The 2027 Spring conference will be held at Bolado Park, the San Benito County fairgrounds in Tres Pinos, California. That is about 10 miles south of Hollister. This is the same venue as the 2015 Western States conference. The actual registration listing will come later -- this is just a save-the-date notification.
We are developing an exciting demonstrator lineup: Jodie Bliss from Bliss Studio Custom Metalwork in Colorado will be making a sculpture, and Mathew Christiano from Reno Forge will be showing some curved stair-making tricks he learned working with Pete Matilla in Tasmania. We’ll have Salem Straub doing a knife-making demonstration. Jon Sarriugarte of Form & Reform will be talking about and demonstrating building light fixtures. Our international guests will be Guillermina Morales from Spain and Yukio & Chikako Kanari from Japan.
There will also be an enameling workshop with Holly Carter.
Our incredible education team, led by Victoria Ritter and Becky Schimpf, will cover key aspects of the national curriculum. And of course, there will be lots of hands-on forging opportunities.
This QR will take you to the volunteer sign-up sheet. Every conference needs lots of people behind the scenes. Please consider lending us a little of your time, talent, and maybe some muscle to help make the conference a success.
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
Online registration will open in early January.
Early Bird Registration through March 22, 2027
- CBA MEMBER - Full Conference – $250.00
- CBA MEMBER - Single Day (any day) – $125.00
Online Late Registration March 22, 2027 - April 19, after that you may register in person at the event.
- CBA MEMBER - Full Conference – $270.00
- CBA MEMBER - Single Day (any day) – $140.00
** Members can register additional participants at the member rate. If more than 2 additional participants are to be registered please contact the CBA Secretary, Michael Suwczinsky (secretary@calsmith.org )
** A non-participating chaperone with a minor participant (8 and older) is free with a fully paid registration for the minor. Chaperone can be registered at the Registration Table at the conference. Children under 8 are free when accompanied by a fully registered adult.
REFUND POLICY
Refund Policy. A full refund of conference fees will be given if a member cancels at least 4 weeks before the conference starting date. A half (½) refund of conference fees will be given if the member cancels one week before the conference starting date. No refunds for “No Shows”, except in cases of extreme hardship, a death in the family, major illness, etc.
Don't forget to get your SATURDAY NIGHT BANQUET Tickets: $35 each, $18 for Children 12 and under. Must order by March 31, 2027.
Also pre-order your Conference souvenir t-shirts and pull-over hoodies.
CONTACT & CO-CHAIRS:
Paul Boulay - webmaster@calsmith.org
Shelly Cournoyer - shelly.cba.board.24@gmail.com
SCHEDULE AND SITE MAP:
(TBD)
GETTING THERE
Bolado Park, the San Benito County fairground is located right off CA Hwy 25 in the town of Tres Pinos, CA. That is about 10 miles south of Hollister. Use Gate #3, 9000 Airline Highway.
The site is roughly midway between I-5 and US 101 along CA Hwy 152.
The nearest major airport is about 1.5 hours away, San Jose International Airport (SJC).
LODGING OPTIONS:
On-site:
Tent camping is free.
RV spots with electrical/water hook-ups and RV dry camping spots are available. Contact the Fairgrounds directly to reserve after you register for the conference.
- RV Camping (limited spots. w/electric & water): $45/per night
- Restroom and Showers available on-site for attendees.
Off-site:
Plan ahead and secure your space to stay:
Plus a variety of additional campgrounds, B&Bs, AirBnBs, and VRBOs are available in the area. Book early!
SATURDAY NIGHT BANQUET
Tickets: $35 each, $18 for Children 12 and under. Must order by March 26, 2027.
A vegetarian/vegan option is available. Contact one of the Conference chairs if you have other dietary needs we can accommodate.
- Presentations
- Live Auction
- Silent Auction
FRIDAY NIGHT BBQ POT-LUCK
For the Friday night potluck, CBA will supply the main dish fixings. Please plan to contribute appetizers, side dishes, desserts, beverages, or supplies.
We will do "Iron-in-the Hat" on Friday during the pot-luck. Bring your ferrous and non-ferrous treasures to donate early!
GALLERY SHOWCASE
Bring your most interesting work to show off in the members' gallery.
SLIDE-SHOWS and LECTURES on Thursday and Friday night with lead demonstrators
COMPETITIONS
Small Contests/Competitions: Thursday and Friday nights for smiths of all levels.
Education (Details here are TBD)
- Curriculum workshops
- Beginner Smiths; Young Smiths (S)
- Advanced topics workshops
Hands-on Workshops
We will have hands-on workshops available. You must sign up ahead of the conference to be hands-on.
Holly Carter
Enameling can add color and interest to your work.
DEMONSTRATOR PROFILES
Jodie Bliss
Matt Christiano
Jon Sarriugarte
Salem Straub
International Guests
Guillermina Morales from Spain
Yukio Kanari from Japan
CONFERENCE MERCHANDISE
CBA will offer t-shirts and pull-over hoodies with the conference logo. Order by March 7, 2027, for delivery at the conference.
TAILGATING: Spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Indicate in the comments when you register or contact Michael Suwczinsky (secretary@calsmith.org) to secure your spot.
VENDORS: CBA would like to invite vendors of blacksmithing related items to come and sell their wares. Please reach out to Greg Hudgins (tools@calsmith.org) for details.
Coal Iron Forge, AmeriBrade, True Grit, and others will be on site.
