Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

Representing Common Interests

ABF Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) represent various segments within the diverse beekeeping industry. Each SIG meets at the ABF Annual Conference to:

  • Discuss issues of importance to its respective participants.
  • Offer resolutions to be considered at the ABF Annual Business Meeting.
  • Conduct other business relevant to its area of special interest but not contravening the bylaws or objectives and resolutions of the ABF.
  • If entitled, elect two of its participants to the ABF Board of Directors for a two-year term. One director typically leads the SIG program at the conference, but another program chair may be designated.


SIGs do not have set membership. Any person present at the ABF Annual Conference may participate in one or more SIGs during the convention. Only ABF members may participate in SIG elections, and no ABF member may cast votes in more than one SIG at the same convention.


Please contact the SIG directors below for additional information.

SIG Directors

Commercial Beekeepers SIG

Patty Sundberg (serving second term in position ending January 2024)
E-mail: 
psundberg@hotmail.com

Charles Linder (serving first term in position ending January 2025)
E-mail: gm_charlie@frontier.com

Honey Producer-Packer SIG

Blake Shook (serving second term in position ending January 2024)
E-mail: blake@desertcreekhoney.com

Debbie Seib (EC) (serving second term in position ending January 2024)
E-mail: seibshoosierhoney@yahoo.com

Package Bee and Queen Breeders SIG

Robert Wooten (serving second term in position ending January 2024)
E-mail: 
wootensbees@gmail.com

Tim Wilbanks (serving first term in position ending January 2025)
E-mail: timwilbanksbees@gmail.com

Small Scale-Sideliner SIG

Joe Komperda (serving first term in position ending January 2024)
E-mail: 
beekeeper@happybusybees.com

Brian Reeves (serving first term in position ending January 2025)
E-mail: bekayr@aol.com