The countdown is officially underway for the IPMS/USA National
Convention 2026, the largest and most anticipated scale modeling event in
the United States.
August 5–8, 2026
Grand Wayne Convention Center Fort Wayne, Indiana
Hosted by eleven chapters from IPMS Region 4 – Great Lakes, the
2026 Nationals promises four days packed with competition, vendors, seminars,
displays, raffles, and fellowship among modelers from across the country and
around the world.
At AFVHobbyHub.com, we encourage modelers to begin final
preparations now for what is expected to be one of the biggest hobby gatherings
of the year.
The Premier Event in Scale Modeling
Each year, the IPMS/USA National Convention brings together:
- Thousands of
contest entries
- Hundreds of
vendor tables
- Manufacturers
and aftermarket producers
- Nationally
recognized modelers
- Hobby clubs
from across the country
- Educational
seminars and demonstrations
From aircraft and armor to automotive, ships, figures, sci-fi, Gundam,
and dioramas, every corner of the hobby is represented.
For many modelers, the IPMS Nationals is the highlight of the entire
modeling calendar.
Plan Ahead Now
With the convention quickly approaching, attendees should finalize:
Registration
If you plan to compete, attend seminars, or participate in convention
activities, make sure your registration is completed before arriving.
Hotel Reservations
Fort Wayne is expected to welcome thousands of hobbyists. Securing
accommodations early can help ensure convenient access to the convention venue.
Model Transportation
Contest participants should begin planning:
- Safe transport
containers
- Packing
materials
- Travel
arrangements
- Display bases
and documentation
Protecting your work during travel is one of the most important parts of
preparing for Nationals.
Seminar Schedules
The Nationals traditionally feature a wide range of educational
presentations covering:
- Construction
techniques
- Painting
- Weathering
- Historical
research
- Diorama
building
- Figure painting
- New products
and materials
Planning your schedule in advance helps ensure you don't miss the
seminars that interest you most.
More Than Just a Contest
While the National Contest is the centerpiece of the event, attendees can
also enjoy:
- The massive
vendor room
- The famous
raffle
- Tiger Meet
displays
- Club gatherings
- Networking
opportunities
- Product debuts
and announcements
- Family-friendly
activities
Many hobbyists attend solely for the vendor room and educational
opportunities.
Theme Awards for 2026
Special convention themes include:
- Happy Birthday
America – The American Revolution
- Gundam RX-78 –
Back to the Beginning
- Truck Town USA
– International Harvester
- 60th
Anniversary of Star Trek
- 110th
Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland
In addition, the All-American Red, White & Blue Award will
recognize patriotic-themed aircraft and helicopters.
Why You Should Attend
The IPMS Nationals offers something no online forum or social media group
can replicate:
Face-to-face interaction with fellow modelers
Access to top builders and manufacturers
Thousands of models on display
Direct learning opportunities
Inspiration for future projects
Whether you're a first-time attendee or a long-time Nationals veteran,
the convention is an unforgettable experience.
Stay Connected
Official Website: IPMS Nationals
Official Facebook Group: IPMS USA Nationals
(Facebook)
Convention Chair Contact: 2026_chair@ipmsusa.org
Visit AFV Hobby Hub
For hobby news, model show coverage, kits, aftermarket products, tools,
paints, and more:
Build. Learn. Compete. Celebrate the
hobby.
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