From the ABS Website (absbonsai.org):

Founded in 1967, the American Bonsai Society, Inc. is the pioneering national bonsai organization. As a non-profit corporation, our purpose is to promote knowledge of and interest in bonsai and to serve as a national focal point for bonsai fanciers. We publish a Bonsai Journal, hold conventions for our members and provide a variety of educational and support services to the bonsai community. The Officers and Directors of ABS are unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to spreading the word about this wonderful, satisfying and challenging hobby. We support, rather than compete with, Bonsai Clubs International and other local, regional and international groups. Many of our Officers and Directors are founders, officers, or past officers of these organizations. We take pride in our commitment to grow these partnerships. While we focus on North American bonsai, we respect our historical "roots", and we welcome international members.