Author: Bob Hunt
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/06
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,24
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AMA Convention 2003

AMA Convention 2003, held January 17–19, signaled the end of an era. This show, formerly called the International Modeler Show (IMS), was held in the same facility—the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California—for 25 consecutive years. This year marked the end of the run at that location. Next year, and hopefully for many years to come, the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California, will be home to the AMA Convention.

Message from Show Director Jay Mealy

"To the original home of the International Modeler Show and AMA Convention, the Pasadena Convention Center, we say a sad good-bye. The relationships established with the Center staff and administration during our years there are forever going to be remembered as some of the finest. We thank them for their dedication and hard work.

"To the new home, the Ontario Convention Center, we say Hello. Looking forward to what possibilities of growth and learning await AMA Convention 2004 and beyond.

"To the supporters, the exhibitors, and attendees, the ones who truly make the AMA Conventions successful, we offer our sincere gratitude. Their continued participation has provided the growth, which in turn has created the need to move to newer and larger facilities. They have inspired, through their loyalty, the Academy to work diligently at making the AMA Conventions as good as they can be."

Education and Demonstrations

This year’s convention featured many elements typical of hobby consumer shows, with a strong education component. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped with the education exhibits in the lower hall throughout the show.

The Black Sheep Exhibition Squadron arrived in full force again this year with well more than 50 airplanes, which were in continuous operation in the flying area. The club members demonstrated everything from simple free-flight models to helicopters and indoor radio control (RC) aircraft. They also helped with the make-and-take, showing dozens of parents and kids how easy it is to get started in model aviation and rocketry.

The AMA education booth was constantly busy. New and potential modelers could get their questions answered patiently and completely by an expert. Visitors to the booth also had the opportunity to try one of several RC simulators and learn which transmitter-stick movement caused what response on the model, and to see the control effect on AMA’s unique RCAD (Remotely Controlled Aircraft Demonstrator).

Each year this booth becomes more effective at promoting and explaining the world of model airplanes to newcomers, and the result has been a number of new members.

Static Competition

There was also a static competition; the airplanes entered sat on display throughout the show to inspire and amaze attendees with craftsmanship and finish above the norm. Photos of many of the winners are included to show that model building is far from dying out. (If you want to see more of Mark Lanterman’s photos from the Pasadena show, go to www.airbornemedia.com/pasadena.)

Manufacturers and Exhibitors

The main aspect of this, or any hobby consumer show, is the interaction between manufacturers who attend to show their wares and the modelers who attend to see what’s new. Each relies on the other for input and direction. Manufacturers want to know if they are hitting the mark with new products, and at this type of show they can speak directly to those who are using them.

Exhibitors included:

  • Aerospace Composite Products
  • Airtronics
  • AirWild Hobbies
  • Arizona Model Aircrafters
  • Astro Flight Inc.
  • Batteries America
  • Bill Northrop’s Plans Service
  • Bob Holman Plans
  • Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
  • Boca Bearing Company
  • Bruce Tharpe Engineering
  • Cactus Aviation Models
  • Castle Creations
  • Cavazos Sailplane Design
  • Century Helicopter Products
  • Cermark Co.
  • Dave Brown Products
  • Dave Patrick Models
  • Desert Aircraft
  • Du-Bro Products
  • Dymond ModelSports USA
  • E-Flight Company
  • eHobbies
  • Electronic Model System
  • FlyingFoam.com
  • Four Pi
  • Fox Manufacturing
  • Great Planes
  • Hitec
  • Hobby People
  • i4C Products
  • J&Z Products
  • JMD Models Inc.
  • JetCat USA
  • Jet Hanger Hobbies
  • Leisure Electronics
  • Micro Fasteners
  • Model Rectifier Corporation
  • Pacific Aeromodel Mfg. Inc.
  • Peck-Polymers
  • Polk’s Hobby
  • Powermaster Hobby Products
  • Propwash Video
  • R/C Modeler Corporation
  • Robart Manufacturing
  • Sidewalk Flyers
  • Skyborn Electronics
  • Slimline Products
  • Superior Balsa & Hobby Supply
  • Sure Flite
  • The Composites Store
  • Traplet Distribution USA
  • Trick R/C

Looking Ahead

Please make plans now to attend AMA Convention 2004. The dates are January 9–11 at the new venue in Ontario, California. See you there!

— Bob Hunt

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.