Where do you want to see a big PBE/Nationals level show?

[Eric Schrader]

I had a loosely related question for the powerful @Eric Schrader, I'm wondering if it makes sense to push the expo back by 2-4ish weeks next time around? Simply to try and get some more awesome fall color.

I have it on good authority that we'll be pushing the 2026 expo to the last weekend of January of 2027. We'll see as it's also dependent on the venue's schedule (e.g. venue TBD as of now, even if it's Kaiser again we have to sign a contract)
I was the one that initially pushed for a fall date. And while we like a fall show, the weather cooperating is a major wild card in terms of fall color. In two shows we've only had 2 trees with good fall color show up. I think second or third weekend in November is closer for us Bay Area folks - but we were hoping for some Oregon-Washington color this time and didn't get it. Nao's stat analysis shows the results of deciduous trees being shown in leaf - not good results. Two of the best deciduous in the room for 2024 were in leaf for the show and it was very hard to really appreciate them.
Not 100% certain, but if you have a strong preference for fall versus winter - enter it in one of the survey questions.

E.

 

[yenling83]

I have it on good authority that we'll be pushing the 2026 expo to the last weekend of January of 2027. We'll see as it's also dependent on the venue's schedule (e.g. venue TBD as of now, even if it's Kaiser again we have to sign a contract)
I was the one that initially pushed for a fall date. And while we like a fall show, the weather cooperating is a major wild card in terms of fall color. In two shows we've only had 2 trees with good fall color show up. I think second or third weekend in November is closer for us Bay Area folks - but we were hoping for some Oregon-Washington color this time and didn't get it. Nao's stat analysis shows the results of deciduous trees being shown in leaf - not good results. Two of the best deciduous in the room for 2024 were in leaf for the show and it was very hard to really appreciate them.
Not 100% certain, but if you have a strong preference for fall versus winter - enter it in one of the survey questions.

E.

I can get down with a Winter show, I'd love to see some Ume in bloom. I don't hate the idea of alternating Fall/Winter dates to get more varieties of trees at their peak. Thanks Eric!

 

[Kanorin]

I scrolled through all the pages looking for a mention of Bonsai-Central.
I believe their goal to be somewhere in the middle of the country to host a national caliber show was a good effort. They did a lot of things right.
Need improvement? Yes. But, they put out a great first round.

Thanks, John for the mention and support! With a country as big as ours and a hobby that is growing, I think there is room for a couple of big shows.

We are about 80% sure that we are going to do another Bonsai Central. And if we do, there are definitely some things that we will change to try to do it better.

 

[ForrestW]

Thanks, John for the mention and support! With a country as big as ours and a hobby that is growing, I think there is room for a couple of big shows.

We are about 80% sure that we are going to do another Bonsai Central. And if we do, there are definitely some things that we will change to try to do it better.

I think that Bonsai Central has a lot of promise in location, venue. I think the main problem of not having as much attendance was in part due to the other big shows right before and right after it that probably had bonsai folks picking what is closest. I really hope they do it again!

I am also encouraged that the Carolina Bonsai Expo may slowly make a comeback over the next 5+ years (or at least in some version)