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Here at the Rocky Mountain Hobby Expo, we want to create a unique hobby show experience, one that is different from other model shows that you may have attended. Our approach to a model show is designed to be more like an art exhibit, rather than a traditional “model competition.” The intent is to treat each modeler that participates in our show like an exhibitor. We plan to clearly identify the modeler whose work is on display and create an environment where competition between entrants is almost completely eliminated and instead replaced with an evaluation of each person's work against the current standard of the hobby.

This philosophy is designed to foster an environment that encourages recognition of all deserving modelers, rather than limiting awards to a fixed number in  arbitrary  categories. 

We want to welcome everyone who enjoys the hobby, regardless of skill level, from the first time hobbyist to award winning, published modelers. 

We also intend to handle judging differently. Entrants' work will be judged by a team of subject matter experts before their models are displayed  on the show floor. In short,  each and every modeler will come away with a unique and rewarding experience from sharing their models at the Rocky Mountain Hobby Expo!

Why does Salt Lake City need another Model Show? Let us explain…

Salt Lake City is a community that has a vibrant pool of talented modelers. Over the last several years, several long time modelers and friends went to work on creating a unique new hobby event. Our focus is to create an event that is very different from other traditional model contests. This desire is based on our own groups’ collective decades of experience attending these traditional hobby shows, input from other modelers and friends, and influence from Shep Paine and his “juried exhibition” approach to Model shows. We value a positive and fun approach to the hobby, and we want each and every modeler who participates in our event to receive value from their attendance. Our focus is to provide the modeler a forum to share their work with others as well as to be inspired by the work of other modelers, to provide a means to socialize and interact with modelers of many different genres and ability levels, attend seminars and opportunities to learn from others in the hobby, and most of all, to have a great time! 

Our approach is to treat each modeler as an artist, and our show affords the opportunity for the modeler to display their work in a setting which fosters an atmosphere of friendly collaboration and communication between individuals with a common interest in our wonderful hobby. Each modeler will be clearly identified and the evaluation of entries will take place prior to being displayed in the main room.  The model or group of models that the judges determine is likely to receive the highest award will be chosen from each entrant’s display. This model will then be judged in detail and will be awarded appropriately using certificates of merit and gold, silver, bronze medals.

The judging will be done by trained, pre-qualified teams. These teams will be made up of several modelers who specialize in the category that they are evaluating.  Awards are not limited to a set number per category, in fact there are no categories in our show. Modelers do not compete against each other for these awards. 

In addition to the gold/silver/bronze/certificate evaluation of the models entered into competition, there will be a few “Best Of” recognitions given to truly excellent models as well as other special awards. 

The awards are only one part of the show. If you would rather just display your models and discuss them with other modelers, you are more than welcome to do that. We’d love to see what you’ve been working on!

We will also have tours of our National Guard hangars, seminars, and food trucks. Plenty of free parking is also available, and our location is close to many food outlets! Hope to see you there!