Once a year VTA members gather for a special event. The VTA Convention and Competition serves as an important learning tool for novice and professional taxidermists alike. Here members compete for ribbons and awards in many categories. Divisions include youth, amateur, commercial, professional and masters. Top honors are the Judges Best in Show and the People's Choice Best in Show among many others. Judges are available to personally "go over" the mount with the taxidermist. This is the most important component of the competition. Here the taxidermist learns, in detail, what is missing or could have been improved upon. The VTA competition is designed to help all members, regardless of experience, improve their work. A series of instructional seminars are offered by some of the finest taxidermists.
