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SPRING CONFERENCE 2026 - CBA Event

  • April 16, 2026
  • April 19, 2026
  • VISTA FORGE, A.G.S.E.M., Vista, CA

The 2026 Spring Conference will host a great series of guest demonstrators, hands-on education activities, and fun contests and games for all skill levels, not to mention great food! The 2026 conference committee will host an epic family-style barbecue as well! Plan your trip now and check back often for updates and registration.

  • Hands-on Education
  • Special Bladesmithing Area
  • Youth Education Area
  • Contests & Games
  • Gallery
  • Banquet and Auction
  • Vendors and Tailgating
  • On-site Meals
  • On-site Camping

DATE:  April 16-18, 2026 

LOCATION: 

VISTA FORGE
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
Vista, CA


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Conference Fees
Schedule And Site Map

Getting There And Lodging
Demonstrators
Education / Hands On
Competitions / Contest

ONLINE REGISTRATION: Register here online. Online registration is open till April XXh, after that you can pay at the door.

MAIL-IN REGISTRATION: TBD

CONTACT & CO-CHAIRS: 

Cathy Wuertz, Ann Whatoff, and David Morice are leading the planning.
Chris Branuelas - publicity etc. David Gottfredson - advisor to the team

Inquiries about the 2026 Conference:  cbaspringconference26@gmail.com

SCHEDULE:  TBD

SITE MAP: 

CONFERENCE FEES: (subject to change)

Conference Fees Per-Person  On/Before
March XX 
After
March XX 
 Full Conference (Thursday - Saturday)      $TBD     $TBD
 Single Day      $TBD     $TBD

*Non-participating family or friends may attend other open museum areas for $10 daily admission

NO RISK REFUND POLICY - A full refund of conference and meal fees shall be provided if a member cancels at any time prior to the conference starting date. 

Meals  On/Before
March XX
 
After 
March XX
 All Meals (Thursday Breakfast to Saturday Banquet and Auction), VEGETARIAN option available      $TBD   $TBD
 Saturday Banquet and Auction Only, VEGETARIAN option available      $TBD   $TBD

There will be a Family-Style Barbecue and Potluck on Friday night! This event has quickly become a tradition the whole family will enjoy. Everyone is welcome and there is no cost. Feel free to bring a ready-to-serve dish, drink, or dessert to share!

GETTING THERE:  

The conference will be held at the Vista Forge, located on the 55-acre Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista, California in northern San Diego County. The site has ample room for multiple blacksmithing events and education areas as well as on-site food and camping. Admission includes access to the museum's other areas as well, including a weavers and textile barn and cottage, a clock museum, a working sawmill, grain mill, antique steam and gas engines of all sizes, a clock museum, model railroad exhibit, and a working small track railroad. It is also an easy driving distance to a number of popular attractions like Disneyland, Legoland, Knotts Berry Farms, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks. There are many food options off-site and North San Diego is well known for its many breweries and wineries. 

By Air, the San Diego International Airport and John Wayne Orange County Airports are the closest.

LODGING OPTIONS:

HOTELS: There are many hotels and motels within a short driving distance of the Conference site. 

CAMPING: There are plenty of low-cost dry tent and RV camping spots on-site: 

- Dry RV/Tent camping site $XX per night - available in the registration link.


DEMONSTRATORS - TBD


HANDS-ON EDUCATION

There are many education opportunities planned for the 2026 Conference! You will also be able to try your hand at these demonstrations at the open forges with the instructors available for coaching.

COMPETITIONS

In addition to plenty of forges available for open forging and practicing demo projects, two evening competitions. Start practicing your skills now to compete and win!


California Blacksmith Association

5505 Santa Cruz Ave.

Richmond, CA  94804


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