THE CONCLAVE
Each year the Miniature Book Society hosts an annual gathering of its members referred to as a Conclave. The Conclave — typically a three-day event — is held every autumn in a different city and is eagerly anticipated by the members. Conclaves have been held in Princeton (NJ), San Diego (CA), Seattle (WA), New Orleans (LA), Dublin, Ireland, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Most recently, our Conclave was held virtually with a full schedule of events and presentations. Attendees look forward to guest speakers, tours, workshops, book auctions, a book swap and an all-day book fair, but most of all, connecting with fellow miniature book enthusiasts and the camaraderie that miniature book lovers share.
Miniature Book Society Conclave
August 27 – 31, 2026
Berlin, Germany
The 2026 MBS Conclave XLII was held at the Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin, Germany.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Pre-Conclave dinner
Restaurant Nolle, Train Station Friedrichstrasse
Friday, August 28, 2026
Board Meeting
Meeting with Dr. Falk Eisenberg, Director of the Department Incunabula Collection
Registration
Buffet Dinner
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Membership Meeting
Walk from the Hotel along the famous boulevard Unter den Linden to visit the Stabi Kulturwerk, the museum and exhibition space of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. See over 300 selected objects from the library’s collections, including valuable books, manuscripts, maps and music scores from 1661 to the present.
Live Auction with Dessert Buffet
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Book Fair
Banquet diner
Speakers Zip Kellogg and Arno Gschwendtner: “Miniature Books in Libraries: A Deeper Dive”
Book Competition Awards
Monday, August 31, 2026
Optional Trip to Potsdam
🏆 2026 MBS Awards Presented in Berlin
As part of our annual banquet at the 2026 MBS Conclave in Berlin, we were delighted to present the following Miniature Book Society awards to three very deserving members:
NORMAN W. FORGUE AWARD for an outstanding contribution to the world of miniature books
Cynthia Cosgrove, in appreciation of her generosity in creating MBS keepsakes, her dedicated stewardship of the MBS newsletter, and her steadfast support of the Miniature Book Society. Cynthia is only the second person in MBS history to receive all three of the Society’s major awards, making this a particularly special honor.
ANDERSON-YARNELL AWARD established in 1989 to honor a significant contribution to the Miniature Book Society
Corky LaVallee, in recognition of his continued volunteer service to MBS, particularly his work on the member survey, events, and the ongoing website revamp project. His time, energy, and willingness to take on new projects are greatly appreciated.
GLASGOW CUP presented to a member who has shown special dedication and, above all, friendship to the membership, and who keeps alive that special spirit so evident at our founding in 1983.
Angelika Jäck, in recognition of her outstanding work hosting the Berlin Conclave and all the time, effort, and care that went into creating such a wonderful event for MBS members. Her warm hospitality and attention to detail helped make the Berlin Conclave a memorable experience for everyone who attended.
A special note about the Glasgow Cup: Angelika’s name was engraved in the German style on the trophy, as it was presented to her in Berlin. We wanted her name to be represented in the way that would be most familiar and meaningful to her local friends and acquaintances.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Cynthia, Corky, and Angelika for their significant contributions to the Miniature Book Society! We are grateful for all that you do for MBS.
RECENT PAST CONCLAVES
2025 - Conclave XXXLI; virtual
2024 - Conclave XXXL; Los Angeles, California USA
2023 - Conclave XXXIX; Asheville, North Carolina, USA
2021 – Conclave XXXVIII; held online with worldwide participation
2020- Conclave canceled.
2019 - Conclave XXXVII; The Lilly Library, Indiana University Campus, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
2018 - Conclave XXXVI; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
2017 - Conclave XXXV; Oakland, California, USA
2016 - Conclave XXXIV; McKinney, Texas, USA
2015 - Conclave XXXIII; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2014 - Conclave XXXII; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
2013 - Conclave XXXI; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
2012 - Conclave XXX; Asheville, North Carolina, USA