Highlights of our Expo will be:

Exhibition-Style Display

Models are displayed by modeler, not by category--similar to an art exhibition. Each participant's work is grouped together with a name plaque and badges, emphasizing the modeler and encouraging conversation, interaction, and community building.

Juried Exhibition (Open System) 

A pre-qualified team of experienced jurors evaluates models utilizing an Open/Gold-Silver-Bronze system. Models are judged on their own merit against a standard of excellence--not against other competitors. Jurors will be available after evaluations to provide respectful feedback and critiques upon request.

Seminars and Presentations (Free with Admission)

Presentations by accomplished modelers covering:

--Figure painting

--Diorama design

--Scratch-building techniques

Plus a historical presentatiuon by an author/historian on P-40 aces.

Silent Auction (Charity Benefit)

A silent auction featuring quality modeling items, wiith all proceeds benefitting the Redwood Empire Foster Parents Association.

Raffle & Grand Prizes

--Two raffle tiers with multiple prize drawings

--Separate drawing for multiple Grand Prizes

Vendors

A decicated vendor room offering kits, tools, and supplies--many at show-special pricing.

Special Awards

--People's Choice Award (voted by participants)

--Additional juror-selected special awards recognizing outstanding work

Admission

$20 entry fee -- unlimited models

Please join us for Northern California's largest scale model contest on May 16th, 2026 in Sacramento (Town & Country Lutheran Church, 4049 Marconi Ave. - Enter via Norris Ave.). In 2025 there were over 400 models entered into the contest.

The contest theme for 2026 is "Heavy Metal: Best Use of Natural Metal Finish". In addition to the contest theme, we will also have a special category dedicated to the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. 50+ total categories, including dedicated categories for modelers under 18 years of age.

Aircraft, Gundam, Cars, Figures, Ships, AFV's, Fantasy, Paper, Dioramas, Space...If you built/created a smaller version of a bigger thing, then bring it!

There will be wall to wall vendors, plus multiple raffles!

Contest registration is from 9 AM until Noon (we are working on an expedited registration process for the 2026 contest, to speed that task along). Judging is from Noon until roughly 2 PM. We hope to have the awards presentation completed by 4 PM.

• Adults (18+) - $12 entry fee for the first 2 models, then $3 for each additional model.
• Juniors (7 - 17) - $4 entry fee for the first 2 models, then $1 for each additional model.
• 6 and under - NO ENTRY FEE  (please fill out the entry forms for as many models as you'd like).
• Not entering any models in the contest...then there is no cost to attend the event! Come on in and see what others have built, and get inspired.

To secure your vendor table(s), contact Jerald Clements at bigjer009@gmail.com. Last year we sold out of vendor tables, so get in on this early.

NOTE - Parking in the church lot is limited, so be prepared to park in the surrounding neighborhoods if you arrive later in the morning.

Mad City Modelers would like to invite all modelers to 2026 IPMS Mad City Modeler's Annual Show and Contest on March 7th, at the Monona Terrace, Madison, WI. Lots of vendors, excellent raffle and the plethora of categories.