www.ipmsusa2006.org
2006 IPMS/USA National Convention
Here is the latest and current news for your Convention:
On-line Registration: With the Online Registration System you can register for the model contest, purchase banquet tickets, purchase convention T-Shirts, register models and view all your entered information. The Online Registration System will shut down at midnight on June 24, 2006. After this date, you will be required to register as a walk up at the Convention. Avoid long lines at the Convention by using this easy system on or before this date. You can register by following this link: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/Registration.php
Also just a reminder: You must be a current member of IPMS to enter the contest. You can join IPMS/USA or renew your membership by going here: http://www.ipmsusa.org/MemberServices/membership.htm
We have been informed by IPMS/USA that all registrants who will be competing at the 2006 IPMS National Convention in Kansas City will need to review a disclaimer and agree to the terms by signing it. The disclaimer form and information will be available on our website in the very near future.
Hotel Rooms:
We are pleased to announce that the Hyatt hotel, our convention headquarters, is sold out! In order to keep costs down and more rooms available for those wishing to attend that have not made their hotel reservations yet, we have contracted with the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Kansas City. The hotel is located in historic Downtown Union Hill area and is one mile from the convention hall. Parking is available in the hotel parking lot at no charge to room guests. The KCATA has a bus stop just out side of the hotel entrance that will take you to the convention center.
Room Rates for the Fairfield Inn are: $84.00 + tax for King, $89.00 + tax for Queen
All reservations must be made by 7/12/2006.
To reserve your room please call: 1-816-931-5700 and identify yourself with the International Plastic Modelers Association Overflow Rooms.
The hotel address is: Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 3001 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
If you wish to stay in the Convention hotel system, there is another hotel available, The Westin, which is reachable through the Crown Center. The cost of rooms for the nights of the convention 8/2 – 8/5 is $249 per night, and self parking is $13.00 per night. Reservations can be made by calling 888-627-8538.
VENDORS:
The main Vendor Room is sold out, with a total of 255 tables. We have negotiated a second large room inside the Hyatt Hotel to accommodate more Vendors. This room is only available on Thursday Aug 3 and Friday Aug 4. Vendors using this room must close down at 6:00 PM Friday and vacate the room. Tables for this room will be at a reduced cost due to the limited days: $60/table instead of the normal $80. Interested vendors should contact our Vendor Coordinator, Steve Siebers at vendors@ipmsusa2006.org
For Vendors wishing to ship merchandise directly to the Convention, you must contact Gary Bates with the George Fern Company. Gary’s email is gbates@geofern.com
SPONSORSHIP and AWARDS:
Trophy and Category sponsorship is going well. All “Best Of” and Theme Awards have been sponsored, but we still have many categories available. Sponsors will be recognized throughout the show in many ways. Please consider supporting the Convention with a sponsorship from you, your club or business.
Our sponsorship page can be found here: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/Sponsors.php
We have a list up on the website listing our sponsors and what category or award they have sponsored: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/SponsorsList.php
We have put together a very attractive trophy package for you this year. There are also a couple additional awards: Best Skyhawk presented by the Skyhawk Association, and Best Civil Aviation Subject presented by the Air Service Museum. Also new this year is the Traveling Group Build award, go here for more info: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/CusterCup.php
SEMINARS:
We have a great selection of speakers that will be presenting at this years convention. Speakers like decorated war hero Hugh Mills, author of “Low Level Hell” and local modeler extraordinare Bill Pettyjohn, who’s outstanding work has been featured in Fine Scale Modeler magazine. This year we are also trying something new, Meet the Modeler. There are always a few models in the contest room that everybody is talking about, and this will be a chance to meet and chat with those modelers (depending on participation). This event will be held on Saturday Aug 5, from 1-3 PM. For a full list of scheduled speakers and events, go here: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/SpeakerSchedule.php
WIFE’S & KIDS CLUB:
We will have a special room at the Hyatt devoted to significant others and children. This room is available as a place to relax, plus there will be numerous activities for both adults and children to enjoy. If you have any suggestions or questions please direct them to Leslie Quirk or Jayne Ciccarella at: wivesclub@ipmsusa2006.org
And for more info on the Wife’s & Kids Club, go here: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/WifesClub.php
MAKE & TAKE:
We are also hosting a “Make & Take” event for the children. A free model will be provided, and experienced modelers will be on hand to assist in construction. This is a fun event and a great way to encourage our youth to experience the joys of modeling. This event will be held on Saturday Aug 5, 1-3 PM.
THINGS TO DO:
There are plenty of things to do in Kansas City besides the Convention. We will be providing information in our registration area about the best barbeque and restaurants that are close by. There is world class shopping, eating and entertainment all within covered walking distance of the Convention Center. For a directory of area attractions, museums, etc. please go to: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/ThingsToDo.php
OTHER NEWS:
We have added a Volunteer link, please consider signing up and helping out during the convention. http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/Volunteer.php
Display Tables: We have a very limited amount of tables available for reservation, if you want one do not hesitate as they will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Please note the rules on the web page: http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/Display.php
We have put up a map of the contest room layout. You can print this off to make it easier for you to find your category, plus we'll have a large color map printed up and displayed at the entrance to the room. http://www.ipmsusa2006.org/Contest.php
Please note there are no electrical hookups available in the contest room or display area. Modelers with entries needing power are encouraged to arrange battery backup.
Any questions, comments or suggestions are most welcome, please post them here.