ABS Learning Seminar 2024/Michigan All-State Bonsai Show, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9-12, 2024

[markyscott]

May 9-11, 2024, Grand Rapids, MI. ABS Learning Seminars in coordination with Meijer Gardens Michigan All-State Bonsai Show and the West Michigan Bonsai Club.

Registration is open! An amazing lineup of fantastic artists, great workshop material, a large exhibition and vendor hall, and a large number of FREE seminars. Spots will go fast, so don’t miss this great opportunity to increase your knowledge and improve the quality of your collection!

Additional information and the registration link are now available at: https://www.americanbonsaisociety.org/abs-learning-seminars/

 

[markyscott]

May 9-11, 2024, Grand Rapids, MI. ABS Learning Seminars in coordination with Meijer Gardens Michigan All-State Bonsai Show and the West Michigan Bonsai Club.

Registration is open! An amazing lineup of fantastic artists, great workshop material, a large exhibition and vendor hall, and a large number of FREE seminars. Spots will go fast, so don’t miss this great opportunity to increase your knowledge and improve the quality of your collection!

Additional information and the registration link are now available at: https://www.americanbonsaisociety.org/abs-learning-seminars/

View attachment 524684

Also - remember that there is a SUBSTANTIAL REGISTRATION DISCOUNT for members of either the American Bonsai Society or the Western Michigan Bonsai Club. Sign up now and enjoy the savings plus all the additional benefits of membership!

Scott

 

[NateDyk47]

Do kids need tickets? They would not be doing workshops or attending banquets, etc. Just hanging with parent who's not in a workshop (both wife and I are planning on getting tickets and doing a workshop).

 

[markyscott]

Do kids need tickets? They would not be doing workshops or attending banquets, etc. Just hanging with parent who's not in a workshop (both wife and I are planning on getting tickets and doing a workshop).

Let me confirm the policy with the organizer and I'll get back to you!

 

[NateDyk47]

Let me confirm the policy with the organizer and I'll get back to you!

Thanks Scott, appreciate it!

 

[markyscott]

Do kids need tickets? They would not be doing workshops or attending banquets, etc. Just hanging with parent who's not in a workshop (both wife and I are planning on getting tickets and doing a workshop).

Sorry. This might take a minute as we are dealing with admission to both Meijer Garden and the convention.

One thing to note is that visiting the vendor area and the exhibition area does not require registering for the convention. Anyone visiting Meijer Gardens can also visit the exhibition and vendor hall. Registration is required to attend the workshops, demos and learning seminars, and that registration includes admission to Meijer Gardens. However, we are investigating what Meijer Gardens admission policy is for children who are not registered for the convention. This is out of our hands, but I’ll let you know what their policy is.

- S

 

[NateDyk47]

Sorry. This might take a minute as we are dealing with admission to both Meijer Garden and the convention.

One thing to note is that visiting the vendor area and the exhibition area does not require registering for the convention. Anyone visiting Meijer Gardens can also visit the exhibition and vendor hall. Registration is required to attend the workshops, demos and learning seminars, and that registration includes admission to Meijer Gardens. However, we are investigating what Meijer Gardens admission policy is for children who are not registered for the convention. This is out of our hands, but I’ll let you know what their policy is.

- S

We are already Meijer Gardens members, so that works out well. I was mostly curious whether I'd be able to spend time at the vendors & exhibit area when I have the kids. I don't think my toddler would enjoy sitting for a demo or learning seminar much anyway

Thanks again, Scott!

 

[NateDyk47]

I'm officially registered! Very excited for the Thuja workshop with @mattspinniken and Itoigawa workshop with Suthin.

 

[markyscott]

I'm officially registered! Very excited for the Thuja workshop with @mattspinniken and Itoigawa workshop with Suthin.

Great choices!

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I'm registered. Signed up for the JBP workshop with Rob Hoffman & the bring your own tree with Hugo Zamora, not sure what tree I'll bring but it should be fun.

 

[markyscott]

I'm registered. Signed up for the JBP workshop with Rob Hoffman & the bring your own tree with Hugo Zamora, not sure what tree I'll bring but it should be fun.

Great! You can always pick up one at the show!

- S

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Great! You can always pick up one at the show!

- S

That's a great idea. I think I'll do that.

 

[NateDyk47]

I'm registered. Signed up for the JBP workshop with Rob Hoffman & the bring your own tree with Hugo Zamora, not sure what tree I'll bring but it should be fun.

I did a JBP workshop with Rob at last year's event. I really enjoyed it. We were given material that made for a pretty interesting literati.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I did a JBP workshop with Rob at last year's event. I really enjoyed it. We were given material that made for a pretty interesting literati.

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Looks good. Not sure why I was name dropping because I'm not sure who the names are. I'll look them up.

 

[brentwood]

Looks good. Not sure why I was name dropping because I'm not sure who the names are. I'll look them up.

Rob is in our club, Columbus, and Hugo is coming in from Mexico - hope to do a workshop with him at Rob's garden (Yume-en) before Michigan. Both very talented.

Brent

 

[MSU JBoots]

@Brad in GR do you know if there will be workshops independent of the ABS seminars. I’m not sure I will be able to devote enough time to the event to enjoy all the ABS has to offer?

 

[markyscott]

@Brad in GR do you know if there will be workshops independent of the ABS seminars. I’m not sure I will be able to devote enough time to the event to enjoy all the ABS has to offer?

There are 16 workshops, 20 seminars, and 5 demos to choose from. No one will be able to do everything, but there will be something for everyone’s interests.

- S

 

[MSU JBoots]

There are 16 workshops, 20 seminars, and 5 demos to choose from. No one will be able to do everything, but there will be something for everyone’s interests.

- S

Awesome! Thanks for the info I’ll take a deeper dive into what I might be able to attend as I missed out on anything except the displays and vendors last year.

 

[GreatLakesBrad]

@Brad in GR do you know if there will be workshops independent of the ABS seminars. I’m not sure I will be able to devote enough time to the event to enjoy all the ABS has to offer?

Keep in mind that this is the all state show on steroids, so very different than a ‘normal’ year - Scott and other members of ABS have done amazing work, with some contributions from a few of us from West Michigan Bonsai club, to make sure to have a ton of options, spoiled for choice! I’d focus in on what you’re most interested in versus trying to do a little of everything.

 

[MSU JBoots]

Keep in mind that this is the all state show on steroids, so very different than a ‘normal’ year - Scott and other members of ABS have done amazing work, with some contributions from a few of us from West Michigan Bonsai club, to make sure to have a ton of options, spoiled for choice! I’d focus in on what you’re most interested in versus trying to do a little of everything.

I think I’m coming to Friday but can’t decide on which workshop to attend yet. Leaning towards a juniper workshop but perhaps the black pine. Is there a program list of when the demonstrations and seminars will be? Perhaps that would sway my choice.