On April 25-26, 2025, the entire AMA Foundation team traveled to Dayton, Ohio, to attend Dayton ModelRama 2025. We had a wonderful time, and it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with members, donors, hobbyists, and vendors alike. Both buildings were full of exhibitors, ranging from manufacturers to people cleaning off their workbenches and everything in between! Like previous years, we were set up near the stage in building 1. We had two booth spaces so that we could represent both the AMA Foundation and AMA as a whole!
The swap options were incredible, with plenty of great deals and new items, including some exciting new models! Executive Director Steve Haston made a few purchases—he needed a new build project! Outside, between buildings 1 and 2, The AMA Model Aviation Experience sponsored by Wing was set up and had steady activity. Those who tried out the flight simulators were encouraged to visit our booths.
On Friday, after the event had ended for the day, we hosted our inaugural donor dinner in building 1. Members of the Dayton Wingmasters stayed after the show ended to help us prepare for the dinner. The tables were full of hobbyists, vendors, and donors, and everyone enjoyed the food!
Executive Director Steve Haston, Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn, and Communications Specialist Clarissa Poston shared information with attendees about the AMA Foundation's many programs, grants, and scholarships. We also took the opportunity to launch some new and reimagined programs, such as Ignite the Torch, the Legacy and Heritage Society programs, naming rights, club support kits, and more! It was a wonderful chance to thank everyone for their continued support, commitment, and contributions. Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event a success!
The AMA Foundation team is thankful to have had this opportunity to meet and interact with our donors and members from across the country. We appreciate how hard clubs work to hold events that share the love of the hobby with the public, and we're excited to continue working together to support and grow the model aviation community!
To view all of the photos from our time in Dayton, visit our "2025 Dayton ModelRama" Flickr album.
