The summer days are ticking away. It’s time to plan your prototype modeling getaway to the 30th RPM Naperville! The Northern Illinois University Conference Center will be abuzz with activity on October 16 and 17.

Registration

Early registration is open. Registration is $65.00 for the two day event. You can use the PayPal function on our website or print out a registration PDF and mail it in with your check. All the details are on our registration page. Registration for spouses is $30. Early registration ends on Friday October 2, 2026. Registration at the door for the full event will be $70.00. Friday or Saturday-only registration will be $40.00, at the door only.

Clinics

We have over thirty presenters lined up for the 2026 RPM Naperville. A few more will be added. Current details are posted on the Presenters page. All of the presentations will be repeated. Steve Hile could use a couple of extra presenters in case we have cancellations. Contact him directly if you can help out (shile@mindspring.com) . A tentative presentation schedule will be posted in late September.

Event details

We return to the beautiful Northern Illinois University Conference Center on the NIU campus in suburban Naperville, Illinois (1120 E. Diehl Road, Suite 150, Naperville, IL 60563). Registration check-in will open at 8:00 a.m., on Friday, October 16 and Saturday October 17. Presentations will start at 9:00 a.m. on both days.

Model Display

Models are our inspiration! Bring your models for display and discussion. We have two large rooms available for your models. All scales, eras, gauges and sizes are welcome. There are no contests. Bring your best and latest work to discuss with and inspire your fellow modelers. Of course, there are no fees for displaying models. A PDF file for model display cards is available to complete before you travel.

Layouts

A couple layouts will be on-site for RPM Naperville. The Modutrak groups’ large, highly prototypical HO and N scale layouts will be operating. We hope to post details for a couple of home layout tours.

Vendors

Several vendors are attending. Details will be posted on the Vendors page as commitments are confirmed. We are expecting full vendor rooms. Some new models are scheduled for release at the event. If you’re interested in joining us as a vendor, contact Mike Skibbe at mskibbe@gmail.com for table info.

Hotels

Several hotel options are nearby and within walking distance. The Naperville Embassy Suites, Naperville Fairfield Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard Chicago Naperville, and Holiday Inn Express Naperville are located across Diehl Road from the NIU center. Here’s a Google Maps link to the area: https://goo.gl/maps/HXtYwFc6KCsqTqxR6

We will see you in Naperville!

Signed,

RPM Conference Tea
Frank Hodina
Mike Skibbe
Steve Hile
Jerry Hamsmith
Tom Madden
Eric Hansmann