APMM Conferences

The APMM traditionally holds a conference every two years, in a different region of the country each time. Due to the COVID pandemic, we moved our 2021 event into the virtual space! Members joined us right from their own desktops and devices for a virtual gathering that took place March 12-15, 2021. Registration for the virtual event means that they can still view the exclusive videos on YouTube.

The purpose of our conferences is to pool our knowledge of resources and techniques through workshops and tours, to engage with our vendors, and to network. We hope you will join us at future events.

2021 Conference - virtual and still available...

Talking Shop...

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...whenever you're watching paint dry, waiting for a mold to set up, or listening to the hum of a machine that is doing your bidding. Here you will glean the latest information from your APMM community, learn a trick or two, or find out what our Vendors are doing. Because resourcefulness is a true model maker's trait!

 

APMM Zoom Meet-Ups

We're hosting informal and interactive Zoom Meet-Ups for our members to get together in virtual space - make sure your membership is current and active, then join us! (Members in good standing will receive an email message inviting them to the session, including Zoom meeting details and links. We'll even send you a reminder before the session starts! Some sessions are open to all.) 

 


Planned upcoming meet-ups

  • 4 PM EDT Wednesday, October 20 Meet-up: Topic to be confirmed soon!

  • 1 PM EDT Wednesday, November 3 Meet-up: Project Moon Hut - Thinking outside the box/moon hut is a skill where model makers excel. We'll hear from visionary David Goldsmith on this exciting new project and way of visualizing solutions. (More details coming soon!) Project Moon Hut Foundation (Est. 2014 with NASA AMES Silicon Valley) Establishing a Box with a Roof and a Door on the Moon through the accelerated development of an Earth and space-based ecosystem, and then to turn the innovations and paradigm shifting from that endeavor back on Earth to improve life on Earth for all species. 

  • 4 PM EDT Wednesday, November 17 Meet-up: The Architectural Model book with Sydney-based architect and architectural historian Matthew Mindrup. For more than five hundred years, architects have employed three-dimensional models as tools to test, refine, and illustrate their ideas. But, as Matthew Mindrup shows, an architectural model can also simulate, instruct, inspire, and generate architectural designs. In his book, The Architectural Model: Histories of the Miniature and the Prototype, the Exemplar and the Muse, Mindrup surveys the history of architectural models by investigating their uses, both theoretical and practical. In this meet-up, APMM member Aaron Williams, of CBT Architects in Boston, talks with Matthew about the book and its impact on the world of architectural design. (Zoom link to be provided)

 

  • TBA - Tour of a university shop... or two
  • TBA - Cutting Edge: a discussion of saw blades
  • TBA - Photo etching techniques and processes
  • TBA - "My Favorite Things": toolbox and shop essentials
  • TBA - Puppeteering: models that are meant to move
  • TBA - Reliable sources for Unobtanium
  • TBA - Model Makers - the Swiss Army Knife people of the zombie apocalypse


Meet-up sessions will generally take place on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 10 AM PDT/11 AM MDT/12 PM CDT/1 PM EDT/6 PM BST and the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1 PM PDT/2 PM MDT/3 PM CDT/4 PM EDT/9 PM BST. Please watch for announcements or changes here as schedules are subject to change!

 

more model maker Meet-ups

 

We're model makers. We're your community.


Got questions? Contact [email protected]
 

I am a Model Maker

You are part of a group that may be small in numbers but is huge in influence, since almost every manufactured or constructed item in the world was made as a model at some point. Model makers, no matter where they work, have a lot in common. Find out how the APMM seeks to represent and unite model makers across all industries.

Reasons To Belong

 

What is a Model Maker?

Model makers are given an idea, and we create a three-dimensional object which is used to explain or demonstrate that idea. We apply some of the oldest crafting skills and the most modern techniques to make models that are realistic and accurate to the idea. See if you would like to be a model maker – or already are one!

Who We Are

 

I need a Model Maker

The APMM has hundreds of members throughout the United States and other countries. One of our independent shops will be happy to help you with your project if they can. Collect your ideas and the information/data for your project and send us a Request For Quote.

Request a Quote

 

Where We Shop

The model making industry requires a huge variety of tools, equipment, raw materials, and specialized services to do the work. The APMM has invited the most trustworthy and capable vendors of these goods and services to become members as well. Check here to see if you have what model makers need, or if our vendors have what you need.

Community Vendors