Arcobonsai
International Conference on Bonsai Science and Techniques
Founded in 1985, Arcobonsai has become over the years a cornerstone of European bonsai culture and is widely regarded as the most important Italian bonsai event.
Indeed, the average attendance of over 300 conference participants, more than 60 traders, around 4,000 visitors to the exhibitions, the patronage of the Consulate General of Japan in Italy, the Autonomous Province of Trento, and the Municipality of Arco, together with the participation of Italian and international experts and university professors, have given Arcobonsai a unique profile. This has enabled it—as the only European club—to host the European Bonsai Association Convention three times, in 2000, 2005 and 2018, as well as seven editions of the UBI National Congress.
From April 24 to 26, Arcobonsai Club Garda Trentino will organize the XXXX edition of Arcobonsai, a key event for the world of bonsai and suiseki. The event will take place in the halls of the Municipal Casino, the surrounding gardens, and the Palatennis, where exhibitions, demonstrations, and the specialized market will be held according to the official program.
For this edition, Arcobonsai will host the XXIX U.B.I. Congress – Unione Bonsaisti Italiani, the National Association representing Italian bonsai culture worldwide, which—with an absolute record—has chosen Arco nine times as the venue for its Congress. The entire event will be held under the sign of the Japanese symbol of friendship, the guiding theme of this edition.
The program includes high-level demonstrations by Mauro Stemberger, an internationally renowned figure in Italian bonsai, the masters Salvatore Liporace, Donato Danisi and Sandro Segneri, who will present a joint demonstration, Xec Fernández, an Argentine artist, and Filippo Biscontin, Italian Talent 2025. Cultural and educational lectures are also scheduled, including topics related to suiseki, held by the masters featured in the program.
During the event, the Italian Talent 2026 selection contest will take place, and the traditional and highly appreciated tree styling competition will be held once again, awarding the Arcobonsai Trophy, now in its 24th edition. The competition will first see 15 Bonsai Instructors compete, followed by 20 Italian bonsai clubs.
The program will be further enriched by additional initiatives aimed at promoting bonsai, suiseki, and the related Japanese culture. Alongside bonsai and suiseki, this year’s edition will also welcome the world of orchids, thanks to the participation of the Libera Associazione Garda Orchidee APS, with a dedicated exhibition and demonstrations.
Alongside Arcobonsai 2026, a complementary event will be organized with the aim of promoting local flavors and products and enhancing local associations. Within the “Villaggio dei Sapori Trentini” in Piazza Segantini, numerous volunteer associations will offer freshly prepared traditional dishes. In Piazza delle Canoniche, exhibitors belonging to Coldiretti will present Trentino fruit and vegetable products, joined by small local producers showcasing wines, cheeses, cured meats, Zambana asparagus, herbs, aromatic teas, and other regional specialties.
In the Viale delle Palme and Viale delle Magnolie, an area will be dedicated to the sale of plants, bonsai, flowers, and accessories, with exhibitors from Italy and abroad. The 2026 edition involves an even greater organizational and financial commitment than in previous years, as the organizers will take on costs that were previously borne by the Arco Bonsai Association.
The event is organized by Arcobonsai Club Garda Trentino in collaboration with Assocentro.
