Planning an Event or a Workshop? 

Event planning for a blacksmithing event involves budgeting, negotiating with demonstrators and the venue, and moving some heavy stuff.  These events can be sponsored through the CBA or you can just do your own thing.  There is a Spring Conference “How to” document that you could modify for a smaller event – all the details on what to do are there! (CBA Conference Guide) 

For CBA-sponsored event planning, present your budget, plan, and other details to the Board at least 6-12 months in advance.

Equipment is available

CBA quartermaster, Greg Hudgins, set up the CBA trailer with ten forging stations and all the trimmings, including 66# anvils, 5 post vises, an acetylene torch, and even a tent.  These stations can be used at any blacksmithing education or workshop event.  This is accomplished by contacting Greg via email, tools@calsmith.org, and you must arrange transportation for the trailer to and from your event.  The trailer weighs in at ~5000 pounds, so make sure you have a vehicle that is set up for hauling that amount. 

It is prudent to give him notice early in your planning process, which should be at least 3-4 months before your event.  Sooner is better!  Give him as many details as possible, as there may be other equipment/tooling available that you can borrow.  The expectation is that the equipment will be returned in the same (or better!) condition, and everything returned to its original placement in the trailer.  

Let everyone know

Next, please inform the webmaster, Paul Boulay, at webmaster@calsmith.org, who will post your event on the CBA calendar and set up an online registration process.  The editor (editor@calsmith.org) can highlight your event in the magazine if you send along some photos and details about your plan. For best coverage, 6 months in advance of the event is not too early. The CBA secretary (secretary@calsmith.org) will push out information via email; just send him the information you would like to communicate.