IPMS/USA Nationals 2011 - The End
By Matt Bittner
Well, first the apologies. I was having way too much fun yesterday - and ended up home way too late (and have an event I have to attend Sunday morning) - to make any kind of posting yesterday. My second apology is for the lack of images - I left the camera at home and didn't want to drive back to get it. So, I'm sorry for both of those.
The end of any event is bitter-sweet. Happy that it's finally over, after taking part of your life, but at the same time sad, because the people you saw at that event are now heading home. And most of those people you won't see again until the next "big event".
Sitting, providing "security" for the main vendor section on Saturday, I was able to see most people. It's great saying hello to those seen frequently, and great to meet new modelers. I had plenty of great conversation while performing "security". (Basically this security was just ensuring those entering into the vendor area had paid, in some sort of fashion.)
Once my "shift" was done, it was time to meander again. Visit vendors, talk to more people, and see the contest room one more time.
Hopefully soon all will be able to view the outcome of the contest on the IPMS/USA site. Give them time, there were a lot of models. When I hear a final tally for the show I will provide those numbers. Everything I was hearing, though, suggested this one was Nationals "for the history books".
Time to give a shout out to the people of IPMS Ft. Crook that were its executive commitee, especially Scott Hackney. He put together an excellent team and was the best person-in-charge any event could have. I mentioned it before in an earlier posting, if you plan on doing one of these, make sure you have enough people - and the "right" people - to support you in every fashion. Especially when it comes to your signficant other. I would be amiss not to mention his wife Nancy with not only the patience but also helping out immensely during this event. So, thank you to Scott and Nancy Hackney!!
I was unable to attend the banquet but did return in time for the awards presentation. If you've seen one from years' past then it's all the same. However, the audio/visual being run during the awards "show" was spot on. There was one small glitch when a slide wouldn't change, but the rest of the "visual" aspect was extremely well run. Not only could you see the awards show in the main banquet hall, but there was also an "overflow" room set up which included full audio and visual as well. Excellent idea!!
None of the final awards were surprising. All winners were definitely justified. One award that was the best, though, was for the best junior model. There were two distinct awards given, one sponsored by Iwata, the other by Badger. You can guess what was given away along with the plaques. I firmly believe that with two airbrushes in hand we have a new modeler for life. All juniors need to be given every attention possible so we can keep the youth in this hobby.
It was an excellent event. I've attended four or five IPMS/USA Nationals so far, and this one is - by far - the best. This is not to belittle the others in the past, but this one was so well run and in an excellent venue that topping it will be difficult, in my opinion.
So, many thanks to IPMS Ft. Crook (of which I am a member) and the IPMS/USA National Committee for an excellent show. Let's hope those in the future are done as well as the 2011 held in Omaha, Nebraska!