The 52nd Convention & 26th International Competition in Cleveland

November 15-20, 2026

Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection

24 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44113

The VSA invites you to celebrate the art and science of making, preserving, & restoring stringed musical instruments and their bows, in person, once more.

Join us for a full week of convention programming and the International Competition honoring outstanding achievements by contemporary makers.

Ready to Attend?

Follow the link to log in as a VSA Member and reserve your attendance at the convention.

Attendee Registration

Member

• Full Convention $595 (Early Bird $495 through Aug 15!)
• Day Pass $225

Student Member

• Full Convention $195 (Early Bird $150 before Aug 15!)
• Day Pass $95

Non-Member

• Full Convention $795
• Day Pass $250

Are you a non-member musician? Explore the New Instruments Exhibit (all week) and Competition Room Viewing (Friday, Nov 20) for only $50

Room Reservations

A special reduced price of $215/night is available from Friday, November 13 through checkout on Saturday, November 21.  Inventory is limited. Book now to guarantee your rate.

Reserve a Room

Preliminary Schedule

Here's how the week is shaping up. Details are subject to change and more information will be announced soon. Please check back again for the most recent updates.

Sunday, Nov 15 (late afternoon & evening)
Volunteer meeting
Competition check-in
Opening reception

Monday, Nov 16 - Wednesday, Nov 18
Convention program
Vendor hall
Evening activities

Thursday, Nov 19
Convention program
Vendor hall
Competition awards ceremony and reception
Competition room viewing

Friday, Nov 20
Convention program
Competition room viewing
Closing reception

Details Coming Soon

Organizing committees are hard at work making plans on these events:

• Competition Rules & Entry Details
• Finalized Convention Schedule
• Speakers, Presenters & Panelists
• New Instrument Exhibit
• Rare Instrument Exhibit
• Networking, Games & Mixers
• Scholarship Auction
• Vendor Hall
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Sponsorships

International Competition New Rule Announcement

Silver Mounted Bows Only

Beginning with the 2026 VSA International Competition, all bow entries must be silver-mounted only. All metal fittings—including the ferrule, heel plate, underslide, button rings/caps, winding, and/or tip—must be silver; gold and all other metals are not permitted. This change was recommended by past judges and esteemed senior members of the bow-making community and was approved unanimously by both the Competition Committee and the VSA Board of Directors. Through this change we aim to further the VSA’s commitment to an open, fair, and inclusive Competition for makers at every level of experience—regardless of career stage or financial means.

Why the change?

• Fairness & perception
  Moving to silver-only helps level the playing field between newer and more established makers so judging stays focused on craftsmanship and playability. While we are confident our judges have always maintained their objectivity, some competitors perceive a bias toward gold-mounted bows.
• High gold prices
  Current costs can distort the playing field and add unnecessary financial pressure for entrants.
• Alignment with international practice
  Brings our rules in line with other major international competitions that allow silver mountings only.
• Ethical concerns
  The international gold trade is linked to child labor and serious human-rights abuses in some mining regions. It also fuels smuggling and illicit flows, undermining governance and responsible, transparent supply chains.

The updated rule will be published with the full 2026 Competition Rules. Please refer to the official rulebook when it is released.

Get Involved

The VSA's conventions and competitions are run on-site by volunteer members like you. Raise your hand now to help make the 2026 event a success and the volunteer coordinator will be in touch with opportunities.

Count me in, I want to volunteer on-site

Questions About the Event?

Email info@vsaweb.org and we'll reply soon.