For the 2025 convention, the organizers have set out to improve certain aspects which we feel have made the conventions unreachable for many people. In this regard we have set several goals to make the 2025 convention serve our members and also promote the NMRA to the maximum extent possible. Our slogan is “A Convention Like No Other”. To achieve this we have set the following goals for this convention:
Goals of the 2025 NMRA Convention
- Our main objectives are to provide events of value, items attendees will see as worth their money, all at the lowest possible cost.
- We will honor the traditions of past conventions but at lower cost and with greater flexibility.
- The convention will be at a Suburban hotel, convenient to freeways for all events.
- Multiple restaurants, at all levels, will be available within three miles of the hotel, including a restaurant within the hotel. We also hope to have a low-cost concession stand available providing cost effective meals through the day during the convention.
- This convention will be shorter, starting at 1 PM on Monday and continuing through Saturday afternoon with a banquet Saturday evening.
- We will do everything we can to keep the cost of the convention low with free parking included. There will be several additional nearby hotels at a lower rates. The cost of registration, including the cost of layout visits and op sessions, for a family of three attending a few layout visits should be about 33% of past conventions. For individuals the cost should be 40%, or less, compared to other conventions.
- Note that registration includes all layout visits and operating sessions, and all activities at the hotel except Modeling with the Masters, and admittance to the National Train Show.
- Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be an NMRA member to attend. The only restriction is that you must be an NMRA member to enter the National Contest. However, there will be a people’s choice contest open to all.
- There is no difference in cost for NMRA members or Nonmembers. Everyone pays the same.
- We will support all the traditional activities of the SIG’s.
- The National Contest will be fully supported. The contest will be in a prominent room and will be run by the National Contest team.
- There will be space for model displays, modular layouts and other functions. Those putting their models on display will have the option of entering the People’s Choice Contest.
- We will have several prototype tours which may include a Ford plant tour and a cruise on the Detroit River with an emphasis on the industrial aspects of the waterfront.
- We expect to have at least 90 clinics. The clinics will be varied, and each will be given twice.
- We expect to have at least 60 layouts open for visit. Most layouts will be at least 900 sq. ft. in size running to over 3,000 sq. ft. in one or more cases. Layout visits will be arranged by geography. The layouts will be open Monday through Saturday.
- All layout visits and op sessions will be self-guided so you may take your time.