A day at the 2024 Southeastern Model Show

A long line of vendors eager to set up at the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association's Southeastern Model Show formed at 4 a.m. on March 1, 2024. The March 1-2 event was held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. The extravaganza featured more than 1,000 tables of RC and other related items from vendors across the country. Three exhibit halls were needed for this year’s event and show officials reported high attendance. The gathering was not just about the exchange and swap meet; it also included raffles, concessions, and more.

The AMA Foundation set up a booth with materials to hand out. A member of the AMA staff was also on hand to sell solar eclipse hats and T-shirts. AMA offered a special discount code for show visitors who wished to shop online through the AMA Web Store.

The team was ready to engage with the attendees when the doors opened at 10 a.m. on March 1. The response was overwhelming. We had the opportunity to talk with many members, both seasoned hobbyists and newcomers. The conversations were fun, enlightening, and filled with shared experiences, tips, and a mutual passion for model aircraft. Some attendees took advantage of the $10 show discount and renewed their AMA memberships.

The event was positive, buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see the hobby being celebrated on such a grand scale. We were there not just as observers. We were active participants promoting the hobby.

We had the opportunity to meet with AMA executive council members, and one of our AMA Foundation Board of Directors members was at the event. We had great conversations with all.

Our goal at the AMA Foundation is to promote the hobby, inspire philanthropy, support clubs, and provide scholarships to the next generation. At the Southeastern Model Show, we were able to do just that. We shared information about and discussed the benefits of the hobby and encouraged more people to take it up.

The 2024 Southeastern Model Show was more than just a swap meet. It was a celebration of a hobby that brings joy to many. As representatives of the AMA Foundation, we were proud to be part of it. We look forward to attending more such events in the future, continuing to promote the hobby of model aeronautics.

Thank you to those who helped design our booth display materials and pamphlets, and to those who helped run the booth at the show. We couldn’t have done it without you!

By Steve Haston, AMA Foundation director