Modeling Spoken Here
Bob Hunt — Aeromodeling Editor
In this issue you will find overview coverage of the AMA Convention 2005. I use the word "overview" because—just like a large modeling competition—there is no practical way to give a blow-by-blow account of all that happens at one of these affairs. Also, there is no way to convey what the attendees are experiencing because each of them is experiencing something different.
What I'm going to try to do here is make a good case for why each of you who has any interest in this hobby/sport should try to attend at least one modeling consumer show or modeling convention each year.
For those of you who have discovered the joys and benefits of going to these gatherings, the following will be old news. For those who haven't attended one recently—or ever—please read on and let me try to persuade you to do so soon.
There are myriad reasons why modelers attend these affairs:
- Many are simply in search of one specific modeling item, and they know they can usually get it at a "show special" price at a convention or consumer show.
- Many attend knowing that they can get one-on-one attention from a manufacturer or company representative and get all of their questions answered efficiently and thoroughly.
- In recent years these modeling shows have allowed hobby shops and discounters to purchase booth space, and modelers flock to them to restock all types of modeling supplies because there are—in more and more cases—no hobby shops in close proximity to where they live. (This is a sad but true scenario.)
Those are good reasons to attend, but there is much more to it. At a convention we can graphically see the human involvement and get a sense of the magnitude of the hobby/sport in our own region. We can see and meet the people who are involved on both sides of the aisles. We can let ourselves be reinspired by looking at the many beautiful examples of craftsmanship, learning about new innovations, and discovering the many directions that are available to us. It's a sort of rebirth process in the entire modeling experience.
There are more modeling experts per square foot at a modeling convention or consumer show than almost anywhere else at any given time on the planet. If you have a technical question, this is where you want to be to get the answer. Chances are that if one expert does not know the answer to a particular question, he or she will be able to refer you immediately to another who does.
Similarly, there are simply more modelers per square foot at such a convention or show than almost anywhere else at a given time. This means vast opportunities to exchange information, experiences, and pleasantries with others who share at least some of the same outlook on life.
What were once just consumer shows have, in many cases, been transformed into actual modeling conventions. Having all of the aforementioned elements gathered together in one place provides the opportunity for a structured format of symposiums and meetings designed to inform and facilitate the learning process. It pays to get in touch with the convention organizers in advance to find out what special events are planned so that you can arrange your schedule accordingly while attending.
The process works both ways. As a modeler in need of specific information, you should not be bashful about seeking out the convention organizers and letting them know what type of information you personally need. If enough interest is expressed about a given subject, they will try to schedule a symposium on that subject the following year. Attendee feedback is key to making any convention grow and evolve.
AMA is well represented at the various consumer shows and modeling conventions throughout the country. When you are attending one of these gatherings, please take a moment to visit the AMA booth and meet your representatives. They need your personal input to help structure the organization to better serve your needs. Without communication, this is a difficult assignment.
Contact
Phone: (610) 614-1747 E-mail: [email protected] Mailing address: Box 68, Stockertown, PA 18083
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
