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, Phragmipedium and Cypripedium 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 expert speakers, orchid vendors, NCOS member plant sales, AOS judging, door prizes, Slipper Orchid Alliance Silent Auction, a box lunch, snacks and beverages.
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.
Mail-in Registration to the Paph Forum is now closed. Register by Monday, January 26 to guarantee your lunch selection. Register online through Friday, January 30 and onsite at the event on Saturday, January 31.
NEW! Introducing The Paph Forum Shopping Pass
We’ve heard from many of you who aren’t able to attend the Paph Forum but would still love the chance to shop — and we listened! New this year…The Paph Forum Shopping Pass.
Enjoy access to our Paph Forum orchid vendors and NCOS member sales and shop a great selection of slipper orchids — no registration required.
Shopping Pass hours are 12:30-2pm and the cost is $10 per person at the door. The doors open at 12:30pm. Just stop by during shopping hours and enjoy!*
*Shopping Pass entry is valid during shopping hours only
46th Paphiopedilum 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.
Location
North Chevy Chase Christian Church
Harlow Hall, 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
Meet Our Speakers
Wenqing Perner
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
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.