Southern California modelers have even more reasons to attend WonderCon IV this summer, as the IPMS 101 Wonders Ventura County Chapter has announced two outstanding special guests who will be joining the event.

Taking place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center in Oxnard, California, WonderCon IV is already shaping up to be one of the premier modeling events in Southern California. Now, with industry experts from AK Interactive and Value Gear attending, the show promises even more opportunities for learning, inspiration, and hobby fellowship.

WonderCon IV

Date: August 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT

Location:
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, CA 93030

Hosted By: IPMS 101 Wonders

IPMS Region: Region 8 – Southern California

Special Guest Announcement

Rick Lawler of AK Interactive

One of the biggest additions to this year's event is the appearance of:

Rick Lawler

AK Interactive

Rick will be conducting live weathering demonstrations throughout the day, sharing techniques and tips that can help modelers improve realism and finishing skills on their projects.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about:

• Weathering techniques
• Paint effects
• Washes and filters
• Chipping and wear simulation
• Realistic armor, aircraft, and vehicle finishes
• Product applications and best practices

Whether you're an experienced builder or just beginning to explore advanced finishing techniques, Rick's demonstrations will be one of the highlights of WonderCon IV.

Steve Munsell of Value Gear

WonderCon IV will also welcome:

Steve Munsell

Value Gear Details

Steve's products have become a favorite among military vehicle and diorama builders for their realistic stowage sets, accessories, and detail components.

His attendance will provide modelers an opportunity to:

• Meet one of the hobby's most respected aftermarket producers
• Discuss diorama and vehicle detailing
• See Value Gear products firsthand
• Learn how stowage and accessories can elevate a project to the next level

For armor modelers especially, Steve's presence is a significant addition to this year's show.

Gold, Silver & Bronze Open Judging

WonderCon IV will once again feature:

Open System Judging

Awards will be presented as: 🥇 Gold🥈 Silver🥉 Bronze

This format judges each model on its own merits rather than direct competition against other entries.

Benefits include:

• More builder recognition
• Encouragement for newer modelers
• Skill-based evaluation
• Greater focus on craftsmanship and improvement

Special Theme Award

"Anything Desert"

This year's special theme celebrates Anything Desert:

The category commemorates the anniversary of Operation Desert Storm while allowing entries from any desert-related subject.

Possible entries include:

• Military vehicles
• Aircraft
• Dioramas
• Figures
• Civilian vehicles
• Science fiction subjects

The broad theme encourages creativity across all modeling genres.

Additional Awards

WonderCon IV will also feature:

People's Choice Award
Theme Awards
Gold, Silver & Bronze Recognition

Vendor Area

The event will feature hobby vendors offering:

• Model kits
• Aftermarket accessories
• Paints and weathering products
• Tools and supplies
• Collectibles and rare kits

Vendor Tables

$60 for an 8-foot table

Vendor Contact: c130jlou@yahoo.com

Comfort & Convenience

Visitors can enjoy:

✅ Free Parking
✅ Onsite Food Vendors
✅ Spacious Venue
✅ Family-Friendly Environment

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center continues to be an outstanding venue for modelers and vendors alike.

Why WonderCon IV Is Growing

Events like WonderCon continue to thrive because they bring together every aspect of the hobby:

• Contest competition
• Vendor shopping
• Demonstrations
• Education
• Networking
• Community

The addition of Rick Lawler and Steve Munsell further strengthens the event and provides attendees with direct access to some of the hobby's most respected names.

Contact Information

Contest Chairperson

Joe Osborne joss1952@gmail.com

Additional Contact: Scott Eyler Sjeyler4@verizon.net

Facebook:  IPMS 101 Wonders

Supporting the Modeling Community

At AFVHobbyHub.com, we proudly support events like WonderCon IV that bring modelers together, encourage skill development, and help grow the hobby throughout North America.

If you're in Southern California this August, WonderCon IV is quickly becoming one of the can't-miss events of the 2026 modeling calendar.

👉 Visit: www.AFVHobbyHub.com

Summary

WonderCon IV, hosted by IPMS 101 Wonders, takes place on August 30, 2026, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center in Oxnard, California. The event features Gold, Silver, and Bronze open judging, the special theme "Anything Desert," vendor shopping, and free parking. Newly announced special guests include Rick Lawler of AK Interactive, who will conduct live weathering demonstrations, and Steve Munsell of Value Gear, whose aftermarket stowage products are popular among armor and diorama builders. With competition, education, vendors, and community all under one roof, WonderCon IV is shaping up to be one of Southern California's top modeling events of 2026.