International Plastic Modelers Society’s 2016 USA Convention brings big tourism to Columbia, SC
August 2, 2016
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center’s 24,000 square foot exhibit hall will become one of the largest and most diverse hobby shops starting August 3 when the International Plastic Modelers Society’s 2016 USA National Convention comes to town.
The event is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees. Although it is their USA National Convention, attendees will come from all over the world, including Japan, South Africa, French Polynesia, and beyond. They come to sell, buy, see and learn. Many enthusiasts travel with their families, making the annual convention a part of their summer vacation plans.
“Initially, we were concerned about how the general membership would react to learning Columbia won the 2016 bid,” said convention chairman and vendor coordinator, Peter Maher. “But when it was announced, the room exploded in applause and cheers. Members email us weekly, wanting to know more about Columbia and expressing their excitement for this year’s destination. It’s been overwhelming in a very good way.”
It took six years to bring the convention to Columbia. The local Mid-Carolina Swamp Fox Modelers and Piedmont Scale Modelers worked with the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitor Bureau and Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center teams to bid on both the 2014 and 2016 conventions, eventually winning the 2016 event. All involved entities are excited to see their hard work come to fruition.
The show is expected to bring an estimated economic impact of $1.1 million to the greater Columbia area. A total of 2,275 room nights have been contracted at area hotels. The convention is open to the public from Aug. 3-6. Additional information, including ticket sales and seminar times, is available at www.ipmsusa2016.com.
FUN FACTS
- Over 80 vendors
- Over 600 tables will be set up throughout the CMCC to display the models
- Attendees and vendors coming from United States, Argentina, China, Czech Republic, French Polynesia Hungary, Italy , Japan, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom and beyond
