Modelers across the Carolinas and the Southeast should prepare for one of the region’s most exciting hobby events of 2026 as the IPMS/Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers present:
Americana – Region 12 Regional Con 2026
Taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the outstanding Havelock Tourist & Event Center in Havelock, North Carolina, this year’s Regional Con promises a unique celebration of American innovation, military history, engineering, and creativity.
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support modelers, clubs, contests, and events that help grow and strengthen the scale modeling hobby. Americana 2026 is shaping up to be one of the premier modeling events in the Carolinas and a must-attend show for builders of every interest and skill level.
Event Information
Americana – Region 12 Regional Con 2026
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
Location:
Havelock Tourist & Event Center
201 Tourist Center Drive
Havelock, NC 28532
IPMS Region: Region 12 – The Carolinas
Hosted By:
Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers
Hosting Chapter: IPMS/Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers
Website: ECPM Chapter Site
Celebrating America’s Inspiration & Innovation
The 2026 Americana theme focuses on:
“America’s Inspiration and Innovation”
The event will celebrate iconic American developments throughout history, with organizers specifically highlighting subjects such as:
- The Ford Model T
- USS Nautilus (SSN-571)
- Aerospace achievements
- Military innovation
- Engineering breakthroughs
- Automotive milestones
- Naval advancements
- Aviation history
- Space exploration
The broad theme allows incredible creative freedom across all areas of modeling.
Possible entries could include:
- Historic American aircraft
- U.S. military vehicles
- NASA spacecraft
- Muscle cars and hot rods
- Naval warships and submarines
- Civilian transportation subjects
- Industrial and engineering projects
This unique concept makes Americana 2026 especially appealing to builders looking to showcase historically important American subjects.
Outstanding Venue in Eastern North Carolina
This year’s Regional Con will be held at:
Havelock Tourist & Event Center
An impressive location already known to hobbyists as:
- The home of the Museum of Marine Aviation
- One of the premier event venues in North Carolina
- A convenient destination for traveling modelers
The facility offers:
- Spacious event areas
- Easy vendor access
- Nearby lodging
- Onsite food availability
- Excellent accommodations for large contests and vendor rooms
Organizers also noted that:
- Two quality motels are within walking distance
- Light lunch fare will be available onsite at reasonable prices
Expanded Gundam & Mecha Categories
One of the exciting developments for Americana 2026 is the expansion of:
Gundam & Mecha Classes
This reflects the growing diversity within the modeling community and the increasing popularity of:
- Gundam
- Mecha
- Anime-inspired subjects
- Science fiction builds
The expanded categories ensure that Americana welcomes not only traditional military and historical modelers, but also the broader modern modeling community.
Vendors, Raffles & Community Support
Americana 2026 will once again feature:
- A large vendor presence
- Hobby supplies and aftermarket products
- Plastic model kits
- Rare and collectible items
- A popular raffle with exciting prizes
One especially unique and appreciated feature from previous events has been the support provided by:
Active-duty Marines
who have assisted vendors with unloading and packing up merchandise.
That level of community support has helped Americana earn consistently excellent reviews from attendees and vendors alike.
Building on a Strong Reputation
The Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers have developed a reputation for hosting:
- Organized events
- Friendly competitions
- Strong vendor participation
- Excellent community atmosphere
- Well-run regional conventions
According to organizers, the goal for 2026 is simple: “We are striving to make this one the best yet.”
Given the quality of past events and the exciting theme, Americana 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the top Region 12 events of the year.
Supporting the Scale Modeling Community
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support:
- IPMS chapters
- Regional contests
- Armor and aircraft modelers
- Gundam and sci-fi builders
- Figure painters and diorama artists
- Community-driven hobby events nationwide
Events like Americana Regional Con help:
- Encourage creativity
- Inspire new builders
- Support local clubs and vendors
- Bring hobbyists together
- Strengthen the future of the modeling hobby
Whether your passion is:
- Armor
- Aircraft
- Automotive
- Ships
- Sci-fi
- Gundam
- Figures
- Dioramas
…Americana 2026 promises something exciting for every modeler.
Contact Information
Contest Chairperson
Alan Welch
info@alanwelch.us
Visit AFV Hobby Hub
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