SPA Modeler

Hi folks, a few weeks ago I ask a question about organizing events. Thanks for all the responses!! Really helpful. Well this question has some sort of connection with that.

My club thinks that registering as an IPMS charter would legitimize the events, shows, and competition that I will organize. The premis is that IPMS is like FIFA, no? So, the question is that do our club needs to be a IPMS charter to florish.. to grow and do great things... why or why not?

What is it like in the US, Europe, Oz, or other countries?

Thanks, Monty

IPMS is international, so...?

There are other offshoots too. AMPS is specifically for armor.

Overhere the IPMS is the largest club. There are smaller ones like Twenot and local organisations. But those are tiny. And many people are members of multiple organisations.

I am a IPMS member and have been for about 15 years. As with any club, the more energy you put into it the more you get out of it. I can understand why you would want to use the IPMS as a "parent organisation" for your local chapter. You can use the name, standardised competition regulations, etc. But I do not think you would have a lot of practical help. The distance is probably just to big.
All in all I would suggest you indeed start a chapter / national organisation. I think it will help you the legitimise and standardise you organisation.

You club does not "need" to be IPMS to grow, flourish, etc. That is all up to the members. But it would give the club a specific known framework, and immediate name recognition were it to become an IPMS Chapter. By conforming to IPMS standards, as opposed to the standards of AMPS or some other model building organization, the club (as in the members) decides things will be done in that particular manner,

I must say, I am very un-impressed by IPMS. I joined, just so that I could go to Nationals (HAD to be a member for that one)...cost me $30...I have only recently received the "newsletter/mag"....been a member for 5 months now, won't be signing up again.
That said...that should not be a reflection on the local IPMS chapters/clubs...I have had good experiences with them at all the shows I've attended.

I take a guess that IPMS is a much more present and vivid organisation than here in Germany. Yes, I have heard that there "is" a German chapter in Berlin; albeit I never have noticed them to be active or present anywhere I have lived so far...

Monty, I don´t think there is the need to join IPMS or whatever other organisation to create and start an event. In my understanding this also doesn´t "legalize" anything.

If you want to start a model show ask for help of other modeller in organisation, logistics, and so on. Ask local model shops for support. Ask manufacturers for support!

You will have to find a suitable location, then talk to the responsible people on creating such an event. IF a local IPMS chapter offers you support so why not. But to do a model show I doubt you would "need" to join them.

As a member of IPMS, I can also state that while, being a chartered club helps, it is not important for the growth and success of your club. That is up to the members. The more welcoming they are to new members, and supportive of all members and model genres; the more you will grow and prosper.

Having an IPMS charter would help depending on how much name recognition they have over there; and how much respect the organization has among model builders there. That could only help, but as long as your club makes a name for itself as a welcoming, supportive and active organization on it's own; you don't really need it.

I don't know how it is over there; but here in the USA; another benefit to having an IPMS charter is the insurance coverage offered by the USA organization to help cover the venue where any contests or shows are held. That helps open doors to venues that wouldn't normally rent to organizations, and saves the club some money when going to venues that charge a little extra for their in-house insurance. Again, I'm not certain how things are over there, but that could be a possible consideration for you.

Fermis, I'm gonna miss the opportunity to party with you at any future IPMS Nationals man. I already feel we didn't get enough time together in Columbus!

Guys,.. thank you for the insight. extremely valuable. it also show how one area is different in their nature with another, and that its not a cookie cutter experience for everyone or every club.

A very good thread and discussion. I really like the crowd sourcing here! I will share the thoughts with my club.