NCS's 78th Annual Convention & Show
Let's Dance! Rhythm & Blooms
INFO
Nov. 19 – 22, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona
The National Chrysanthemum Society (NCS) is hosting the 2026 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and the Phoenix Chrysanthemum Society is hosting the 2026 Show at the Valley Garden Center, about a near-by mile away.
The Phoenix Chrysanthemum Society last hosted the National Show in 2014 when it was enjoyed by many attendees from across the country, so it was agreed to host the National Show again. In addition to the show and normal convention activities, there will be a unique tour and special speakers offered to enhance the experience in 2026.
We hope the great Southwest Desert climate in November as well as the promise of a large show will attract many NCS members from throughout the country to see the desert chrysanthemums and to “Dance to Rhythm and Blooms.”
Hotel Accommodations
Embassy Suites
10 E Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602-212-5337
The 2026 NCS Convention will be held at the Embassy Suites, 10 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The hotel is upscale with a wonderful lobby and features a made-to-order complimentary breakfast and a complimentary evening cocktail hour.
Reservations for the hotel must be made by 5:00 pm local hotel time, October 20, 2026, in order to receive the group room rate of $179 per night, double or single occupancy. The hotel will honor the group room rate of $179 for the nights of November 16 – 24. There are no resort fees and parking is complimentary. As mentioned above, the $179 per night room rate includes breakfast.
Please support NCS by staying at the Embassy Suites Hotel because we had to guarantee a number of room nights in order to receive discounted meeting room rent. If we have a shortfall in room night rentals, NCS will have to pay meeting room penalties.
Hotel check-in time is 3:00 pm and check out is 12:00 pm.
Reservations may be made through the hotel by calling John Gonzales, 602-212-5337, and telling him you are with National Chrysanthemum Society. Convention hotel room rates are available for three days prior to the Convention and for three days after the Convention so plan to extend your stay for visits to other attractions in the Arizona area.
Agenda
The 2026 Convention and Show’s schedule of activities covers 4 pm Thursday, November 19 through 4 pm Sunday, November 22. Here are a few of the highlights from the schedule:
National Show Location
The 2026 National Show will be held at the Valley Garden Center (VGC), 1809 North 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
The VGC is about 1 mile from the Embassy Suites Hotel. The VGC is a venue on three acres of beautiful garden property with a building for wedding receptions and meetings.
The VGC is owned by local garden clubs and the Show will be available at no cost because the Phoenix Chrysanthemum Society is one of the owner clubs. The Phoenix Chrysanthemum Society holds their chapter show there annually.
Japanese Friendship Garden Tour
We are offering a unique tour this year. It is a guided tour of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix. The tour will be on Sunday, November 22, starting at 10:00 am from the hotel and ending back at the hotel.
Your exposure to the Japanese Friendship Garden promises to be an experience you will not forget.
In addition to the official Tour, if you wish to extend your visit to Arizona, there are a number of other attractions you may wish to visit such as the Grand Canyon, the quaint towns of Sedona or Jerome, and Montezuma’s Castle National Monument.
Ice Cream Social
We will hold the Ice Cream Social again this year, sponsored by Crown Mums and NCS. Tamara Bliley and Conrad Russell will provide a presentation of Crown Mums new introductions and old favorites.
Saturday Night Awards Banquet
Contacts
For any questions about the 2026 Convention or Show, registration or anything else, please reach out to the following contacts:
Convention Chair
Jana DeForest
jana.deforest@mums.org
941-779-3380
Show Chair
Wayne Wight
wayne.wight@mums.org
602-319-9170
Registration
Leanne Ortega
leanne.ortega@mums.org
916-417-3360
Design Chair
Renee Waite
renee.waite@mums.org
632-740-0695
Directions
The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the closest airport. It is about a 20-minutes drive to the hotel depending on time of day and traffic. Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport is approximately 40-minute drive time to the hotel. There is no hotel shuttle van service to the airport. If you do not use a rental car, Uber, Lyft and Waymo is available from the airport for less than $20.
- From the west i.e., California, drive east on I-10 to 7th Ave exit. North to Thomas Ave. and then east to the hotel.
- From the north i.e., the Midwest, drive south on I-17 to Thomas Ave exit. East to the hotel at the north side of Thomas Ave.
- From the south and east i.e., North Carolina and New York, drive west on I-10 to 7th Street exit. North to Thomas Ave.; the hotel is west on the north side of the street.