Due to unforeseen circumstances, the National Model Railroad Association announces that the National Train Show, originally scheduled to take place at the Long Beach Convention Center, August 9-11, 2024, has been relocated to the Westin Hotel.
The Westin Hotel is the site of the SurfLiner 2024 NMRA National Convention, and we believe this convenient and intimate venue will result in a more accommodating and enjoyable experience for all participants.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience and disappointment for some, and we sincerely apologize for any disruptions this may cause. This decision was made after careful consideration to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, as well as a successful National Convention and National Train Show. We have
provided additional information for visitors, convention attendees, vendors, manufacturers and layout groups on the following pages.
The National Model Railroad Association remains committed to an annual National Train Show for Model Railroaders and the return of Trainfest. Additionally, we appreciate your understanding and participation. We look forward to welcoming you at The Westin Hotel Long Beach for a successful and enjoyable National Train Show. Should you no longer wish to attend the National Train Show in 2024, we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.
Gordy Robinson MMR,
President
National Model Railroad Association.
New venue details:
The Westin Hotel Long Beach
333 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Date and time: August 9-11, 2024
National Train Show at the Westin Long Beach
The available space at the Westin Long Beach is much reduced from that available at the Long Beach Convention Center and will consist of approximately 28,000 sq ft for sales tables and approximately 10,000 sq ft for layouts. Parking is available at the Hotel with additional parking available in walking distance at the Long Beach Convention Center. The show will be open to the public on Friday at Noon and all day Saturday and Sunday.
We are working with the Hotel to ensure that food concessions are available within the vicinity of the National Train Show.
NMRA National Convention Attendees
Access to the National Train Show will continue to be included with your convention registration and convention attendees will still have exclusive early access to the National Train Show on Friday morning.
Layout Groups (Modules, Clubs, Groups)
Layouts will be located in an approximately 10,000 sq ft layout space in the Centennial Ballroom Foyer and the lobby of the hotel for the duration of the NMRA National Convention. Although this space is smaller than the area typically available, our plan is to schedule two different sets of layout group during the Convention week. The first load-in will be Saturday, 8/3, displaying from Sunday, 8/4 to Wednesday morning, 8/7. Load-in of the second layout group will be Wednesday afternoon, 8/7, displaying through Sunday, 8/11. We will provide security in the layout space during the NMRA Convention.
Vendors & Manufacturers
With the more limited space now available approx. 25,000 sq ft for vendors we will have to limit everyone to tables only, with no accommodation for booths. Space will be available both indoor and outdoor at the venue. This will result in a commensurate reduction of table fees. The intimate setting of this year’s National Train Show will be similar to a RPM meeting format which will still allow you to engage with Model Railroaders and provide plenty of opportunities for attendees to make purchases.
We are trying to arrange a staging area that will allow delivery of some materials on Wednesday, but the main load into the venue will be Thursday 8/8. The show area is on the 3rd floor of the hotel and access is via a freight elevator. There will be no option this year to drive into the show space to unload. The Hotel will provide storage of boxes and pallets at a cost for up to one week.
Next steps (Layouts & Vendors)
Expressions of interest to exhibit at the 2024 National Train Show should be made to ntsreg [at] nmra.org (subject: 2024%20National%20Train%20Show%20Exhibit%20Interest) as soon as possible, our team will reach out to previous show attendees in the coming months to establish space requirements. Space will be allocated first to those who have previously supported the National Train Show and NMRA Partnership Program Members. We will do our best to accommodate all requests for space.
Thank you for your support, understanding and kindness as we work to deliver a very different National Train Show in 2024.