The 2001 IPMS/USA Convention in Chicago appears to be another great success. The convention opened its doors on Wednesday, July 4th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel across the street from the Rosemont Convention Center, site of the famous RCHTA hobby show. One huge ballroom was dedicated to the contest area while two other large rooms served as the vendor rooms. Additional meeting rooms were also available for the special clinics and seminars that were scheduled throughout the weekend.

As with every IPMS/USA National Convention, for these few days each year, the largest hobby shop on the planet opens its doors to the convention attendees and visitors. This year was no exception. There was an impressive array of vendors and offerings catering to the interests of just about every modeling interest.

Since I didn't have any models entered into this year's contest, my wife and I bailed out of Chicago early Saturday. As such, you'll have to wait for other reports to see who won in the contest. But this early exit allows me to share two things with you:

1. News from the hobby industry

2. A look at some of this year's model entries

Enjoy!