The Joshua Roth New Talent Bonsai Competition is an annual competition to recognize and promote new bonsai talent in North America. First prize is a round trip ticket to Japan. The first stage of the competition is a judging of photographs of previously designed trees. The second stage will he the actual production of a bonsai during the "ABS learning Seminar 2009".

Four of the major teachers at the Convention will judge the completed bonsai. In addition, all registrants at the "ABS learning Seminar 2009" will be able to vote for their personal choice. The "popular vote" is worth one vote. The artist whose bonsai receives the majority of the five votes will be awarded the title of "Best New Bonsai Talent of 2009" at the Saturday evening Banquet.