District I-2011/09
IT'S ALL IN THE PLANNING
Event report
Running a successful event to promote the sport of aeromodeling requires a good plan. This should begin by identifying the target audience you intend to appeal to and then selecting the best ways to attract, educate, and engage the attendees.
The following event report was compiled from information provided by longtime AMA member Charles Sylvia and Associate Vice President Robert Kilmon. It is an excellent example of good event planning, organizing, and execution.
Charles contacted District I last year with the idea of holding an AMA Model Aviation Youth Expo to introduce 10- to 15-year-olds in his area to aeromodeling. District I agreed to supply several cases of Delta Darts, AMA literature, handouts, caps, tops, and patches for the event. Bob Kilmon was asked to contact Charles and provide any needed assistance.
Charles selected and rented the ice arena at the Cheshire Fair Grounds for the event. This indoor facility had sufficient floor space and height to accommodate the program activities and displays. In addition to Charles' club, the Hayward Brook R/C Flyers of Keene, New Hampshire, Charles received help from the Ashuelot Valley Flyers of Walpole and the Brattleboro Area Flyers.
Event advertising posters were created and placed in local businesses and schools. A small advertisement was placed in the Sentinel newspaper, which led to a front-page interview with Charles by columnist Steve Gilbert. Charles talked about his modeling experience, the AMA, and the upcoming event. His passion for the hobby and his desire to introduce more youth in the area to the joys of modeling were clearly evident.
The event took place on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Areas were cordoned off within the building to separate displays and activities. The static display area featured a variety of model aircraft types and sizes from club members who eagerly answered attendees' questions.
In another area, club members provided flying instruction on several flight simulators that were in use by attendees all day. A larger model-building area with building tables, tools, glue, and Delta Dart airplane kits was staffed by club members who guided the young people in building the models and then flying them in the arena.
The highlight of the event was the demonstration area where two well-chosen AMA youth members from the Flying Tigers club in Derry, New Hampshire, performed. Thirteen-year-old Tyler McCormack, a seasoned aerobatics pilot who competes in International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) events throughout the Northeast, and 14-year-old Ricky Shattuck, another skilled pilot, flew RC foam airplanes all day, delighting attendees with their superb skills.
Bob Kilmon answered questions, handed out AMA literature, and directed interested families to the AMA website and to local clubs. Bob reported the following:
- 40 models were on display
- more than 300 people attended
- 50 young people participated in the aeromodeling activities
Charles, Bob, and all who worked the event were successful because of their dedication and planning. We thank them for promoting the sport and the AMA.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
