We have some awesome opportunities for you to learn more about modeling and the subjects of your models. We have lined up some great speakers and instructors for both free seminars and paid workshops throughout the convention for those having full registration.
I want to personally thank all the presenters and artists who've donated their time, effort, and talent to provide our convention attendees with an exceptional experience. It's been my sincere hope that the opportunities we've worked so hard to provide for you have enhanced your attendance at the 2026 IPMS National Convention, and will inspire you to attend future conventions!
Any changes from here on will be posted on the schedule and announced on the convention Facebook site.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
John Martin
Sessions Coordinator
2026_seminars@ipmsusa.org
Seminars
How to Bid and Win an IPMS National Convention by Scott Hackney
If you, your club or clubs in your region would like to develop a bid to host a national convention IPMS/USA Second Vice President Scott Hackney will walk through the requirements and some things to think about.
How to Make Masts and Flags by Toni Levine
Add realistic masts and flags to your models and dioramas.
Iwo Jima - A Battle and a Flag Raising by David Leick
Iwo Jima is known as a notorious battle that took thousands of American and Japanese lives in February-March 1945 and has owned a special place in military history by producing the iconic flag raising photo. Two participants in that photo were misidentified and subsequently replaced by the actual participants in 2016 and 2019 after lengthy, thorough investigations.
Layering and Blending to add Depth and Realism by Mandy Rozema
Mandy reviews the basics of acrylic painting and how to use it's properties to get depth for shadows and highlights on a model.
Making the Omaha Beach D-Day Dioramas by Bernard Kempinski
A "behind the scenes" look at the history, creation, and finished work of the traveling exhibit that honors the soldiers of the Omaha Beach D-Day landings.
Messaschnitzel 109: Reimagining a Classic by Cary Millsap
What happens when you rebuild a 50-year-old childhood favorite with modern tools and techniques? Follow the transformation of Revell’s cartoon Deal’s Wheels Messaschnitzel 109 into a superdetailed North African Emil.
Modeling as a Therapeutic Outlet for Veterans Working Through PTSD by Mike Blalock of Patriot Models.
The mission of this non-profit is to support veterans struggling with stress, anxiety, and PTSD by using modeling as a therapeutic activity. Learn more about Patriot Models and how you can support the men and women who protect this great country!
Modeling Real Space by Rob Schorry
3D printing is all the rage, but what can be done to make a printed model look better? Rob Schorry will discuss making a free NASA 3D printed model of the Saturn orbiter Cassini and Titan probe Huygens more accurate and detailed.
Mysteries of Hawaiian USAAF Pursuit Plane Markings in 1941 by Stephen Gilbert
Build your next US Army Pearl Harbor fighter plane with unique markings and a known history. Avoid common kit and decal maker's Pearl Harbor blunders. Here we untangle the markings of 1941 Wheeler Field fighters with pre-attack accident photos, accident documents, and postattack wreckage study.
Olive Drab, Haze Blue, and Jet Black: Camouflage Paint for WWII USAAF Aircraft by Brian Duddy
The history of camo paint used by the Army Air Forces during WWII. Discussion includes standard finishes and special finishes needed for night fighters, reconnaisance aircraft, and antisubmarine missions.