Home | 2026 IPMS/USA National Convention

August 5-8, 2026

Grand Wayne Convention Center
120 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802

Welcome to Fort Wayne and the 2026 IPMS/USA National Convention

On behalf of the International Plastic Modelers' Society/USA, it is a distinct honor and genuine pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 National Convention to be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 5-8.

Whether you are a first-time attendee, a rising young modeler, or a long-time champion of our craft, we thank you for joining us in this remarkable gathering; a celebration of the ingenuity, camaraderie, and passion that define our modeling community.

We are a team of eleven IPMS/USA Region 4 Chapters dedicated to give you the best convention experience we possibly can.

The three rings of the circus -- the National Contest, our esteemed vendors, and the raffle -- will all be in place along with other side shows such as the Tiger Meet, family make and take, tours, and seminars to sharpen your skills and learn more about our craft.

As a group, we wrestled with the five Theme Awards for the convention. The first is Happy Birthday America - The American Revolution (the U.S. semi-quincentennial is only one month prior to the convention). The others are Gundam RX-78 - Back to the Beginning, Truck Town USA – International Harvester, the 60th Anniversary of Star Trek, and the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland. I will explain each of these awards in greater detail and provide our thoughts as to why we chose these five in subsequent posts.

We will be posting frequently here and on the Convention Facebook page to give you all the information you need in a timely manner, and to answer questions you might have.

We’d also like to be kept abreast of what it is you are planning to bring to the convention, be it for the contest or for the Tiger Meet (display only, more on that later). Show us your work and share updates on your builds with us.

We are very excited to have been chosen to host you in Fort Wayne. I will be posting opportunities for family outings, short trips, and items of interest for modelers and their families. There is so much that we want to share with you, so check back often.

Gracias amigos…

John Figueroa
IPMS/USA
2026 National Convention Chairperson

News and Announcements

Places to Explore: The Old Fort
Introducing the Old Fort.

Nestled on the banks of the St. Marys River at 1201 Spy Run Avenue, an 18-minute, .8-mile walk from the Convention Center, the Old Fort in Fort Wayne stands as a testament to the city’s rich and layered history. Serving as both a symbol of frontier resilience and a living museum, the reconstructed Old Fort invites visitors to step back into the early 19th century and experience firsthand the legacy of American expansion, military defense, and community life in the Northwest Territory.
Places to Explore: Fairfield: Pinhouse Social
The Fairfield: Pinhouse Social, located at 1510 Fairfield Avenue, a short half-mile, 12-minute walk from the convention center, opened in 2023 and has quickly become a beloved destination in Fort Wayne. This dynamic venue stands out not just for its inviting atmosphere, but for its unique blend of entertainment and exceptional food and drink options. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day, celebrate a milestone, or simply enjoy a night out with friends, Pinhouse Social offers something for everyone.
Places to Explore: Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot
Today we are going to talk about something for the families to do while Dad, or Mom, is in the contest room or searching for an elusive kit in the vendor rooms. There is no excuse for anyone to be bored for the four days of our convention. Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, and Promenade Park, are where outdoor adventure awaits.
Consider sponsoring a trophy package
The IPMS/USA Convention brings us together as we celebrate craftsmanship, creativity and camaraderie. Contest trophies recognize the outstanding achievements of our members and inspire us to build.

When you sponsor a trophy package, you help IPMS/USA recognize its members – a direct investment in our future.

This year, the category signs will be 8.5x11, so every sponsor's name will be big and bold.

Sponsor a category that excites your imagination, one that draws you building! Then come and look what you made possible.
Places to Explore: Cindy's Diner
Today we are going to examine a classic American experience that celebrates nostalgia, community, and good eats: Cindy’s Diner. Located at 230 W Berry Street, Cindy’s Diner is a short 5-minute, 3-block walk from the convention center.