WHAT'S COMING UP...
NMRA
AP-Achievement Program
NMRA
AP-Achievement Program
Sunshine Region
of the National Model Railroad Association
Where modelers come to share, develop, and learn new skills.
Welcome to the Sunshine Region's
2023 Convention Information Page!
This event is open to everyone, members as well as non-members
October 12 thru the 14 2023
Location is at
John Trinkle Center
Hillsborough Community College Campus
1206 North Park Road
Plant City, Florida
We are now ready to take registrations for this years’ convention. We’ve made some changes including a new caterer! I hope everyone registers early as this is going to be a fun filled event. I’m pleased to say we were able to hold the early registration fee to only $90 until 8/16/23 (then going to $100) and locked in the banquet at $35 ($7 dollars less than last year). We are adding more than past conventions – you do not want to miss it. I hope everyone is able to attend and take advantage of the Brightline tour (only with registration) and see a great presentation by Brightline at our banquet. Thank you!!
NEW
This year we've added a event hosted by Brightline Railroad where we will meet at the Orlando Brightline Station and get a full tour of the facility! This will be a great opportunity to see the inner workings of a brand new facility. We've also added a fun project called "The Caboose Challenge" Everyone has a caboose, or 2, or 3, LOL. Let's repurpose them and create a scene. Take a look at the link below. Hope you enter one.
Hotel
The Holiday Inn has been gracious enough to only have a slight increase in cost from last year which is fantastic given the inflation rate affecting all of us. This year the Holiday Inn is charging us only $109 plus tax/fee but does require a minimum two night stay and this discounted rate can only be obtained by using a special link (you cannot get this discount by calling the hotel or by going to their website). We will email you this special link after you register for the convention. As always, there are a limited number of rooms being provided to us and the special rate will end on 8/15/23 or when we fill the block of rooms allocated to us. Again, register early so you can lock in your room!!
Banquet Speakers
Brightline has committed to provide a speaker at our banquet on Saturday night providing information and discussion of the railroads expansion. We also will have a couple of folks from National NMRA to include Gordy Robinson, president!
Banquet Meal
As mentioned , we have changed caterers and will be offering a steak and chicken plate (yes – you get steak and chicken!). Tender marinated flank steak and grilled boneless
breast of chicken served with tropical fruit salsa, yellow rice garnished with
sweet peas and peppers, a garden salad, roasted vegetables, assorted rolls and
butter, tropical chips and a desert basket with cookies and brownies. Sodas,
coffee, tea or water also available to wash down all this deliciousness along
with a celebratory cake to close out a great convention.
Banquet Raffle
This year we will be implementing a new type of raffle ticket for the Sunshine Region (see pic). This ticket will make it easier for everyone as the card has 10 perforated tickets for dropping into the raffle cup you are interested in and all of your tickets have the same number on the card making it easier to check your winning number. There is also a special ticket labeled “Door Prize Coupon”. This ticket will be used for something special --- you’ll just have to attend the convention to find out more! �� Lastly, these tickets will be priced at $10 dollars per card. That's 10 tickets and one door prize on each card. You can purchase 3 cards for $25. You can even order your raffle tickets on the on your registration form, They'll be waiting for you at the door.
Train Show
We will be implementing a wrist band process when entering the train show this year making it a simple process when going in and out of the show. We are also anticipating a full sell out of our vendor tables this year so plenty to see. One additional change will be the lunch offering at the
train show. We will be offering a choice of a 1/4pound
hot dog or meatball sandwich along with a bag of chips
and soda/water for $5. Best deal in the house unless you
just need that butter burger from Culvers!