Juried Exhibition

The “juried exhibition” portion of our Expo will utilize an “Open” or “Gold/Silver/Bronze” system of evaluation. The basic premise as developed by Shep Paine and used by many top model shows around the world is a system where entries are evaluated on their own merit against a standard of excellence, not against other modellers. The open system seeks to encourage and recognize all participants by allowing multiple models of the same category type to receive the same award level, or none at all, depending on the quality of work. This contrasts with the traditional 1-2-3 system which focuses on categories and only three models can win in each category, regardless of the overall quality of entries. The open system does not have the problem where an excellent model can easily get nothing in a crowded category while a far lesser model can get first place in a small category. In the open system the modeller’s work is never given an award at the expense of another modeller’s work.  It is evaluated on its own merits.

How it works:

  • Evaluation and awards are intended to complement the exhibition experience, not define it. If you would rather just display your models and discuss them with other modellers, you are more than welcome to do that using Display Only designations that will be provided. We’d love to see what you’ve been working on!
  • Your model will be evaluated independently, not in comparison to others on the tables.
  • Awards are not limited to a fixed, limited number based on which category it is entered in.  Any number of models of a given type, genre or scale can receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze award, and if no entries meet the standard for a particular medal, none will be awarded.This approach rewards quality across the board, ensuring that deserving models receive recognition even in highly competitive categories.
  • If there are multiple models of the same general genre entered by an individual modeller (e.g., multiple aircraft entries), the juror team will first evaluate and select the model from the entrant’s display that is most likely to receive the highest award.  This model will then be evaluated in detail and if entitled will be given the appropriate gold, silver or bronze award.  Modellers may receive multiple awards for models of different genres, but only one award with respect to multiple entries within the same general genre.
  • The evaluations will be done by trained, pre-qualified teams. Each team will be made up of modellers who have experience and/or specialize in the type of model genre they are evaluating.  
  • Our teams of jurors will evaluate each model based on a set of written Evaluation Criteria covering workmanship, finish, presentation, and more.  These criteria are provided to help explain the general standards applied during judging and to promote transparency and consistency.

Beyond the medals:

  • Our teams of jurors along with our head juror will also select models to receive special recognition by being awarded a Special Award, including an Outstanding Table Presentation award as well as a “Juror’s Choice Award.”
  • A People’s Choice award will also be given based on popular vote by the Expo participants. 
  • After the evaluations are completed, the jurors will be available to provide respectful feedback and critiques if requested to help you improve your skills for your next project.

This system is all about encouraging and providing recognition of all deserving modellers. It provides structured feedback and celebrates outstanding work wherever it appears. We look forward to seeing your models!.