What would make you want to attend a Bonsai Convention?

[kakejiku]

I think this gets to my point about a possible benefit of having a larger public attendance. An experienced bonsai group is going to be very specific about what they want, and what they are willing to buy. They may be looking for a specific piece of art to complement a specific display - and will not buy unless the item is exactly what they are looking for.

I do not think that is the answer to bonsai business in general...I only sold one off the shelf kakejiku in the two bonsai shows I did last year. It is unprofitable to spend one day's labor creating the scroll plus materials to try and sell at the price points I do. I still have scrolls from the 2009 GSBF convention still sitting and gathering dust, which I doubt will ever sell.

In fact handle Brian Underwood posted about a scroll purchased from Japan, that was a little on the big side, when I could have commissioned a painting in a similar style and made the dimensions exactly as desired for both painting and total cloth...Plus he could have selected the cloth and the other accoutrements which are all imported from Japan....probably getting a better match with the bonsai and display trying to be accomplished.

Selling to impulse buyers would require a lot more investment and total revamp of the business plan.

 

[Tieball]

My takeaway for a great convention

Most important to me is an opportunity to talk with bonsai creators...even those still learning. A person does not have to be a master to talk frankly about wins and losses...the reality. I'd like a few people with experience that know how to talk to newbees about the skills used and be able to answer even simple questions. It's like one-on-one but others will automatically listen in and start to add questions. It's all informal and on the floor standing. I think it's a great experience for the visitor and for the creator. Learning from those who have show-bonsai is good for the development of more bonsai creators. Video some of the talks and post for those who were not there.

A plane ticket would be nice too.

 

[edprocoat]

I actually attended my first Bonsai convention/show in Columbus Ohio this past summer. The reason I never went before was that I had no idea what it would be. I thought it may have been some sort of guided thing with lectures, like a museum tour. I assumed it would be a boring event with snobby types droning on about there experise. I went to the show after seeing pictures here of trees shared in posts from users of B-nut. They showed vendors selling trees and supplies, something I never considered believe it or not ! The pictures showed average looking people, seemingly friendly types, you know the guy next door types you could share a beer with, argue about football teams and discuss a common hobby with.

I would assume that those you want to attract are people unfamiliar with Bonsai conventions/shows, if I were to try and attract such people I would publicize the fact that there are people of all skill levels attending, that there are Bonsai specific vendors and there are demos and speakers which you can choose to attend if you want. The saying a picture is worth a thousand words rang true for me, the trees and the people were what attracted me.

The Columbus show was nowhere near on par with the shows I have seen posted here, either in Bonsai presented or vendors, but it was a pleasant experience and I met some nice people and seen some neat trees. I will return next summer.

ed

 

[Brian Underwood]

Guess I'll give my two cents...

I come to conventions for a few reasons. The biggest is WORKSHOPS. The most alluring part of anything bonsai is a good workshop with high quality material taught by a good artist. One of my favorite things from my first convention was working with Michael Hagedorn.

The second is the social aspect. I really enjoyed meeting new people and making connections. A small show is always nice too... Then of course there are vendors, some of which you can only buy from at shows, so that is a plus to have at any convention. Demonstrations are also something I look forward to.

Thanks for the great thread Paul. I hope all the info will help you improve the convention and make it a little more profitable.

 

[Poink88]

This is highly personal and being new, I don't have much experience with it yet but I like good workshops and reasonably priced bonsai supplies. I am into pots right now and would love to see good quality pot makers/vendors.

Quality bonsai display goes without saying of course.

Turn offs...
Being baked under TX sun (open venue).
Being rained on (open venue).
Crammed space, that you can hardly pass through aisles (display and vendor area).
Paid parking or no parking or very far parking.
Displays w/o tree description.
Stick in pots being displayed. (no flaming please)

 

[GrimLore]

Good Food ! And I do not mean Raman And why don't they serve Beer? Also I was watching some "expert" on youtube doing some deadwood work at a show and they allowed Smoking!

This is supposed to be relaxing is it not?

 

[dick benbow]

lots of great input already, like truely Great material for the workshops. I'm pretty much
accepting on the artists/teachers tho most have been well, "regulars" up and down the coast.

I'd like to see maybe the folks who do the bonsai art of japan on u-tube be invited to share what they've learned and been gifted with.

What i desire most and never find in books or sessions is the art of display. I know shaun smith
and kathy shaner have done sessions but looking for additional opportunities and individuals to learn from.

I wish there was a way to be connected to others attending, that have similar interests so we could get together during social times and share direct. one on one.

 

[Tieball]

Great trees

A great exhibit.

Bring/enter some of your trees. You have some fabulous creations. I would enjoy a chance to talk with you again about development.

 

[bonsaibp]

Hey Paul I don't know if this has been menetioned yet
but lots of workshops with quality materials.

 

[treebeard55]

A Bit of a Different Slant

I've seen a lot of good ideas in this thread. For another perspective on the question, please go to http://mababonsai.org, and scroll down to "Why Go To A Bonsai Convention Anyway?"

This is not to compete with what's been said so far, but maybe spark some new and different thoughts.

 

[Bill S]

If I may

To the good workshops with great materials comments, how much cash are you willing to dole out for a workshop with great materials? Serious question, as I have been harping on buying better demo and workshop materials and getting it put on the website for viewing, I say show off the goods if you expect to charge higher fees for W.S's, ok so how much??????

 

[GrimLore]

To the good workshops with great materials comments, how much cash are you willing to dole out for a workshop with great materials? Serious question, as I have been harping on buying better demo and workshop materials and getting it put on the website for viewing, I say show off the goods if you expect to charge higher fees for W.S's, ok so how much??????

Knocking back to my first reply - make it profound and offer something "everyone" can afford to promote this Art - and do not forget the Children the same one's we teach to respect the Earth and teach to hunt and fish...

 

[Poink88]

Knocking back to my first reply - make it profound and offer something "everyone" can afford to promote this Art - and do not forget the Children the same one's we teach to respect the Earth and teach to hunt and fish...

I hope they offer "silent observer" options for cheap. I was told by Kathy Shaner that it is the best value you can get. If you absorb lessons well as they are described/discussed...you might learn more than the actual participants since you can move with the teacher and not bogged down working on your own tree. This suits me very well.

Of course we all learn differently and some have to really do it to learn...so do what fits you best.