National Fishing Lures Collectors Club and Automobile License Plate Collectors Association
FORT WAYNE, IN (July 7, 2026) -- Hobby groups are a popular segment to meet in Fort Wayne. From the size of the Grand Wayne Convention Center to the connectivity of the downtown hotels to the walkable things to do and family-friendly attractions, these groups are attracted to Fort Wayne's convention package.
Over the next two weeks, Visit Fort Wayne and the Grand Wayne Convention Center look forward to welcoming the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club for the 50th anniversary of their National Convention, and the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association for their 2026 International Convention.
National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC)
July 9 - 11, 550 attendees
This year’s NFLCC National Convention marks the 50th Anniversary of the NFLCC, the 7th hosted in Fort Wayne, and promises to be one of the most memorable gatherings in the club’s history.
For 50 years, the NFLCC has served as the premier organization dedicated to preserving, studying, and celebrating the history of vintage fishing lures and tackle. At the annual national convention, members gather to buy, sell, trade, research, and exhibit rare and historically significant fishing tackle.
Individuals and families who join the NFLCC online or at the convention from now through the event date will receive free full admission to the show, along with all NFLCC membership benefits. Family memberships start at just $25 per year.
For just $1 per person, the public is invited 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 will be Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bob King, National Site Selection Chair for NFLCC says, “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. We first visited Fort Wayne in 2012 and had such a wonderful experience that we try and come back when we can. We have held our convention all across the country and many have said, ‘this is a best place.’ Everyone always seems to go out of their way to meet our expectations. Fort Wayne is rich with things to do, from great food, sporting events, shopping, many family activities, and a spectacular zoo.”
Automobile License Plate Collectors Association International Convention (ALPCA)
July 15 - 18, 450 attendees
Traditionally ALPCA has followed a rotation of host cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, last visiting Fort Wayne in 2016 seeing 450 attendees—one of the highest in their history. Returning to Fort Wayne this year, they are expecting another near record-setting attendance for their 71st International Convention. Visit Fort Wayne and the Grand Wayne Convention Center are excited to welcome them back to enjoy the growth and development our city has seen over the last decade.
With more than 3,000 members from 50 states and 19 countries, ALPCA is the largest license plate hobbyist organization in the world. Members travel the world to find the elusive plates needed to complete their collections, many owning upwards of 1,000 license plates.
While the member-based event is not open to the public, those interested are welcome to come and talk with leadership about joining the Club at the door.
Ned Flynn, Convention Manager for ALPCA says, "We would like to express how excited we are to return to Fort Wayne. Anyone who attended our 2016 convention will remember the fabulous 'Hoosier Hospitality' we enjoyed then. We found out that the term is not just a slogan but is quite real. So when the opportunity to return this year presented itself, we jumped at the chance. Preliminary registrations bear this out and it looks like it could be a near record for attendance at any convention."
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