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All vendors at the 2026 National Convention will need to register with the state of Indiana to collect sales tax. The form for that is now posted on the site under the Vendors tab. Please take the time to download, fill and file this as soon as possible. Instructions for the form, as well as contacts for further assistance, are included on the document.

Please note this is a state of Indiana requirement and not something over which the IPMS or the National Convention Committee have any control. It is also not any area where we can provide any assistance beyond pointing vendors to…

Today’s post is about Proximo, a Latin restaurant in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. We have already posted about some of the BBQ restaurants in the area and we intend to post on Italian, Mexican, and Chinese establishments soon. However, today’s post is for the culinary adventurous among us. 

Located at 898 S. Harrison St., a two-minute, one-block walk from the convention center, Proximo is a sister restaurant to three other downtown…

Good morning. Today I want to introduce you to Zesto, a Fort Wayne institution.

Zesto Ice Cream, located at 2225 Broadway (a one-and-a-half mile, five-minute drive from the convention center), has been synonymous with summertime treats and cherished memories in Fort Wayne for generations. Known for its classic soft-serve cones, Razzles (think DQ Blizzard or McDonalds McFlurry), creative sundaes, and friendly service, Zesot is a beloved destination for…

Good morning. Today I am going to introduce you to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMoA), located at 311 E Main St., a six-block, 12-minute walk from the convention center. Nora and I have been members ever since we moved to Fort Wayne and we love this museum.

The FWMoA stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment for northeast Indiana. Since its founding, the museum has played a pivotal role in nurturing the arts and…

Today, we want to talk to you about the YLNI (Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana) Farmers Market, held in Downtown Fort Wayne on the corner of Wayne and Barr Streets, a short three-block, five-minute walk from the convention center, every Saturday May through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The city closes several blocks of downtown to vehicle traffic to make room for the market, which is producer-only, meaning that its vendors…

Good afternoon. Today I’d like to talk to you about one of Nora's, and my, favorite facets of the Fort Wayne art scene: live theater.

When Nora and I both retired in 2021, we were looking for a place to settle for the rest of our lives. We had a laundry list of "must haves", including a philharmonic orchestra, museums, and a vibrant live music culture. Way up on the list was an active live theater culture. Fort Wayne checked all…

I’m a little conflicted, I feel like I’m overdoing the eateries and not giving enough love to the many events and attractions that Fort Wayne has to offer. If you don’t already know me, when you meet me, you will instantly know why I know about a lot of places to eat in Fort Wayne, even though we have only been here a little over four years. I promise you more posts on events and attractions soon.

However, since Nora and I are preparing for the…

Today, I’m going to introduce to you a beloved gastropub in Downtown Fort Wayne; The Hoppy Gnome, located a short three blocks from the Grand Wayne Convention Center at 203 East Berry Street and co-located with the Gnome Town Brewing Company.

Downtown Fort Wayne is home to a diverse array of dining establishments, but few stand out quite like The Hoppy Gnome. This gastropub has earned a reputation for its creative menu, lively atmosphere, and commitment to…

For those ready to dive into the 2026 IPMS/USA National Convention, pre-registration will open March 1.

Early registration will include your $65 convention fee as well as options for ordering t-shirts and pins. Paid seminars and tours should also be finalized and available at that time to be included with your registration payment. More information about registering models for the contest will also be posted for those looking to start that process early.

Pre-registration will end June 30, but that doesn't mean you can't still attend. Walk-in registration will be available the…

For those wanting to know where their model will fit in the contest, you will have your answer in early February.

The National Contest Committee will have the list of categories and the criteria for each by February 15. As soon as those are ready, we will have them posted in the Contest area of this site.

We look forward to seeing what you have to put on the table and giving you a chance to mingle with fellow modelers from around the country and around the world.