ARBA Memberships and State Conventions

[S&SFarms]

I feel like this might be a newbie question... but then again, thats what I am =P

Do you have to be a member of ARBA to show at state conventions?
Is it even worth it for a newbie to show at a state convention?

I am going to the California state convention to pick up a rabbit, and began wondering if maybe I should take my other rabbit along with me to show since I'd be there and all. Good experience, or too overwhelming for somebody who's only been to one local show?

 

[fhjmom]

I found the show catalog for the California State convention here: http://www.csrcba.com/2015 CalState 1-12-15.pdf

It says in the catalog, "This is an official CSRCBA Sweepstakes Show. To quality for sweepstakes points, exhibitors must be Cal State members, or join at the show."

I take that to mean that anyone can show, but only members of the state association will be able to count points towards the sweepstakes contest. If you send in your entry and you have to be a member, I am sure they will let you know. (It says that it is all early entry, so if you are going to try and show, be sure and send your entries in before the deadline.)

We are still newbies, too! My kids have been showing less than a year, so I appreciate another newbie asking questions, too! I would say, from our experience, go ahead and show as a newbie! You will get the opportunity to get some feedback on your animals and it may help you develop your eye as well. We showed at the ARBA Convention this year, after only being in rabbits for 9 months! What an eye opening experience, but it was a blast! I say go for it!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I (and my daughter) showed at the ARBA National Convention in Texas in this past November, and for that we were required to show our ARBA membership cards, but that was not a requirement when we showed at the state convention held in Turlock in 2014.

I am going to the California state convention to pick up a rabbit, and began wondering if maybe I should take my other rabbit along with me to show since I'd be there and all. Good experience, or too overwhelming for somebody who's only been to one local show?

Other than the class sizes being larger and having fiercer competition, it isn't any different than a local show.

It will also give you the opportunity to get feedback from some of the best breeders in the region as well as feedback from the judges on your current rabbit.

 

[S&SFarms]

I figured they would clearly state who could and couldn't enter, now that I look back at it I think I got confused with information on registering rabbits at the show.

Thank you both for your answers! Still not 100% sure what I'll be doing, but looking forward to the experience either way!