The scale modeling world will gather in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this summer for one of the hobby’s most anticipated events — the IPMS/USA 2026 National Convention. Taking place August 5–8, 2026, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, the event promises four incredible days of modeling, competition, seminars, vendors, raffles, and community fellowship.
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support IPMS chapters, regional clubs, national conventions, and the modelers who continue to grow and strengthen the hobby. The IPMS/USA National Convention is one of the premier modeling events in the world and a must-attend destination for builders of every genre and skill level.
Welcome to Fort Wayne
Hosted by a collaboration of 11 IPMS/USA Region 4 chapters, the 2026 Nationals will bring together:
- Armor modelers
- Aircraft builders
- Automotive enthusiasts
- Figure painters
- Ship modelers
- Gundam and sci-fi builders
- Diorama artists
- Vendors and manufacturers
- Hobby families from across the globe
According to Convention Chairperson John Figueroa, the organizing team is fully committed to delivering the best convention experience possible.
Event Information
IPMS/USA 2026 National Convention
📅 Dates:
August 5–8, 2026
📍 Location:
Grand Wayne Convention Center
120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
🌎 IPMS Region: Region 4 – Great Lakes
🏆 Hosted By: IPMS Region 4
Participating Chapters Include:
- IPMS Capital Area Modelers Society (C.A.M.S.)
- IPMS/Duneland
- IPMS/Fort Wayne – Walker Mahurin Chapter
- IPMS/Fremont Kitbashers
- IPMS/John H Glenn Chapter
- IPMS/Kalamazoo Scale Modelers
- IPMS/Mid-Michigan Model Makers
- IPMS/Military Modelers
- IPMS/Toledo Plastic Modelers
- IPMS/West Michigan
- IPMS/Western Reserve Chapter
Official Website: https://ipmsnationals.org/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ipmsusanationals
Convention Chairperson Contact: 2026_chair@ipmsusa.org
The Three Rings of the Convention
As organizers described it, the convention’s “three rings of the circus” include:
- The National Contest
- The Vendor Room
- The Massive Raffle
But that’s just the beginning.
Additional convention activities include:
- Tiger Meet display area
- Seminars and workshops
- Family make-and-take activities
- Tours and local attractions
- Skill-building events
- Modeling demonstrations
The Nationals offer something for every member of the modeling community.
2026 Theme Awards
One of the highlights of every IPMS Nationals is the collection of special theme awards, and Fort Wayne’s organizing team has assembled an impressive lineup.
1. Happy Birthday America – The American Revolution
Celebrating America’s founding through:
- Revolutionary War figures
- Founding Fathers
- Dioramas depicting key events
Examples include:
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- Boston Tea Party
- “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World”
2. Gundam RX-78 – Back to the Beginning
A major nod to Gundam builders across the hobby community:
- Any RX-78 variant
- Any manufacturer
- Dioramas or vignettes featuring RX-78 subjects
This reflects the growing importance of Gundam and mecha modeling at national-level shows.
3. Truck Town USA – International Harvester
Celebrating the historic American manufacturer through:
- Semi trucks
- Cement mixers
- Farm machinery
- International Scout vehicles
- Related dioramas
This category opens the door to some unique and creative civilian and industrial modeling possibilities.
4. 60th Anniversary of Star Trek
Celebrating six decades of one of science fiction’s greatest franchises:
- Starships
- Crew figures
- Sci-fi vehicles
- Space dioramas
- Franchise-themed builds
A category certain to attract both veteran sci-fi builders and newcomers alike.
5. 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland
Focused on:
- WWI British ships
- German Imperial Navy ships
- Naval dioramas and historical displays
This category offers a fantastic opportunity for ship modelers to showcase World War I-era naval subjects.
Special Sponsored Award
The All-American Red, White & Blue Award
Sponsored by:
Adam-David Stephenson
The award is open to:
- Aircraft
- Helicopters
- Patriotic paint schemes
- Thunderbirds
- Bicentennial liveries
- American flag-themed designs
- Dioramas and vignettes
This category adds another exciting modern and historical aviation dimension to the Nationals.
A Convention for Every Modeler
The IPMS Nationals continues to evolve and embrace every segment of the hobby.
Whether your interest is:
- Armor and AFVs
- Aircraft
- Automotive
- Ships
- Figures
- Sci-fi
- Gundam
- Mecha
- Dioramas
…the 2026 Nationals will have displays, competition categories, and vendors dedicated to your interests.
Vendors, Raffles & Seminars
Attendees can expect:
- Hundreds of vendor tables
- New product announcements
- Rare kits and aftermarket items
- Massive raffle prizes
- Educational seminars
- Research presentations
- Demonstrations by top builders
For many hobbyists, the Nationals vendor room alone is worth the trip.
Fort Wayne as a Destination
The host committee also plans to spotlight:
- Family outings
- Local attractions
- Day trips
- Activities for non-modeling family members
Fort Wayne’s downtown convention district offers excellent access to:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Entertainment
- Museums
- Convention facilities
This makes the Nationals both a hobby destination and a great family travel experience.
Supporting the Scale Modeling Community
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support:
- IPMS chapters
- National conventions
- Regional contests
- Armor and aircraft modelers
- Gundam and sci-fi communities
- Figure painters and ship builders
- Hobby manufacturers and vendors
Events like the IPMS/USA National Convention help:
- Inspire future modelers
- Promote craftsmanship
- Strengthen friendships within the hobby
- Showcase innovation and creativity
- Keep scale modeling thriving worldwide
Stay Connected
Official Convention Website: https://ipmsnationals.org/
Official Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ipmsusanationals
Visit AFV Hobby Hub
For model kits, aftermarket accessories, tools, paints, weathering products, figures, and hobby news:
Leave your comment