The last time we were in Seattle (1998), a company with the funny name Google was founded, a young singer
called Britney Spears made her debut, and the film Titanic won 11 Oscars. 
Yeah, it's been a while...

In model making, Rhino V.1 was released, the APMM underwent a reorganization, and the APMM's newsletter "The Leading Edge" was published soon after. Technologically speaking, our profession was going through major advancements, but the need for traditional skills was as strong as ever. We gathered in Seattle at the Madison Renaissance Hotel from July 24 - 28, 1998 and toured Nike in Portland, Boeing, and Modelwerks. If you were there, you might still have the t-shirt somewhere in your closet. 

Things have changed in the last 20+ years, but the need for model makers to gather, recharge, re-calibrate, and reunite is just as important now as it was then.

 

CONFERENCE THEME

The octopus symbolizes flexibility, creativity, and intelligence. It is also an unofficial mascot of the coastal city of Seattle. Model makers, like octopuses (yes, that's the plural!), employ a wide range of abilities, sheer ingenuity, and multitasking skills. What better way to commemorate our gathering in Seattle than with a clever octopus/multitasking theme (which will also be conceptualized on our commemorative Seattle 2020 t-shirt!). Stay tuned for more on our theme!

 

OUR HOST HOTEL - UNIVERSITY INN 

Located north of downtown, the University Inn is near the University of Washington campus, and just 15 minutes drive to the iconic Space Needle. Our special $139/night rate includes luxurious accommodations in a casual and fun setting. Included is a complimentary Continental breakfast, room amenities like mini-fridge and coffee maker, and an afternoon coffee reception with their signature pineapple cupcakes.

Reserve your room by visiting the hotel reservations page and use the online booking code: APMM2020 or by calling 866-866-7977 or emailing [email protected].  

 

OUR CONFERENCE CENTER

The University of Washington's Alder Hall is a short walk (0.3 mi) from our host hotel. You can also arrange in advance for a ride from the hotel shuttle. Both locations are also on the University of Washington bus route.

We will have the following activities at Alder Hall:

  • Workshops - Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Keynote Lunch - Saturday 12 noon
  • Industry Expo/Vendor Reception - Saturday 3 PM to 6 PM
  • Workshops - Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM
  • Featured Member Lunch - Sunday 12 noon
  • General Members Meeting - Sunday 3 PM to 4:30 PM

 

REGISTRATION

To assist with budgeting and planning, we have a variety of registration options. Early registration will begin this summer and run through October 31, 2019, offering a savings of $50 to those who register in advance of our event. 

Register online (when available), or call 315-750-0803 for special arrangements, and scholarship or sliding scale options. We also have a split payment plan to make your training and travel goals attainable. Let us know how we can help get you to Conference 2020!  

 

WORKSHOPS

To help us develop the kind of program that will benefit you the most, we need to hear from you what topics are most important to you. To suggest a topic or idea, simply send a message to [email protected]. Our workshop topics often fit the theme of the Conference but are by no means limited to it.

If you're interested in presenting a workshop, we will compensate you with a $100 credit on your registration rate for your participation or a crisp $100 bill. Give us an idea of what you'd like to present and share with your colleagues!

 

TOURS

Tours of local model shops and sites of interest are the reason why our Conferences are located in different parts of the country. There's really no other way to get an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at these amazing locations. Though they're considered "optional" tours, we think they're pretty essential!

Held on Friday and Monday, book-ending our workshop sessions, you can pick and choose from the tours as they fit your travel plans. But you may have a tough time choosing! Sign up for a Model Shop or Technical Tour and you'll travel in a luxurious motor coach along with 50+ of your colleagues to model shops and technical sites that will enrich, enthrall or energize you. Hop on and leave the driving and planning to us! We'll even arrange for a sumptuous lunch en route. 

 

EVENT SCHEDULE

We pack so much learning, conversation and connection into four days that you'll be amazed at the mix of activities that the APMM Conferences include! We'll soon post a detailed agenda so you can plan your time accordingly.

 

INDUSTRY EXPO/ VENDORS

You'll meet vendors who supply the materials, equipment and technology that model makers use every day - in a casual and no-pressure setting. Browse, make contacts, and come away with strategic partners and the latest in technical know-how. Vendors will display their products and services throughout the Conference, but they'll participate in the Industry Expo and Reception on Saturday, March 14th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. This event is open to anyone from the local model making community.

 

STUDENT MODEL MAKING COMPETITION (SMMC)

Our biennial competition is the best way for up-and-coming model makers to show their skills and talents. Not only do they gain tremendous acclaim and recognition, but there are cash prizes! Come for the exposure and you might go away with a prize... or a job - which would be the best prize of all, right? Any student or recent graduate (within 18 months of leaving school) can submit a model for the competition.

 

EVENT SCHEDULE

We pack so much learning, conversation and connection into four days that you'll be amazed at the mix of activities that the APMM Conferences bring to you. Can you imagine any other place where you can focus as keenly on your model making skills, contacts, and professional development? We can't!

Contact [email protected] if you have questions about our event that have not been answered here.