BlizzCon
2027 Details TBD
Join modelers of all ages and skill levels from around the world at our annual scale model contest and swap meet.
BlizzCon 2026 Flyer
Entry Fees & Admission
General Admission: $5
Ages 12 and under are FREE
Model Registration:
$10 (up to 5 models)
$15 (6+ models)
Youth & Teens:
Free (unlimited model entries)
2026 Entry Form
Save some time and fill out your entry forms before heading to the show.
Contest Categories
There are lots of categories to choose from so pick the one that you think is the best fit for your entry.
If you need help, talk with an IPMS Columbus member. Remember, you can change your category the day of the contest as long as it’s before judging. Note: Judges may move models from one category to another at their discretion.
Contest Rules
- The contest is open to all modelers. Membership in IPMS/USA is not required for entry.
- The contest is open to all models except those placing 3rd or higher at an IPMS Regional Convention or IPMS National Convention. Previous award winners are eligible as part of collection, group, and parent/child entries.
- Entries may be made of any material, i.e. plastic, wood, metal, paper or any combination thereof.
- Pre-painted entries are only permitted in the Teen and Youth categories.
- No entries depicting nudity or other inappropriate topics for a PG-rated audience will be permitted. No exceptions. The Contest Chair may decline to accept entry of a subject that may be considered offensive, lewd, or in poor taste. The decision of the Contest Chair is final.
- Absentee entries are accepted if registered under builder’s name. Entry fees apply.
- The Contestant will determine the category of each entry. The Head Judge reserves the right to move entries to another Category if such move is clearly warranted. All such moves will be made following reasonable effort to notify the Contestant.
- If a model is qualified for more than one category, the Registrars shall assist in determining in which category the model should be entered. In the event of questionable placement, the Head Judge’s decision will be final.
- Contest categories may be expanded at the discretion of the Head Judge, based on the number of entries in a given category or categories.
- Judging shall be conducted using the guidelines set forth by IPMS/USA. Entries will be judged using the following criteria: Basic Construction, Overall Finish, Overall Accuracy, Additional Detailing, and Degree of Difficulty. Scratch-built detail will be favored over commercially available detail if quality is comparable. A great amount of added detail will not make up for poor basic construction. A copy of the IPMS/USA Judges Handbook is available for review.
- Models may be picked up during the judging process if deemed necessary by the Head Judge to determine final category or special award ranking. Reasonable effort will be made to contact affected contestants prior to handling of their affected entries. Models may be gently repositioned to allow access to entry forms, visibility of other entries, or to facilitate category splits.
- NO SWEEPS ALLOWED. A modeler will be awarded the single highest award earned in a particular category, unless the modeler is the only entrant in the category.
- All judges’ decisions are final. Any attempts to influence judges will result in immediate disqualification of all the contestant’s entries.
- Reasonably sized bases are allowed in all categories, but are not judged except in the vignette/diorama categories. Display bases must not exceed a 30″ x 30″ footprint since contest space is limited.
- All dust covers MUST be removed prior to judging. Models with dust covers will not be considered during judging.
- Out–of-the-box entries must be constructed solely from the contents of the kit, with the exception of finishes and decals. Weathering, filling seams and molding flaws, adding simple paper or tape seat beats, and antennae/rigging are allowed. Gun barrels, vents and door handles may be drilled out as well. No cutting/separating/opening of hatches, control surfaces, canopies, or doors is permitted. The use of aftermarket accessories (except decals) will be cause for disqualification from the Out-of-Box category. Instructions MUST accompany the model and entry form.
- Conversion entries must contain significant structural changes to the basic kit, involving extensive changes in contour or configuration, such work having been accomplished by the modeler. Entries using aftermarket parts as the majority of the conversion will be placed in the appropriate regular category. Entrants in this category should be prepared to provide a list of parts and materials used.
- Scratch-built entries must be more than 50% Contestant supplied parts. Scratch-built models may incorporate parts from other kits, but these should be generally unrelated to their original identity, except for minor parts such as wheels, guns, etc.
- Open- and closed-top Vehicles. An open-top Vehicle is a vehicle that is designed to fight open, such as an M-10 or Marder SP A/T gun. On all entries, interiors are subject to judging if hatches, doors, canopies, etc. are open. If a figure is in an open hatch blocking the view of the interior, the interior and figure are not judged, and the model will be considered as having a closed top.
- Dioramas & Vignettes: Vignettes are defined as scenes containing 5 or fewer figures and no vehicle(s). Dioramas are defined as scenes containing 6 or more figures and/or vehicle(s). Vehicles include aircraft, tanks, ships, cars, and trucks.
- IPMS Eddie Rickenbacker Columbus Ohio its members, agents, or officers assume no liability or responsibility in case of accidents involving attendees, equipment, merchandise, models, or displays or for property lost, stolen, or damaged during the show.
- Contest rules are subject to change.
Special Awards
Models are also eligible for these extras:
- Best Luftwaffe Subject
- Best Naval Aircraft
- Best Ohio Subject
- Best U.S. Marine Corps Subject
- Best WW1 Subject
- Best WW2 Subject
2026 Winners
Thanks to everyone who came to the show. We had a great turnout with nearly 600 models. The vendor room was packed with lots of happy shoppers. See you next year.
Become a Vendor
Thank You!
2026 Vendor tables are sold out.
Venue + Food
Makoy Center
5462 Center St.
Hilliard, OH 43026
On-site food available for purchase. Venue is also close to downtown Hilliard restaurants. You can always brown-bag it, too.
Shop Our Vendors
What modeler doesn’t want to add to their stash? If that’s you, then BlizzCon is the place to do it.
Here you can shop 70+ vendor tables, each loaded with scale model kits, tools, equipment, decals, accessories, books, magazines, and more.
BlizzCon attracts vendors from all across the state of Ohio, as well as Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
FAQs
When is BlizzCon and how do I get there?
BlizzCon is IPMS Columbus’ annual scale model contest and swap meet held annually at the Makoy Center in Hilliard, Ohio. Get directions here.
What time does registration open and what’s the deadline for contest entries?
Registration opens at 9am (no early birds) and closes promptly at 12pm.
I’m a vendor. What time can I start setting up my table.)
We’re happy to have you. Doors open at 7am for vendors. Download vendor registration form.
Can I bring a friend/spouse/kid for free?
Kids under 12 are free. If you’re entering the contest, you’ll only pay your contest entry fee. There is no additional admission fee.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted.
Is smoking allowed?
Sorry, we do not allow smoking of any kind in order to protect the venue and out of respect for our guests. Smoking includes cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes.
Is food available on site?
Yes! The Makoy Center has food available for purchase. The venue is also close to many restaurants. Of course, you can always bring your own snacks.
Do I have to be an IPMS member to enter the contest?
We’d love to have you as a chapter and national member, membership is not required to enter the contest.
What if I forget to pick up my model(s) after the contest?
Yikes! Don’t do that. Neither IPMS Columbus nor our vendors are responsible for ensuring the safe return of your model. All models left behind will be disposed of.
How is the contest judged — and what can I do to improve my chance of winning?
The IPMS/USA modeler’s guide offers a good overview of our judging process. All judges’ decisions are final. Any attempts to influence judges will result in immediate disqualification of all the contestant’s entries. Check the Contest Rules tab, too.
What time is judging over?
Judging takes time and is dependent upon the number of available judges. The contest room will be closed at precisely 12pm for judging. This means you will not be able to enter the model area to look around after 12pm. Thank you for understanding because closing the model area allows for faster, better judging. We expect judging to be completed between 3-3:30 pm; however, sometimes we finish earlier and sometimes we finish later. Many contestants prefer to return to the center by 2pm just to be sure they don’t miss the awards ceremony. While you wait, we encourage you to shop our vendors or grab a bite to eat.
How do I know which category to enter?
Taking a look at our BlizzCon contest categories (coming soon) should help. If you’re still not sure, IPMS Columbus club members will be available to help determine proper entry categories. Hint: Don’t stress about it. Just choose the category you think your model belongs in.
Is there first-aid for me or my model?
We recommend that you bring your own fixes for you and your model. Pack a small repair kit that includes bandages, pain relievers, cough drops, as well as superglue, cotton swabs, and the like.
Contact
Questions? Contact us.
Testimonials
A Great Event
BlizzCon delivered a great event in Columbus, Ohio. Congrats!
Best Show
A great show. As always.
Always a Great Show
Thanks for putting on another great show.
Awesome
We had a great time!
