The Walk-Thru of the 2023 International Paper Modeler's Convention (IPMC); the 25th

[THE DC]

Before the tour…

Though most participants would likely argue that every year that an International Paper Modeler’s Convention (IPMC) occurs is a special event, for the annual celebration has had to skip a couple of years due to hotel problems and even due to Covid. The 2023 IPMC represented a particularly valuable milestone; it was the 25th convention meeting.

The International Papermodeler’s Convention started off in 1997, in the town of Centerville, Ohio. The humble event was held in the home of Miles Mandell, with an official attendance of four exhibitors. The event was more of a social event as any effort to share the craft of paper modeling with others. That social-connection, as a priority of this event, has shaped it, and that motive continues to impact its approach to each yearly effort. Where as most conventions that follow a specific theme are driven by the desire to share and celebrate a specific area of interest (Science Fiction, movies, etc.) with others, the IPMC was, and maintains a high, and possibly higher priority, on the social bonds of the members. Sharing the craft of paper modeling with the public is often not the priority over the small group that attends, and though the participants change, has attended for over a quarter of a century.

In 2001, the event was moved from Ohio to Virginia, at the Dullies Days Hotel & Convention Center, in Herdon. After six more years, it moved to Sterling VA. at the Hampton Inn. It has remained there, at that location, for over a decade. The 2023 IMPC was held at the Dullies Airport Hampton Inn & Suites again for the 25th year.

Twenty-fifth International PaperModelers Convention again strove to renew fellowship to the many participants over the years. The event was held a few weeks ago from the 27th of October to the 29th of 2023. It required considerable investment from the participants. Several attendees came from far away homes; Texas, Ohio, New England, and whether they drove or flew, the effort was considerable on their part. In addition to the travel time, and hotel expenses (around $100 a night), the exhibitors ponied up $160 for their tables and $65 for each additional table that they rented, to share and display their work. Some of the exhibitors rented two or more tables to attain enough display space to share their work.

Though the primary drive for many of the yearly exhibitors was to meet each other again, and connect with their annual gathering of peers, the attendance at the IPMC was higher than had been typical for the last several years. Some of the exhibitors were more interested in meeting with the public and spreading their passion for paper modeling onto others. It was a very busy event.


Picture 1: The image of the first IPMC event participants...(note Steve Brown, in the picture) a steady fixture over the last 26-27 years of 25 held conventions)…