Dr. Kristen Uthus studied both plant and animal ecology and evolution at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Ohio State University (OSU). She then taught biology and ecology at several colleges including VCU, OSU, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University. The daughter of a plant fanatic, Kristen has been growing orchids for over 30 years, and in 2014 she fulfilled her dream of making orchids a full-time commitment by purchasing NWO.

Although she enjoys growing many varieties of orchids and other plants, miniatures remain her passion- the weirder the better. New World Orchids specializes in Japanese species including Neofinetia falcata and Dendrobium moniliforme, but her miniature selection includes many other small species including Dendrobiums, Bulbophyllums, and Cattleyas. Although never entirely up to date, you can check out NWO's offerings at www.newworldorchids.com.

Kristen lives in Manchester, MI, about an hour west of Detroit. She is supported in her orchid pursuits by her husband, Dr. Kevin Wehrly, and her two sons, Henry and Gus.

Kristen's topics will be "Masdevallias and Draculas: Not as Scary as You Think" and "Miniatures: Honey I Shrank the Orchids!"

Alan Koch owns and operates Gold Country Orchids where he specializes in miniature and compact Cattleya's. Alan started growing orchids in 1969 with 3 Cymbidiums given to him by an aunt. While in college he became interested in other orchids and discovered many would grow outdoors in Southern California. He has moved five times as his orchid obsession has led to the need for more growing space. With the last move, he purchased 10 acres of land in Lincoln, California for his 250,000 orchids.

He is recognized as an expert in the Brazilian Cattleya alliance and a trend setter in miniature compact and Cattleya breeding. Alan has been published in the Orchid Digest, the American Orchid Society magazine, as well as many International Publications. He has also been published in several proceedings of the World Orchid Conference.

Alan is an internationally known speaker, a past member of the AOS Judging Committee and the AOS Research Committee, as well as an Accredited Judge, and is Training Coordinator for the California Sierra Nevada Judging Center. Alan also served two terms on the Orchid Digest Executive Committee and 3 terms on the Board of Directors, as well as two terms as a Trustee for the AOS. He is currently the First Vice President for the International Phalaenopsis Alliance.

Alan's topics will be "Understanding Dendrobiums" and "How to Manage Your Collection."

SCHEDULE

Saturday, July 18, 2026

AOS Judging will be held at 11:00 A.M.
Everyone is invited to bring or send plants for judging!
Plants must be in place by 10:00 A.M.

REGISTRATION

Tickets are $30.00 per person when registering before the event and your ticket covers all costs. Tickets are $35.00 at the door.

Pay by check using our printable registration form.

Or register and pay online with our online form. Online tickets include a $1.33 processing fee. When you register online you'll receive a registration confirmation email that includes a link to pay via Square. Be sure to complete your registration by paying for your tickets!

Early reservations help us plan for the event, please register by July 4th if possible. Registrations are open until July 17th.

Download a printable Speakers Day Announcement in Word format which includes a hotel list.

PREORDERS

Preorders are now open from our speakers! When sending in your order(s) please be sure indicate it is to be brought to CIOS Speakers Day. Deadline for all orders is July 14th.

New World Orchids: Browse the catalog then send orders via email to kristen@newworldorchids.com. Orders for Speakers Day will receive a 10% discount.

Gold Country Orchids: Download the Gold Country Orchids 2026 Catalog then email your order to gcorchids@aol.com. Free freight is offered on all preorders for your event. Orders of 3 or more plants receive a 10% discount and orders over $150 receive a 20% discount. Questions about plants should be emailed to gcorchids@aol.com.

HOTELS