Fort Wayne to host 2 hobby conventions this month, including Fishing Lure Club's 50th Anniversary Gathering

Fort Wayne is gearing up to welcome thousands of hobbyists from across the country over the next two weeks as the Grand Wayne Convention Center hosts two significant national conventions — including a milestone 50th anniversary celebration for one of the hobby world's most unique organizations.

Visit Fort Wayne and the Grand Wayne Convention Center will play host to the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC) for its 50th Anniversary National Convention, followed by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) for its 2026 International Convention.

This year's NFLCC National Convention marks both the club's 50th anniversary and its seventh time convening in Fort Wayne — a testament to the city's reputation as a top-tier convention destination. For five decades, the NFLCC has served as the premier organization dedicated to preserving, studying, and celebrating the history of vintage fishing lures and tackle. Members gather annually to buy, sell, trade, research, and exhibit rare and historically significant pieces from the hobby's rich history.

The public is welcome to experience the convention through the Display Showcase, featuring more than 80 tables of outstanding collections highlighting the history, artistry, and diversity of fishing lures and tackle. Public viewing hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with admission just $1 per person.

Individuals and families interested in becoming NFLCC members can join online or at the convention through the event date and receive free full admission to the show along with all membership benefits. Family memberships start at just $25 per year.

NFLCC National Site Selection Chair Bob King explained why Fort Wayne keeps drawing the club back.

"We chose Fort Wayne for our 50th anniversary because of our past experiences working with Visit Fort Wayne, the Grand Wayne Convention Center, and the Hilton and Courtyard hotels," King said. "We first visited Fort Wayne in 2012 and had such a wonderful experience that we try and come back when we can. Fort Wayne is rich with things to do, from great food, sporting events, shopping, many family activities, and a spectacular zoo."

Visit Fort Wayne notes that hobby groups are among the most enthusiastic convention attendees the city attracts, drawn by the size and flexibility of the Grand Wayne Convention Center, the connectivity of downtown hotels, walkable amenities, and family-friendly attractions that keep attendees engaged beyond the convention floor.

For more information on events at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, visit Visit Fort Wayne's website.