AMA News District I - 2010/03
AMA Expo 2010 was the best of the Expo events that Associate Vice President (AVP) Steve Brehm and I have attended. Events such as this have many things in common, including exhibitors, attractions, static displays, indoor flying, swap shops, and guest speakers.
Common features
- Exhibitors
- Attractions
- Static displays
- Indoor flying
- Swap shops
- Guest speakers
What set this year apart
What set this year apart from previous years was the focus on guest speakers. Instead of the usual speakers who discuss new products and building and flying techniques, the AMA decided to entertain as well as educate by offering attendees the opportunity to listen to icons of full-scale aviation and aerospace who first got the "bug for aviation" as youngsters in aeromodeling.
Their aeromodeling experiences led to illustrious careers as:
- Scientists
- Aeronautical engineers
- Designers
- Test pilots
- Astronauts
- Competitors in speed, time, distance, and aerobatics
Stage and audience
Another good decision by the AMA staff was to provide a stage on the main floor with audience seating. Often the public will not leave the main floor to go to special rooms to hear guest speakers. As you can see in the photo, the seats were taken for each presenter, and the audience was allowed a period to ask and receive answers to their questions from the speakers.
Their stories of success and accomplishment were captivating and thrilling. I am sure they were inspiring to the youth in attendance.
Personal anecdote
A small-world experience happened for me during the introductions when guest speaker, test and fighter pilot Navy Captain Tom Huff, came up to me and said, "Hi Andy. Nice to see you again."
How did Tom know me? After jarring my memory, I remembered that Tom was a member of my local AMA South County RC Club back in 2001 when he was attending the Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Aeromodeling can be the inspiration for those who work hard to achieve their aviation dreams.
Videos and contact
By the time you read this column, the AMA website should have posted the videos of the Expo speakers. Take some time to watch the guest speakers — I guarantee you will enjoy their stories.
Andy Argenio District I Vice President [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
