There’s no business like Show business!
The next couple of months are a busy time for the organisers of modelling shows and military events. As the good weather brings out the uniforms and the miniatures so it brings the crowds.
These shows in the main, serve a very useful function in that they allow people to take the inspiration that will help them progress in the hobby. Specifically, the modelling shows can give the validation that all artists need, be it at local club level or national or international shows.
From Naas to Penang, Malaysia, and all points in between, some major shows are booked and ready to go. In many cities, these events are a great tourist draw and increasingly tourist authorities are seeing the benefits and are endorsing these events.
So what can we expect for the remainder of this years?
Starting in Ireland, there is the:
IMVG 12th Annual Military Vehicle and Re-enactment Show.
When: 23rd & 24th June 2018
Where: Naas Racecourse, Naas, Ireland
Opening time: 10h00
Closing time: 18h00
Entrance cost: single ticket €10/ Child €5/ Family €20
The IMVG (Irish Military Vehicles Group) is the largest group of its kind in Ireland. They have approximately 40 members and approximately 30 vehicles. Based just outside Newbridge in Co. Kildare, they restore Irish, English and US vehicles for shows during the year. All of their vehicles are privately owned and maintained by the membership.
They have a fine selection of soft skinned vehicles as the Chevrolet CUCV and various Landrovers, light armoured vehicles such as the Panhard AML 90 and APC vehicles such as the Saracen Mk 1 and Alvis FV4333 Stormer
The day will consist of displays, re-enactments and the chance to get up close and maybe a little personal with the vehicles.
Guayaquil Modellfest 2018, Ecuador
When: 23rd & 24th June 2018
Where: Universidad Espíritu Santo Convention Center, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Opening time: 10h00
Closing time: 17h00
Entrance cost: FREE
Guayaquil Modelfest 2018 is the largest modelling competition Guayaquil in Ecuador – South America and has been organized by IPMS Ecuador GMEC.
This year they are going to have: Trade stands, club displays, sculptors, cosplays, militaria, demonstrations, etc.
MAFVA Nationals 2018
When: 24th June 2018
Where: The Burgess Civic Hall, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 6WU
Opening time: 10h00
Closing time: 17h00
Entrance cost: Single ticket £1 Children and MAFVA members FREE
The annual get-together of the Miniature AFV Association takes place within this prime model show with an extensive competition, numerous traders from home and overseas along with displays from many branches and clubs.
On-site catering and facilities make this a show military modellers cannot miss.
This is a must see to soak up the inspiration and wealth of talent that will be on display.
Malaysia Miniature Hobby Show and Model competition.
When: 30th June to the 1st July 2018
Where: Cititel Penang, 66 Jalan Penang, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Opening time: 10h00
Closing time: 18h00
Entrance cost: FREE
Running from the 30th June to the 1st of July in Penang.
Malaysia Miniature Hobby Show 2018 (MMHS) and Malaysia Competition (MALCOM) is an annual hobby exhibition held over two days is free entry and open to all, there will be daily lucky draws during the show.
This miniature model show focuses on military, automobile, science fiction and anime subjects, there is also ‘Military Cosplay’ and ‘Anime Cosplay & Competition’ during the show. This International Hobby Show will be the third of its kind within the South East Asian region and it is expected to draw hundreds of scale modellers and hobby enthusiasts.
The 3rd year running hobby show will also feature a diverse range of Hobby Manufacturer exhibitors and modelling clubs over 20 countries.
In 2016, the maiden show was the first ever hobby show to be held in Southeast Asia Region. It was well attended and attracted international modellers and miniature model enthusiasts across the globe.
The Miniature Model Competition (Malaysian Competition – MALCOM) will be running at the same time as the show.
There will be daily demo workshops perform on stage (with video screen projector) by world-class artists from 6 countries!
IPMS USA NATIONAL CONVENTION 2018
When: 1st August to the 4th August 2018
Where: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix. AZ, USA
Opening time: Aug 1st = 14h00/ Aug 2nd = 09h00 /Aug 3 09h00 / Aug 4 = 09h00
Closing time: Aug 1st = 18h00 / Aug 2nd = 18h00 / Aug 3rd = 18h00 / Aug 4th = 12h00
Entrance cost: (Available through the IPMS/USA Online Store. On or Before July 15, 2018.)
ADULT PRE-REGISTRATION (18 & OLDER) $45.00
JUNIOR PRE-REGISTRATION (UNDER 18) – Our Price: $20.00
PROXY REGISTRATION Our Price: $25.00
Their theme is Build It! Bring It!! Show It!!!
The convention will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center located in the centre of Phoenix. They say that this is the largest model competition in the United States as well as the ‘worlds largest travelling hobby shop’.
This year they are placing an emphasis on the individual who builds models for the personal fulfilment this hobby brings. They will be giving space to over to modellers who don’t want to be in competition but rather just wish to display their hard work. Perhaps this is the purest form of displaying one’s model. thus the theme build your models, bring your models, show your models!
This is a four-day celebration of modelling in all its glory. Thousands of individual models from around the US and further afield.
IPMS Farnborough Modelfest 2018
When: 15th September 2018
Where: Kings International College, Watchetts Drive, Camberley, GU15 2PQ.
Opening time: 10h00
Closing time: 16h00
Entrance cost: Adults £4/Concessions £2/ Accompanied children FREE
A wide variety of displays by IPMS members and non-members.
There will be a number of traders selling new and secondhand kits, along with Books, tools and equipment, accessories, decals, and other model making paraphernalia.
There will also be tombola and refreshments.
I have only picked a few examples of what is coming at us. But even if you can’t attend one of the international shows or even one of the big national shows, make a plan to go along to a local club show. Take inspiration or take part but enjoy what you see. If your club or society has a show or competition coming up, then please let us know.
Happy modelling.