46th Annual Paphiopedilum Forum
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Days Left 'Til Forum Day!
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The Paphiopedilum Forum, hosted by the National Capital Orchid Society, is one of the oldest annual events in the United States devoted entirely to slipper orchids.
The 46th Annual NCOS Paphiopedilum Forum on Saturday, January 31, 2026, will showcase expert speakers, an unparalleled selection of Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium plants for sale by leading vendors and NCOS members, an extensive show table featuring slippers in bloom, ribbons and rosettes for outstanding show plants, door prizes, a silent auction and American Orchid Society judging.
It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Speakers
- Wenqing Perner, Hengduan Mountains Biotechnology Ltd.
Cypripedium of China and Their Cultivation - Dave Sorokowsky, Paph Paradise
Novelty Paphiopedilums - Graham Ramsey, AOS Membership Committee, Orchid Propagator
How I Grow My Phragmipediums
Plant Exhibition Information
One of the Paph Forum’s extraordinary features is the large variety of blooming slippers on the exhibit table. Attendees are encouraged to bring in their blooming slipper orchids for display. Special prizes are drawn for registrants who bring show plants. As the Paph Forum is an AOS-sanctioned event, all plants exhibited at the Forum will be considered for AOS judging.
Event Registration
Registration includes full-day access to the 46th Annual Paphiopedilum Forum, featuring three expert speakers, six orchid vendors, NCOS member plant sales, AOS judging, door prizes, a silent auction, a box lunch, snacks, and beverages. If you’re not yet a member of NCOS, join today and register at the member rate!
Registration Options
- General – $110 *Join NCOS today and register at the member rate!
- NCOS Member – $78
- Virtual – $40 – Virtual attendees will join via Zoom. Your access link and program schedule will be emailed before the event.
If you would like to mail in your registration to the Paph Forum, please click the Mail in Registration box below.
Paph Forum Event Schedule
Paph Forum Vendors
- Hengduan Mountains Biotechnology Ltd
- Monster Island Orchids and Tropical Plants
- Jeff Morris
- Paph Paradise
- Sunset Valley Orchids
- Woodstream Orchids
Note: Hengduan Mountains Biotechnology Ltd. will be taking spring delivery pre-orders and will not have orchids at the event. They will have a selection of items for sale featuring slipper orchid artwork.
More Orchids!
- NCOS Members Selling ‘Best of’ and Awarded Plants
- Slipper Orchid Alliance Silent Auction
Location
North Chevy Chase Christian Church
Harlow Hall, 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
Meet Our Speakers
Wenqing Perner
Senior Advisor and President/Founder Hengduan Mountains Biotechnology Ltd.
About Wenqing
Wenqing Perner serves as an expert with the IUCN SSC Orchid Specialist Group and the IUCN SSC China Species Specialist Group, a Senior Advisor for Huanglong National Park, and President of Hengduan Mountains Biotechnology Ltd. As Senior Advisor for Huanglong National Park, Ms. Perner focuses on nature conservation initiatives.
Dave Sorokowsky
Paph Paradise Orchids, Owner
About Dave
Dave’s interest in orchids began during his time at Brock, where he started collecting plants “one 2-inch pot at a time.” By the time he graduated, his collection had grown to more than 100 orchids. His combined passions for winemaking and orchids eventually led him to relocate to California, seeking a climate more suitable for both pursuits.
Graham Ramsey
AOS Membership Committee
Orchid Propagator
About Graham
Graham Ramsey discovered his passion for orchids nearly 20 years ago, starting—as many growers do—with a single white Phalaenopsis. His interest quickly deepened after his mother-in-law sent him home with two boxes of orchids that were decidedly not white Phalaenopsis. That collection sparked an enthusiasm that soon became a full-fledged obsession.