Welcome to the Tiger Meet

One of the goals of the 2024 National Convention Team is to try out non-competitive events that may become part of future National Conventions.  The Tiger Meet is an idea inspired by regular get-togethers of NATO fighter squadrons to share information, show off their tiger-striped aircraft, and of course do a bit of after-hours socializing. The IPMS version of this event will be a large display space where IPMS chapters, modeling clubs, special interest groups and individual modelers can show off their work and talk-shop with fellow modelers outside of the confines of the contest room; the after-hours socializing is up to you.  Modelers are encouraged to talk about the models they’ve brought, and chairs will be available to encourage sitting down for long rambling conversations. The  Convention is dedicating 5,500 square feet of space for this event; that's enough space for about 1000 models!

We want the 2024 Tiger Meet to be open to every imaginable corner of the hobby; we’re hoping everyone goes home with a few new ideas and new friends.  There are several ways for modelers to participate:

Individual Display-Only: 

Allows individual modelers to exhibit their work in a non-competitive environment. Work can be of any of the accepted categories offered within the contest category structure, i.e., if it is acceptable within the rules of the IPMS convention, it is acceptable for Display-Only. IPMS rules pertaining to subjects such as nudity, graphic violence, etc., will be enforced. The display tables will be shared with multiple individual displays, organized by overall subject matter (Aircraft, Military Vehicles, Automotive, etc). Modelers who are not registered for the Convention can participate in the Individual Displays, however they must pay the daily walk-in spectator fee, and we ask that they limit their entries to 2 models.

Display-Only Organized Groups: 

Groups of modelers sharing a common interest (a “special interest group”, or SIG) or chapter/club affiliation can obtain one entire table to display their work as a whole. Groups do not have to be formal organizations; modelers united by Facebook groups, blog followers, even a few friends who get together at the kitchen table to build models can register as a Display-Only Organized Group. The tables will have chairs for group members to sit and talk about their display with spectators. Each Organized Group must have a Group Coordinator, a point-of-contact person who is registered to attend the Convention and who will act as a liaison to the IPMS National Planning team. The Coordinator is responsible for controlling what is displayed and who participates in their display. 

Display-Only Group Builds:

This is a special sort of Group display where multiple tables are provided to show the work of a large number of modelers, around model builds of a common subject or theme, that is open to the greater modeling community.  In exchange for the larger display space the sponsor of a Group Build takes on a greater responsibility for organizing and promoting the display.  The Model Geeks and Plastic Posse Podcast are sponsoring two such group builds for D-Day subjects; other groups can sponsor this type of display, limited by available space. Group Builds must have a Group Coordinator, who will act as a liaison to the IPMS National Planning team with regards to subject matter and space requirements, and who is responsible for controlling the display during the Convention.

General Rules and Limitations:

• Participants in all display-only events must be either: A.) Registered for the Convention as an IPMS member, or B.) attend as a non-IPMS daily walk-in attendee, subject to the same National Convention protocols as IPMS members.
• The expectation is that displays in the various Display-Only categories will be primarily models. Organized Groups may wish to display signage, research material, demonstrate modeling techniques related to their area of interest, etc. While this is allowed and encouraged, electrical power will not be available and demonstrations can not include toxic chemicals, spray-painting, etc. When in doubt, the Group Coordinator should talk to their contact with the Planning Committee.
• Models can be set up in the Display-Only space as they arrive at the Convention, and can be left in place throughout the show. All models and related displays must be removed by 3PM Saturday. If you are not registered for the Convention, you must pay the walk-in fee on the day you plan to collect your models or arrange for another modeler to remove your models.
• The Display-Only space can not be used to sell or blatantly advertise products or merchandise (you can include a kit or product as part of your display, but not post “For Sale” signs, etc).
• Individual models built for any of the Display-Only events will only be eligible for the National Contest if the modeler  is  registered for the Convention as an IPMS member. Models that are to compete in the contest must be registered with the Contest in advance and moved to the contest area no later than 3pm on Friday afternoon, where they will remain for the balance of the convention. Modelers who are not registered for the Convention can not compete in the Contest.
• Judged Group Builds: These are group build projects that are part of the IPMS Contest  (Category 750), and will be located in the Contest room. These models will not be a part of the Display-Only area.

The purpose of this document is to clarify the options available to modelers. This is the first time that a National Convention will open its doors to non-IPMS members and afford them the opportunity to participate in this event. It is the hope of the 2024 National Convention team that non-IPMS participants would see the benefit of becoming a member of IPMS/USA and make the decision to join.  Any questions about participating in the Tiger Meet, or a request to register a Organized Group or Group Build, can be sent via email to clubs.nats2024@gmail.com

If you are planning on starting, hosting, or developing an Organized Group or Group Build or any other display that requires space, PLEASE let us know well in advance. Our goal is to be as flexible as possible in what can be displayed; if you have an idea that is in the spirit of Display-Only but doesn’t quite fit the guidelines given here please contact the Planning Committee to discuss.

Judged Group Builds in Category 750 should contact the Contest Coordinator if larger-than-average space requirements are needed. All other Display-Only Group Builds will be listed on the 2024 IPMS Nationals Webpage.