to host a happy celebration in the heart of Europe, at the interface between East and West, where bee lovers from all corners of the globe will meet up and experience the power of universal values such as freedom, respect and a sense of companionship.
Not only does Germany provide excellent infrastructures, experience, organizational expertise and a safe environment. Our bid also centres around the idea of responsibility. It is our commitment to host Apimondia on the basis ecological sustainability, compliance and good governance.
We firmly intend to master the honourable task of staging Apimondia and to set new benchmarks. We seek to build new bridges between people from all over the world and strengthen existing ties, thus providing a unique and unifying experience for all participants.
Germany and its bees
Founded in 1907 in Frankfurt/Main, the German Beekeepers' Association (D.I.B.) emerged from the merger of three associations. Its history includes periods of restructuring and renaming. In the 1920s, key bee research institutes were established, supported by pioneering scientists. The “Echter Deutscher Honig” jar was introduced in 1925 to guarantee authenticity and remains a symbol of quality today. After reunification in 1990, associations from East Germany joined. Since 1970, the D.I.B. has co-published the scientific journal Apidologie.
Today the D.I.B. unites 19 regional associations with 135,000 beekeepers managing 900,000 colonies. It promotes sustainable practices, biodiversity, youth engagement, and breeding innovation. Current projects include Varroa 2033 for mite-free beekeeping. The D.I.B. advises policymakers at national and EU levels and contributes to the Honey Directive. Activities include exhibitions, competitions, quality control under the “Echter Deutscher Honig” brand, and science outreach. Alongside it, the German Professional Beekeepers' Association (DBIB) represents full-time beekeepers and focuses on professional training, market development, and climate resilience.
Germany has a thriving beekeeping culture, largely driven by passionate hobbyists (95%). Only around 500 of them pursue beekeeping as a profession.
German beekeepers make a strong contribution to the country’s honey supply, with impressive harvests collected each year.
Honey plays a notable role in German diets, with people enjoying it more frequently than in many other countries.
Beyond honey, bees are vital for agriculture, supporting ecosystems and generating substantial economic value through their work.
The German Beekeepers' Association (D.I.B.) serves the purpose to promote and popularise beekeeping because honey bees, by pollinating wild and cultivated plants, make a vital contribution towards biodiversity. It is part of the D.I.B.’s mission to harmonise the conservation of nature and beekeeping interests, thus ensuring high-quality, unadulterated bee products.
The German Professional Beekeepers' Association (DBIB) and the D.I.B. work very closely together. They share common interests and goals, while the DBIB has a stronger focus on people who make a living from beekeeping, produce and sell honey and bee products. They represent the interests of 1,200 professional beekeepers vis-à-vis authorities, political decision-makers and administrations.
The proposed site
Beyond its impressive history and enormous cultural wealth, Leipzig is one of the greenest cities in Germany. Sustainable growth is the central goal of Leipzig’s urban development policy. It has been Germany‘s most dynamic and fastest growing major city for many years. Here, you can experience one of the most culturally diverse, colourful and vibrant cities in Germany. Outstanding hospitality and the openness of Leipzig‘s citizens will provide much inspiration to the visitors of Apimondia 2029.
Tilted Image Slideshow
Cultural Heritage
& Tradition
Leipzig boasts a rich cultural history with world-renowned institutions like the Gewandhaus Orchestra, the St. Thomas Choir, and a vibrant opera scene.
A True City
of Music
With a deep-rooted musical legacy and a thriving contemporary scene, Leipzig lives and breathes music, from classical concerts to innovative new sounds.
Artistic
Excellence
The city is a hub for fine arts, home to notable museums, galleries, and the influential ‘New Leipzig School of Painting’, as well as striking architecture and theatres.
Young &
Creative Vibes
Leipzig has a dynamic, alternative cultural scene, attracting young creatives and fostering an innovative spirit throughout the city.
Green City
Life
With over 120 hectares of forests and parks, Leipzig offers plenty of green space for relaxation, walks, and outdoor enjoyment.
Water and
Recreation
A network of rivers, canals, and southern lakes, alongside sports facilities and golf courses, make Leipzig perfect for leisure and active lifestyles.
The proposed venue
The Congress Center Leipzig of Leipziger Messe – one of Europe’s most modern meeting venues – combines architectural beauty with state-of-the-art technical infrastructures and easy logistics. Spacious, daylight-flooded foyers and a beautiful park landscape make it an enjoyable place to be.
Tilted Image Slideshow
Spacious and Modern
Exhibition Grounds
The venue offers 102,500 m² of exhibition space across five interconnected halls, meeting all spatial requirements for Apimondia 2029 with capacity for future growth.
Excellent Accessibility
and Orientation
All areas are connected by glass-covered walkways, ensuring short routes, intuitive navigation, and full barrier-free access for all visitors.
Comprehensive
Infrastructure
With thousands of parking spaces, on-site restaurants, snack bars, and a conference center featuring 23 rooms, the venue provides ideal conditions for both exhibitors and guests.
