Bob Delaney At Large: 2021 IPMS/USA National Convention (2)

25 August 2021

2021 IPMS/USA National Convention (2)

After checking in and entering my contest model on the first day of the IPMS/USA National Convention (18 August), I began walking around the contest area to see what had been placed on the tables so far. I also purchased some raffle tickets for the show. They had many prizes donated by members and vendors for this raffle.

I then went around the vendor room to see the many vendors who came and to see what they had to offer. Most of them were manufacturers and distributors I had seen before, but there were a few new ones. It was so nice to visit these tables, chat with the vendors, and to make a few purchases.

While in the vendor room, IPMS/USA Director of Local Chapters (DLC) Dave Lockhart met me. We chatted for a bit, and he presented me with the Region 14 Newsletter of the Year Award for my work editing The Arch Scaler News for IPMS/Gateway. This was my second Regional Newsletter of the Year honor in three years, and I was proud to receive this award.

Late that afternoon, I was done with the Convention for the day, so I left the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino--the Convention venue--to check into my accommodations for the next few days. I drove approximately 4.5 miles (7.3 km) north of the Rio to Hostel Cat, located on Las Vegas Boulevard. I found this place on Hotels.com and reserved my room through this website. It's not the greatest of places to stay--six to a room, with three bunk beds, and in a seedy neighborhood--but it was inexpensive and the place was secure. All I ready needed was a bed to crash into at night, and Hostel Cat filled the need.