American Bamboo Society 2023 Conference

400 Spanish Towne Boulevard,New Iberia LA 70560

02 November, 2023

Description

2023 American Bamboo Society National Conference 2-5 November, 2023 in and around New Iberia, LouisianaConference VenueThe 2023 ABS National Conference will be held in and around New Iberia, deep in the Cajun country of southwest Louisiana. Much of our time will be spent on nearby Avery Island, where E.A. McIlhenny pioneered the introduction of more than 60 species of bamboo, at that time unknown in the United States; and Jefferson Island, where Mike Richard has introduced dozens of tropical Bambusas. Conference highlights (Included in Registration Fee)(Before the Conference the ABS board will meet 2 November, 9-5) 2 November: Please arrive by 6PM as we’ll have a Cajun Welcoming Reception (be prepared to introduce yourself) 3 November: Talks, panel discussions, lunch, ABS general meeting, silent and live auctions, vendor displays, Cajun cocktail hour. (Dinner on your own) 4 November: bus to nearby Avery Island, home of bamboo pioneer E.A. McIlhenny’s flamboyant Jungle Gardens, a bird refuge as well as site of unique tropical plants; the historic Moso grove planted by E. A. McIlhenney more than a century ago; as well as the Tabasco sauce factory (extra charge for tour), all surrounded by bamboo as well (see Andy Ringle’s excellent paper on E.A. McIlhenny’s work with bamboo . Talks from world experts Garrie Laundry on the botany of Avery Island and Shane Bernard on it’s history. Lunch included. Workshops include prepping for bamboo construction (building on Sunday), bamboo art, yoga in the grove. A traditional cochon du lait (roast pig) next to the Moso Grove will be shared later in the day! Bamboo Construction Workshop The workshop will be led by international bamboo consultant, Vinc Math (no extra fee for workshop - this is included in the registration fee). The workshop will focus on showcasing how to build with the local bamboo species. Participants will have an unique opportunity to work with Vinc and learn from his extensive experience in bamboo construction. Vinc has worked on projects across the globe and is now sharing his passion for sustainability, innovation and construction with bamboo in the USA. Throughout the workshop you will learn joinery techniques and cutting and shaping bamboo using basic hand and power tools. The workshop is designed for both beginners and seasoned builders and anyone interested in sustainable building materials and traditional craftsmanship. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of the unique properties of bamboo as a construction material as well as the skills and knowledge to incorporate bamboo into your own building projects. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from international bamboo consultant Vinc Math for two days of learning, creating and exploring the creating, and exploring the possibilities of bamboo construction. 5 November: bus to nearby Jefferson Island and it’s special collection of exotic bamboo. Workshop on bamboo construction, art, and more. Talk by the eminent Mike Richard, owner and curator of Rip Van Winkle Gardens. Lunch included. The Bamboo Construction Workshop will be in full swing on Sunday.