We will have some awesome opportunities for you to learn more about modeling and the subjects of your models. We are working to line up some great speakers and instructors for both free seminars and paid workshops throughout the convention for those having full registration. As we lock down presentations, we will have more information here and on the convention Facebook site. Times and room locations will be posted here and on the Schedule on this site.
If you have questions on seminars as they are posted or suggestions for speakers, please reach out. We want to be sure your interests are covered to make this convention a great experience.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
John Martin
Sessions Coordinator
2026_seminars@ipmsusa.org
Seminars
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.
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.
Military Vehicles Produced in Indiana by David Doyle
Whether it's International Harvester, Studebaker, or AM General, Indiana has played a major role in the production of military vehicles. Author David Doyle leads you on an historical journey of Indiana's contribution to the defense of our great country.
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.
OSL: Make your Figures Glow by Mandy Rozema
Learn to make any object "glow" using only acrylic paints with this painting technique.
Painting and Weathering USN Aircraft by Scott Samo and The Model Geeks
Demonstration on how to paint and weather aircraft, with an emphasis on modern jets.