The first interactive conference of our association
What you will learn here
- How we started the Rally
- How did it go?
- What was there to see
- What are we planning next
Last updated: 15/11/2022
How did it start?
For some time, we've been discussing within the group that it would be good to meet up and replace social media chat with a personal get-together. We always managed to put it off, but this year we said it was time and we're going for it.
We sent out a survey to the world, gathered feedback, and started planning. The data collection helped us a lot, so we had a good idea of who would be coming and how to prepare.
Before the rally, we sent in a binding registration so that we could order refreshments and confirm the participants.
It was something of a „Sophie's Choice“ to pick a meeting place in Prague. Prague won out this year mainly for practical reasons, and next year we're heading east.
Festival Programme
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Invitation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Programme
Venue
For the event, we chose an intimate venue that we've used several times before, and it's always been great.
If you don't know Klub Na Věnečku in Prague, then ask the attendees how they liked it there. The staff were very nice, they cooked well for us, and as a reward we infected them with bombusophilia 😀
List of presenters
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondřej Hercog
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vít Cach
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jakub Černý
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jakub Straka
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anna Hlaváčková
.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř
Presentation
The programme was packed, so each speaker had just 30 minutes. However, we had allowed for questions during the panel discussion and, above all, in the discussion groups. Judging by the participants’ reactions, it was a success.
We will share parts of the presentations with you so you can get an idea.
About the Čmeláci PLUS Association – current activities and plans for the coming years – Ondřej Hercog
Ondra described the Association's activities and spoke a lot about the directions the Association wants to take. The scope is really growing, and anyone can join in.
In the future, the association wants to offer its projects as suggestions to other enthusiasts. Anyone can implement them on their own, together with the association, or with its support. Likewise, anyone can contribute their own ideas and offer them through the association's network to other interested parties.
Co-operation with groups involved in nature conservation is also very important for the Association.
Ondra also presented the programme for the gathering and emphasised that helping bumblebees does not mean keeping common species in hives, but rather, where possible, supporting habitats for bumblebees and rearing rarer species.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondřej Hercog Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondřej Hercog Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Photo: O. Hercog (05/01/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondřej Hercog Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondřej Hercog Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondřej Hercog Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondra begins the 2022 Gathering
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Ondra is giving a lecture
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees and their living conditions in the Žďár Hills – Vít Cach
Vitek conceived of his space as a chat about bumblebees in the Žďár Hills. He described the biotopes where he found rare species and why they thrive there. He also described the issue of meadows, which are degraded by fertilisation from a natural perspective, leading to the disappearance of natural life.
He then showed his videos of the different species and spoke about them in a very engaging way. It was clear from this just how dedicated he is to bumblebees and nature conservation, and just how much he knows.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Vít Cach
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Vít Cach
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Vít Cach
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Vít Cach
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Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Vít Cach
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Vít Cach
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vítek and his presentation
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vítek and his presentation
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Wasps, hornets and giant hornets are our friends – Luděk Šulda
Luděk is a well-known bumblebee keeper. Nevertheless, he accepted the invitation and spoke on a different topic, telling the audience about wasps and hornets.
Anyone who knows Luděk knows that he can literally live with these creatures, which are terrifying for most people. Those who didn't know, learned it at a very interesting lecture.
After this lecture, at least the convention participants won't be afraid of wasps and hornets in their gardens.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Luděk Šulda
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Luděk presents
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Luděk presents
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
The return of the forest bumblebee to the Mukařov area – Jakub Černý
Jakub is a bumblebee breeder and a maker of beehives/bumblebee houses. In his lecture, he discussed a programme attempting to reintroduce rare bumblebee species to the Mukařov area.
Jakub's presentation covered how he had planned it all out, how he involved the neighbours, the local area, and the village.
We're keeping our fingers crossed for Jakub that the plan succeeds.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Jakub Černý
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Presentation by Jakub Černý
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jakub Černý
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jakub Černý is lecturing
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
On Bee Diversity: Social, Solitary and Cuckoo Bees, Beautiful, Useful and Endangered – Jakub Straka
We were pleased that Jakub accepted the invitation to the rally and would present at the same time. Although he has many other commitments, he came, delivered a very interesting lecture, and also stayed for the panel discussion and workshops.
His lecture wasn't about bumblebees, but about all bees, meaning the family to which bumblebees also belong.
We learned a lot of information about the way of life of these beautiful creatures, how they are endangered, how much they are decreasing, but also that new species can still be found now because bees can be distinguished.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jakub Straka's Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jakub Straka in action
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
„Germany is buzzing“ or, the work of nature conservationists with young people in Hesse – Anna Hlaváčková
Anička really flew to the Rally from her home in Hesse, and she gave a very interesting presentation.
This allowed us to learn about the situation with nature conservation and its promotion in our neighbouring country, Germany. Likewise, we now know how children are engaged there, as well as neighbours and passers-by. We know that Germans like order. Until now, however, we didn't know that, for example, in Hesse, flowering, unmown islands are commonly seen on municipal land, and that stone front gardens there (unlike in our country) are quietly disappearing.
Anička has brought us lots of materials which we will be happy to study and share.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková Presentation
You can find the whole presentation with lots of interesting links HERE
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Anička Hlaváčková and Ondra
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Prague's pasture is blossoming – for bumblebees, butterflies, and people – Vojta Koštíř
Vojta presented a series of projects for butterfly conservation. Thanks to this, we were able to see various places in our country, and learn where the projects were successful and where, unfortunately, they were not.
We glimpsed into the world of enthusiasts who don't give up, aren't afraid, and are doing something to protect nature. For example, they're making interesting programmes about it from the series "Nedej se!".
Although there were no bumblebees in the „starring“ role, it didn't matter at all. Where meadow flowers thrive, a diverse family of insects thrives, including our beloved bumblebees.
Vojta also told us how, because of Pražská pastvina and its mowers, he almost missed his deadline… But perhaps he’ll tell you that himself when you meet him in person.
Vojta was lucky to be presenting last, so he got a bit more time. Well... in reality, it was because he couldn't be stopped 😀
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř's Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř's Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř's Presentation
.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř's Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř's Presentation
.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojtěch Koštíř's Presentation
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojta Kostíř is lecturing
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vojta Kostíř is lecturing and Ondra just can't stop him 😀
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Panel discussion
To make things a little more difficult for the presenters, we've also invited them to a panel discussion.
Ondra posed tricky questions, and gradually the listeners joined in. The panel's topic wasn't about bumblebees, but rather about their habitat and ways to support them and other insects.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022 – Panel Discussion
Photo: V. Roubová (05/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Photo: V. Hercogová (5/11/2022)
Questionnaire draw
We were interested to know how the event was received, so all participants were given questionnaires. To properly motivate them to complete them, there was also a „Prague raffle“.
Jitka Růžičková, who was drawn, received a small gift – congratulations!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions, we will use them next year.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Example questionnaires
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Discussion groups
The conclusion of the event was dedicated to discussion groups. Presenters had set topics, and anyone who wished could join in and ask questions.
Ondra and Vítek worked with beginners and intermediate players.
Jakub C. and Luděk took charge of the „rare bumblebee species.“.
Vojta and Jakub St. invited everyone to the table.of those interested in natural habitats, their conservation and development.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Meetup 2022
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Accompanying programme
In addition to the lectures, we have prepared an accompanying programme and small interest corners for the participants.
It was very popular. Bumblebee PLUS Seed Bank. Here it was possible to choose seeds as needed. Štěpánka Nováková, along with her husband Jirka, helped us a great deal.
At the same time, they also took care of our promotional leaflets and a little library of bumblebee books, that could be viewed.
We must not forget our little shop, when interested parties could buy a few promotional items to support the association's activities.
Attendees of the rally could also view bumblebee hives (bee houses), bumblebee beekeeping equipment, and also a bumblebee nest, which was devotedly brought by Jaromír Čížek.
Luděk brought a box with a nest where Melittobia acasta had multiplied, so that interested parties could see that small, big pest in real life.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
The Nováks are preparing their rally Seed Library and book library.
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
The seed bank is going strong!
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Online shop
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
What was in the rally shop
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
The outlet shop is open.
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Event photos
If you want to see what the event looked like, you can find photos HERE
Thanks especially to Veronica Roubova for the time she dedicated to the photos and their processing!
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Welcome to the rally!
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Welcome to the rally!
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Lucka Nováková on registration, or rather on the fly
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Vlaďka is preparing a slet shop
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
It will begin soon
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS – Rally 2022
Luděk brought a shock for the wasps and also a box with Melittobia acasta.
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Meetup 2022
Participants .... of the Rally
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Are there wasps in that wasp's nest from Luděk, or aren't there?
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Follow-on programme
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Attentive participants
Photo: V. Roubová (5/11/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Jaromír Čížek brought a bumblebee nest.
Photo: V. Roubová (05/01/2022)
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Photo: O. Hercog (5 November 2022)
A little statistics
Everyone who registered has arrived. In total it was 28 enthusiasts, including presenters and support.
The event ended after 8 p.m., so we spent approximately 9 hours there together.
Everything went without injuries, stings or scuffles 🙂
Thank you
Thank you all for attending, for your help with the organisation, our presenters for the interesting presentations, discussions and for the good atmosphere.
We all agreed that such meetings make sense, and so we are already looking forward to Bumblebees PLUS Gathering 2023.
Bumblebees PLUS Rally 2022
Photo: V. Hercogová (5/11/2022)