Question about Shows/Meets---- possible Idea

[BJ]

I made a joke in TRMs AMPS thread, (even though a Bad one) it got me wondering,

In my industry (Signs) about 4-5 times a year around the country there will be what we call a Mini-Meet, just a bunch of us get together for a long weekend and trade techniques, Paint Signs, gold leaf, carve or whatever and usually a fair amount of drinking and other shenanigans. Just an overall good time for veterans and newbs and all the egos are left at home.

Is there anything similar to that in the model side of things.. I now there are some local clubs in the larger cities. Seems the closest to me is a IPMS chapter in Denver but that is a 3 hour drive for me so that makes for a long day for just a few hour meeting.

If so any idea where a person could find one, if not, is this something people would be interested in. I know I could/would be willing to put one on in my shop.. It's not huge but I could fit 10-15 people semi comfortably on a few tables and Supply a lot of the necessary tools. (Large Air compressor, all my my mold and casting equipment and stuff like that)
offer mini classes on mold making and resin casting, Airbrush techniques, Designing kits/parts in a 3D program then printing them out on a 3D printer and/or CnC mill, lathe ect.

I know most of this can be found on YouTube but that isn't as fun.

Usually most people treat these as a mini vacations, where I live I can set up a rafting trip or Train Ride, Visit to the Royal Gorge or Air Museum in Pueblo(about a 30 minute drive and they have a B-17 there) usually at a decent discount as a few of these are my clients and my son works on the train.

Just food for thought.

[bbrowniii]

Billie Jean

That is a good question. I think there are a couple of answers to your question, but that answer may vary regionally. Here is what I mean:

I live in the Northeast so I have access to some really great shows. Both spring and fall show seasons offer some really good opportunities to get together with like minded people, hang out, trade tips, etc. (There may or may not be drinking involved, I can neither confirm nor deny... ). At some of these shows, there are seminars offered where someone will share a particular skill or area of expertise.

At the same time, there are also some clubs that are really active and large enough that they can support these types of events. For example, a buddy of mine is in a club and they have monthly build events where a group of them will get together and do just that - build and BS (I assume...)

And finally, also in my area, some of the clubs have hosted seminars. For example, about two years ago, my club, Central Connecticut IPMS hosted a seminar with Steve Reid (of Celtic Works) and Joe Farina (of Farina Enterprises). They came out for a day, provided a bunch of materials to the attendees (we had about 20 - 25 guys sign up for the event), and they walked us through some techniques (this was a painting and weathering seminar).

So, I guess the answer is two-fold: I think those opportunities are out there, if you can find a show or a club that offers them or is active enough that these events just sort of come about.

I hope that answers your question, at least in part. And, of course, that is just one guys opinion. Others may have a drastically different perception/experience.

[dupes]

I would check the IPMS/USA website - there's got to be a chapter closer than 3 hours from you, no? Having your own local club is definitely the way to go!

[TRM]

I agree, if you can get like minded individuals to get together and participate; even if it is only once big event a year. As Boyd had mentioned above, There have been a few local workshops put on by a MA based AMPS group called Nordland AMPS and Steve Reid and Joe along with other talents like Iain Hamilton and Scratchmod have been able to share their talents with people willing to sign up for a day of fun!

Here in the North East, Armorcon, which now stretches out to about 3 days, is centralized around an AMPS regional show but there are seminars to attend and of course the late night frivolity.

I have heard of a pretty cool annual event a group of guys attend. A bunch of modelers head out to a cabin in the woods of Tennessee for an extended weekend of hanging around, talking shop, building and painting models and watching movies...in no particular order! Kind of a modelling retreat!

I would think if you could set up a mini-vacation getting some folks to show up for some fun for a weekend would be an awesome time! I wish I was close to the area!! Sounds like fun!!!

[dupes]

Too bad nobody has a big basement dedicated to modeling here in the Northeast anywhere...that might be fun!

[TRM]

LOL.....You do Dupes!! Was that an offering to the digs??? Of course the ride might be tricky!!

[afvfan]

Billiejean, here's a list of IPMS chapters in Co.: www.ipmsusa.org/chapters/state_select.asp?ST=CO . The one closest to you seems to be in Colorado Springs.

There is also a small AMPS chapter there: www.amps-armor.org/ampssite/chapters/chapterInfo.aspx?CID=74 .

Seems if you hook up with both groups you might be able to organize an event like you're talking about. Of course, you can make it an open invitation for anyone who wants to drive from further away, but those two groups may give you a good basis for planning.

[BJ]

Tried to get a hold of the spring amps no luck, but I will try again.

Didn't try the IPMS yet.. Many many years ago IPMS and I had a falling out, I got sick and tired of being slammed and criticized for strictly doing armor and being treated like a red headed stepchild. But in all fairness that was in Phoenix,Arizona.

[bbrowniii]

May 4, 2015 20:16:05 GMT -5 dupes said:

Too bad nobody has a big basement dedicated to modeling here in the Northeast anywhere...that might be fun!

Careful! That sounds like a broad stroke invitation to have a bunch of hooligans descend on your house for a weekend!!! Mmmm...good times...

[dupes]

May 4, 2015 22:43:50 GMT -5 BJ said:

Didn't try the IPMS yet.. Many many years ago IPMS and I had a falling out, I got sick and tired of being slammed and criticized for strictly doing armor and being treated like a red headed stepchild. But in all fairness that was in Phoenix,Arizona.

Don't let one bad group get you down on IPMS in general! I know every club is different...mine is far more supportive than the one you were in sounds.

[dupes]

May 5, 2015 13:42:51 GMT -5 bbrowniii said:

May 4, 2015 20:16:05 GMT -5 dupes said:

Too bad nobody has a big basement dedicated to modeling here in the Northeast anywhere...that might be fun!

Careful! That sounds like a broad stroke invitation to have a bunch of hooligans descend on your house for a weekend!!! Mmmm...good times...

Pshhhh, I wish! No one is going to drive all the way up here.

[wing_nut]

I'll use the GAPS on my phone to find the way.. Oh Wait. No connectivity. Never mind.



But back to the question at hand. Can;t agree more the club environment is the best thing for modeling and getting better at it. I already know how to drink.