Greetings Armor Modelers everywhere!
Well, the end of the year’s holidays are in the books and we are now venturing into a new year. Hopefully, many of us had some time to reconnect with family and friends over the past few holidays. And maybe some of us got to squeeze in a bit of model bench time because the AMPS 2025 International Convention is approaching. This year’s convention theme is African Armor.
Below are just a few convention updates to note as we are now into the new year:
Hotel Accommodations
Don’t forget–you can make your Penn-Harris Hotel reservations online via the AMPS homepage (https://www.amps-armor.org) at the AMPS show rate to ensure your room for the convention weekend.
Convention Pre-Registration (and Registration)
AMPS Pre-registration is now open and runs until May 11, 2025–but why wait 'till then? Now is a great time to get your paperwork done before arriving at the show, giving you more time to hang out with your friends and hit the vendor room, though not necessarily in that order.
Model Registration: IMPORTANT NOTICE–Please read!
For those who choose not to pre-register but still wish to register their models for the contest, we are offering digital registration on site during the show. Simply visit the AMPS homepage (https://www.amps-armor.org) and follow the simple instructions to get your entries paid for and gain access to all the entry forms you will need. Remember–your model entry paperwork does not have to be completed at the time you preregister. Also remember–you can add more models to your pre-registered ones and print out your forms up to Saturday, May 17, 2025. If you need help pre-registering, please contact Neil Stokes, Brian Eberle or Chuck Rothman on the AMPS website.
For those who choose not to pre-register but still wish to register their models for the contest, we are offering digital registration on-site during the show. Handwritten registration forms will not be accepted for AMPS 2025!
AMPS will have a separate Walk-In Registration area for those who did not pre-register for the show. A laptop and printer will be provided for members to complete the registration process and enter their models. AMPS will also provide Registration Coaches to assist members as needed.
We highly recommend that you consider pre-registering for the contest to avoid the walk-in registration delays or temporary issues with available laptops at the show site.
AMPS Special Awards
Ordinance lovers, rejoice! A new individually sponsored award for “Best Of” ordinance will be awarded at the convention. Please note: this award is being sponsored by long-time AMPS member Steve Andreano in memory of his son, Joey Steven Andreano, and is not part of the established AMPS “Best of” awards. So get those ordinance kits you’ve been wanting to build some time and build one for this show. This would be a great opportunity to put one in a vignette to show off your modeling “mojo.”
“How to Do” Seminars
The AMPS 2025 show will be hosting four “How to Do” seminars that are sure to be a hit. All of the “How to Do” seminars will cost between $10-$15 dollars each to cover the expenses necessary to deliver these seminars to our members. The full slate of seminars can be found on the AMPS homepage (https://www.amps-armor.org) will be announced soon. NOTE: Only members who are registered for the convention can sign up for these seminars, either during or after they pre-register. Walk-ins can sign up for any of these seminars as seating permits.
Call for Judges
AMPS is always looking for more judges to help spread the work around and allow more modelers to participate in the various activities during the show. Sharing in the judging duties helps others who might be otherwise working several judging shifts, to enjoy the show as well. If you would like to get a jump on training, feel free to review the on-line AMPS Judges Training sessions that can be accessed on the AMPS home page (https://www.amps-armor.org). Otherwise, AMPS will be conducting in-person judging classes for those who would like to get involved in serving and for those who need a ‘refresher’ course. Completing 2 judging shifts gets you an outstanding AMPS 2024 crew tee shirt, printed with this year’s show theme logo.
AMPS Category Sponsorships
Frank Froment, our sponsorship coordinator, has now made the categories and “Best of” awards ready to accept sponsors. Category sponsors are $20 per level (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) and $60 to sponsor the whole category. “Best of” sponsors are $60 each. Sponsorships are an excellent way for individuals and/or chapters to support the AMPS convention. Contact Frank through the AMPS homepage (https://www.amps-armor.org) if you have any questions. Available categories and “Best ofs” can be viewed on the AMPS homepage.
Don’t forget to keep checking back to the AMPS homepage (https:www.amps-armor.org) for news updates, important AMPS convention information and officer contacts.
Until next time, enjoy the new year, keep building and stay tuned for the next AMPS 2025 show announcement.
Cheers!