BSF Convention: Florida’s Largest Bonsai Event
BSF Convention: Florida’s Largest Bonsai Event
2026 BSF Convention – May 22nd – 24th
Florida Hotel and Conference Center Orlando
This year’s theme centers on the concept of “small.” These miniature bonsai specimens are an important part of the bonsai tradition, and this year we will highlight their exceptional artistry through a curated exhibition of distinguished compositions. Specifically we want to focus on Mame, Shohin, and Chuhin, but larger trees will be accepted.
Go here to see Convention Definitions.
Event Signup Plan
| What | When | Note | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Registrations | Feb 1st | Specially negotiated rate available. | Venue/Accommodations |
| Website updates start | Feb 1st | Continually updated | |
| Exhibitor Submissions Open | Feb | Open until Apr 13th | Exhibitors |
| Vendor Signup Open | Feb 15th | Open until spots are filled. | Vendors |
| Club Tree Exhibit Signup | Feb 15th | Open until May 17th | Email sent |
| Club Night Signup | Feb 15th | Open until May 17th | Club Participation |
| Volunteer Signup | Mar 9th | Open until May 17th | Volunteers |
| Conference Registration Open | Mar 9th | Open until May 17th | Register |
| Schedule of Events Published | Mar 23rd | Entire detailed conference schedule | Link provided later |
| Workshops Announced | Mar 23rd | Descriptions, Times, Price | Link provided later |
| Workshop/Critique Signups | April 15th | Open until May 17th | Link provided later |
| Merchandise Sales Start | April 15th | Open until May 17th | Link provided later |
| Website updates stop | May 19th | Visit registration desk for latest |
Convention Headliners and Visiting Artists
Jesus Brito
Jesus Brito is a Venezuelan born bonsai artist whose work blends refined aesthetic training from the Venezuelan Bonsai Society with the technical mastery he developed after moving to the United States, where he studied under renowned artists such as Nacho Marín, Juan Andrade, Suthin Sukosolvisit, Tyler Sherrod, Pedro Morales, and Boon Manakitivipart. His trees have been exhibited at major state and national shows—including our own Bonsai Society of Florida Convention, the American Bonsai Society seminars, multiple U.S. National Bonsai Exhibitions, and the long running EPCOT bonsai display—earning him recognition for the Best Tropical Tree at last year’s National Bonsai Exhibition.
Sergio Cuan
Sergio Cuan is a Cuban-American bonsai artist and Pratt-trained visual designer known for his refined deciduous work, meticulous ramification, and a design philosophy that blends painting, sculpture, and horticulture into living, evolving compositions. His New Jersey garden—built in 2014 and inspired by Japanese aesthetics—serves as both studio and teaching space, where he develops maples, elms, beeches, and other deciduous species that have earned awards such as Finest Deciduous at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Cuan is largely self-taught but has trained with Bill Valavanis, Mauro Stemberger, and Bjorn Bjorholm, and he now teaches workshops, lectures internationally, and contributes illustrations to major bonsai publications.
About Bonsai Societies of Florida Conventions
Bonsai Society of Florida hosts annual conventions and events that bring together bonsai enthusiasts and newcomers from across the state. These conventions provide a platform for individuals to exchange knowledge, learn new techniques, and foster a sense of community within the bonsai world.
Every year on Memorial Day weekend, the Bonsai Societies of Florida hosts their annual BSF Convention. The event is held at The Florida Hotel & Conference Center conveniently located at The Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida. Bonsai enthusiasts from all over the southeast participate in a 3-day event full of workshops, demos, vendor area, raffle areas and exhibits. Bonsai artists from around the world teach bonsai arts through demos and workshops. A vendor area with over 80 tables gives participants the opportunity to purchase bonsai trees, tools, books, fertilizer and more. A world class exhibit showcases some of the best trees in the U.S.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in Florida’s biggest bonsai event!
BSF Conventions Overview
The convention spans multiple days and features a diverse range of activities including:
Conventions Definitions
|
Item |
Overview |
Participant Requirement |
Open to Public |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Workshops |
Workshops led by renowned bonsai artists and experts offer participants hands-on instruction using materials supplied by the convention. Participants get to keep the items they work on during the workshop. |
Registrants who have paid for workshop join in. |
No |
|
Demonstrations |
Expert bonsai artists hold demonstrations to teach participants styling, wiring, repotting, and other techniques using high-quality materials. |
BSF member perk and registrants may view and ask questions. |
No |
|
Lectures |
Informative lectures and presentations are delivered by experts, covering a wide range of bonsai-related topics such as species-specific care, advanced styling techniques, bonsai history, and artistic concepts. |
BSF member perk and registrants may participate. |
No |
|
Exhibit Critique Sessions |
Participants observe constructive feedback on exhibit bonsai trees from experienced bonsai artists and fellow enthusiasts. This helps in refining techniques and improving the overall quality of their bonsai vision. |
Only registrants who have paid for the critique can join in. |
No |
|
Knowledge Exchange |
Meetings provide a platform for bonsai enthusiasts and newbies to share their experiences, exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another. It creates a supportive community where everyone can benefit from collective wisdom. |
Registrants join in. |
No |
|
Banquet |
The convention concludes with an elegant Banquet, which highlights the notable accomplishments and key events of the convention. During the banquet, the BSF president, convention chair, and exhibit chair share their reflections on the convention while presenting their visions for the upcoming year. Attendees will enjoy a reserved dinner seat and access to a cash bar. |
Only registrants who have paid for the full convention or daily registrants who have purchased a banquet meal. |
No |
|
Auction |
A fundraising auction featuring items created by headliners and other participants will take place at the conclusion of the banquet. This event is open to ALL, regardless of whether you attended the banquet. |
May Participate |
Yes |
|
Exhibit |
The Exhibit is central to the BSF Convention, featuring bonsai trees and displays from all around Florida and the US. Each year, BSF sets a theme to guide exhibits and encourage creativity, helping strengthen the art of bonsai. |
Free to view |
Yes |
|
Raffle |
The convention hosts daily raffles for items donated by members, vendors, and clubs, raising funds for BSF. Proceeds from the raffle are shared between BSF and member clubs who run the raffle event. |
May participate |
Yes |
|
Vendor Room |
Vendors from all over the country sell pots, trees, soil, wire, books, tools, and other artform items. These vendors cater to enthusiasts of all levels, offering specialized supplies and expert advice to help customers expand their artistry. |
May participate |
Yes |
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