The Trophy 2026 in Genk features Suzuki demos and large trade hall

Want a close look at Shinji SUZUKI's work and a vast indoor traders hall? The Trophy 2026 opens at Limburghal, Jaarbeurslaan 6, 3600 Genk, running 28 February–1 March 2026, and organisers bill it as one of Europe’s largest international bonsai exhibitions with demonstrations and a commercial fair across thousands of square metres.

The public programme begins with the commercial space entrance open at 09:00 each day, exhibition hours at 10:00 on Saturday and 09:30 on Sunday, and scheduled closing at 18:00 both days. Shinji SUZUKI gives a talk at 11:00 on both Saturday and Sunday about the creation and development of his trees in the exhibition, with demonstrations in a 13:00–17:00 block on each day.

Demonstrators listed for the demo blocks include Shinji SUZUKI and Hiroaki SUZUKI, supported by Manuel TURPIN from La Réunion and moderated by Jelle Ferwerda. The organiser site notes Hiroaki SUZUKI’s connection to the Taikan Bonsai Museum and his history of demonstrations and workshops inside and outside Japan. Demonstrations are staged in the Auditorium, which organisers say can seat up to 650 guests.

Programme highlights beyond the Suzuki presentations include a special lineup of private trees from Udo Fischer, a Tokonoma presentation by Nippon Bonsai Sakka Kyookai Europe, and a kakejiku exhibition drawn from the private collection of Henk Somers. BonsaiToday frames the event as a "Tribute to Suzuki-san with demo, lecture and exclusive European debut of his trees" and lists a special prize for the best chokkan style bonsai.

Venue size and trade-hall figures appear differently across sources. The organiser's page states they "have the disposal of the complete venue floor" and specifies a 4,000 m² competition floor plus a 4,000 m² traders and professionals area. Coverage elsewhere describes a 4,300 m² indoor trading area. Limburghal offers free parking for about 600 cars and two large public parkings within walking distance.

The commercial fair lists named traders including Bonsai und Koi, Daibokai Japanese Art, and Yama Bonsai Studio, and the schedule shows a Saturday evening dinner with prize giving at 19:30 that requires online reservation. Ticketing information varies across listings; some pages direct readers to the organiser's website for general info and tickets while others state tickets are not on sale, and the organiser site is cited for dinner reservations.

Community reaction on the Bonsainut forum captures the buzz, with user Wires_Guy_wires calling it, "This is the go to bonsai event of the year in Europe!!" Expect two full days of talks, demonstrations, a tokonoma and scroll display, a chokkan prize, and an expansive indoor trade area at Limburghal before doors close at 18:00 on 1 March 2026.