Wonderfest 2026 Guest Announcements

[timetraveler]

The first WF 2026 guests have been posted. They are multiple Academy Award winner make-up artist Ve Neill and director, actor and stunt performer Sandra Gimpel, the original Salt Vampire from Star Trek amongst many other memorable characters.

The latest guest added as of 1/9/26 is Beverly Washburn, an actress who has appeared in the original Star Trek TV series, and the films Old Yeller, and Spider Baby.

The latest guests added as of 1/11/26 are Daren Dochterman and Greg Kulon. Daren has worked as a designer on many contemporary Star Trek and other science fictions programs. Greg Kulon has written outstanding books on Willis O'Brien.

Barbara Luna (Star Trek "Mirror Mirror", Buck Rogers, Invaders, Outer Limits, Zorro, Hawaii Five-O) added to the guest list as of 1/25/26.

Rick Sternbach, designer/illustrator who has worked on Star Trek the Motion Picture, Star Trek the Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Last Starfighter, Solaris added to the guest list as of 1/26/26.

Marta Kristen (Lost in Space, Man from Uncle, Alfred Hitchcock) added as of January 30,2026.

Victoria Price, (daughter of Vincent Price), added as of February 6, 2026. An excellent presenter.

John Goodwin, make-up artist, John Eaves, production designer, Sam Irvin, director and author.

Frank Dietz, actor, artist, author.

William Stout, legend.

[scuzzfink85]

I'm confused.. is this star convention or model kit convention...

[timetraveler]

Wonderfest is a model contest extraordinaire, but for many, it is so much more. Fun, motivating, and educational. I defer to the terrific photos that Clubhouse members have provided to show just how fantastic a modeling event that it is. There are also many marvelous videos going back several years on YouTube of the event. Of course, nothing can take the place of being there. While models, and especially the contest, are the heart of Wonderfest, the event has always featured guests that usually have a significant connection to the various genres which often inspire modeling. Wonderfest is a multifaceted event built around the contest but featuring a phenomenal dealer's room, outstanding demos, "stars" and the chance to hang out with pals from the modeling community.

[tay666]

Yep, the show has always had people who actually were part of the movies we build kits of.
The hardware guys always have trek and SW people that were involved with the effects and such. Helps them build and scratch build all that beautiful hardware.
For the rest of us, we were blessed for years with people like Bob Burns who would bring treasures from his collection for us to look at and get photos of to better build and paint our stuff. Or Greg Nicotero who would give us inside info on how they did the great effects in the movies we loved.

Most people only have so much cash to spend, so it makes sense to give them something to do during the show after they blow all their money.

[scuzzfink85]

Be nice if they could get somebody in model kit field.. I met bob burns decades ago.. That was the right time for conventions.
Star Trek, running fumes now..

[ShaneM]

Be nice if they could get somebody in model kit field.. I met bob burns decades ago.. That was the right time for conventions.
Star Trek, running fumes now..

Then don't go

[tay666]

Be nice if they could get somebody in model kit field.. I met bob burns decades ago.. That was the right time for conventions.
Star Trek, running fumes now..

Then don't go

He doesn't. He just likes to complain.

[ShaneM]

I'm well aware, just calling him out on his bullshit

[bucketfoot-al]

Be nice if they could get somebody in model kit field.. I met bob burns decades ago.. That was the right time for conventions.
Star Trek, running fumes now..

Then don't go

He doesn't. He just likes to complain.

Curmudgeonness is scuzz's most charming and redeeming feature dont'cha now ...

[scuzzfink85]

I love you to Darling Shane...Your wound to tight

[timetraveler]

The 2026 Dealer's List is up.

The AFM Friday classes are posted.

[tay666]