National Curriculum Education
at the 2026 ABANA Conference
Meet the Instructors:
Looking to improve your blacksmithing skills? We’re here for you with lots of Education options at the ABANA 2026 Conference, November 11-14 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
We have a hands-on National Curriculum area led by Victoria Ritter and Jake Trogdon. Victoria is the CBA Education Chair and both are National Curriculum instructors that teach and demonstrate at events and workshops. The hands-on area will focus on core curriculum skills, including:
- Forge-welding
- Hand tool making and heat treating
- Punching/drifting
- Scroll finials
- And more!
As part of the hands-on area, we have a session specifically set aside to work on what YOU need to get through the National Curriculum – bring what you’re struggling with and we’ll help troubleshoot.
Concurrently, Becky Schimpff and Mark Sperry will be leading a demonstration on how to figure out the challenges of the ABANA Level II grille. Becky Schimpff is ABANA’s Education Chair and National Curriculum Instructor. Mark Sperry is a journeyman blacksmith at Colonial Williamsburg. They will focus on the “trouble” spots and provide a number of options to help you get across the finish line! Come with questions!
Be sure to bring your National Curriculum projects and grilles for evaluation and certification! The conference will be a fantastic opportunity to receive feedback, troubleshoot challenges and get signed off for certification.
New to blacksmithing? We also have a beginner’s area with fun projects that you can try out and then show off to your friends!