Guild Anniversary Conference 2026

 

We are thrilled to announce that bookings are now open for the Guild of Taxidermists 2026       50th Anniversary Conference!

When: 13th, 14th & 15th November 2026

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Conference doors open 13th November 4pm - close 15th November 3.30pm.

Friday training session commences 11.30am - 4.30pm

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Venue: The Derby Conference Centre (DCC), Derby, UK

Combined admission tickets and accommodation available (limited availability) 

Learn more about the venue – The Derby Conference Centre

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TICKET SALES CLOSE ON 1ST OCTOBER 2026

LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE 

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Under 16's junior members can attend the conference for free but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Contact us to discuss and book. 

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What to Expect

This year’s conference celebrates the 50th year of the Guild of Taxidermists since its creation in 1976. 

• Demonstrations by international experts
• Pre -conference  training opportunities
• Free banquet dinner provided for Saturday evening followed by award presentations and our infamous auction
• Lunch and refreshments included in the ticket price  

Whether you are a new or longstanding member, just starting out or a seasoned professional this is an unmissable weekend of education and networking  you cannot afford to miss. 

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

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Key Speakers:

 

Ben Khorshidnam

Ben is a multi award wining Taxidermist from Canada and runs the well known  'Art of Taxidermy' company.

Ben joins us in 2026 and will demonstrate his method for skinning out bird of prey heads, preparing a replica skull and the mounting and finishing processes. Don't miss a rare opportunity to  meet and learn from the  master of this highly effective technique.  Whilst visiting the UK, Ben plans to offer training workshops (subject to interest) . Please view Art of Taxidermy social media streams for more information. 

 Peter Sunesen 

We are delighted to welcome Peter on his return visit in 2026. Peter is a key and highly respected international Judge and has achieved a standard of taxidermy that is truly exceptional and world renowned. In addition to being the events lead judge, Peter will be  teaching you how to interpret and use reference material for that life-like look we all aspire to achieve. 

Training day 13th November:

In addition, Peter and Pernille will host a unique training event upfront of the conference on the Friday where you can bring your pre-prepared bird skin and mount it with their assistance. A unique and rare opportunity to learn hands on with the masters of the craft.  

For more information and to book your place : training bookings

Mark Buhagiar

Mark is an internationally acclaimed taxidermist who joins us in 2026 to bring his unique talent which was demonstrated in 2025 so brilliantly with his live bird mounting demonstration. Mark will judge entries and demonstrate his techniques. 

Training day 13th November:

Mark is also hosting a training class on the Friday where you can bring your pre-prepared bird skin and mount it using Marks bird bodies and his assistance and guidance. A unique and rare opportunity to learn hands on with the masters of the craft. 

For more information and to book your place: training bookings

     Derek Frampton

We are thrilled to announce that Derek will be joining us to demonstrate  his techniques for small mammal taxidermy. Derek is a master taxidermist with multiple awards and over 40 years' experience.  He has also worked for the Natural History Museum, major international museums, and on films including Harry Potter, Return to Oz, and Santa Claus: The Movie. 

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Other topics:

Pernille Stenby Lindberg 

Pernille is an expert in her field and will guide you  through the steps needed to correctly set eyes in cleaned bird skulls using clays and fillers - for the look you've always dreamed off. 

Pat Morris and Bari Logan 

Pat and Bari will be delivering a nostalgic look through The Guilds history and remind us of just how privileged we are to be part of this organisation in the present day. 

Stephen Hunter

Stephen returns with his highly popular restoration challenge, learn about the methods for restoring and revitalising  historic taxidermy.  Take part to win some unique limited edition pieces of history. 

Sophie Kiela & Daphne Plugers Q&A - skin preservation

Sophie and Daphne are acclaimed award wining taxidermists who will answer and discuss your taxidermy questions  relating to the most effective methods for preserving taxidermy skins prior to the mounting process. 

Calke Abbey Tour

Enjoy a post conference visit to Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. Calke Abbey tells the story of the decline of the country house and the collection within. Pat Morris will guide you through the history on a tour of this magical place (tour subject to numbers attending, more details to follow).

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Competitions

-Our annual competitions are open to all members with a range of categories and prestigious trophies up for grabs.

- Want expert critique without entering the competitions? Submit your work for 1:1 feedback by our in house experts. 

(entry forms will be released in due course to all who have booked their place) 

Judges.

The 2026 line up of international judges includes:

Peter Sunesen

Mark Buhagiar 

Sophie Kiela

Daphne Plugers 

Pernille Stenby Lindberg

Annual Bird and Mammal Challenge 

The annual challenges are a fun and great way to test your referencing skills and learn from peers. 

Bird

This years bird subject is the Eurasian woodcock-  entries should re-create the following photograph:

Mammal

This years mammal subject is the Grey Squirrel-  entries should re-create the following photograph which is taken from the front cover  of Mike Gadds instructional book 'Small Mammal Taxidermy : How to Prepare and Mount a Squirrel in Three Days including the Construction of a Manikin':

Contact the Conference Organiser:
    Steve Smith – stevesmith.got@gmail.com

Specimen registration will be available shortly 

Staged ticket options available upon payment of a non-refundable deposit of £100. Contact us. 

Bookings made without payment or instruction will be removed and  places made available for sale 

All balancing payments must be made by the 1st of October 2026 or tickets will be cancelled