On June 21-22, the entire AMA Foundation team traveled to Ohio to attend the 2025 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show. While the area was experiencing a heat wave, that didn't stop thousands of aviation enthusiasts from heading to the Dayton International Airport to witness the excitement of seeing full-scale aircraft up close, marvel at impressive flight performances, and chat with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the thrill of flight.
Executive Director Steve Haston shared the following about the team's time at the event:
"The AMA Foundation team was proud to have a booth at this year's Dayton Air Show! With thousands of aviation fans in attendance, it was the perfect place to connect with our donors, introduce the excitement of model aviation to new audiences, and share the inspiring mission of the AMA Foundation.
"Throughout the weekend, we met with current supporters, future flyers, and potential partners who share our passion for aviation. Events like this help us build airways between full-scale and model flight, showing just how connected our skies and communities really are."
The AMA Foundation manned a booth at the event on both days. Having this opportunity allowed us to surround ourselves with all things aviation. With full-scale aircraft present on-site and open for tours, in addition to static displays of model aircraft from local AMA clubs, everywhere you looked related to flight. With the assistance of on-site AMA clubs, we were able to display various eye-catching model aircraft at our booth, which served as a great conversation starter and reference point when introducing people to model aviation!
Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn shared the following about her time interacting with event attendees:
"A majority of the people who stopped by the AMA Foundation booth had never heard of AMA and didn't know the hobby of model aviation existed. They were fascinated to learn about AMA scholarships, grants, club support, and, most of all, that they could build smaller versions of the large aircraft featured in the air show.
"We shared information with them about the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC), including how large the property is and the size of the National Model Aviation Museum. Many expressed interest in visiting the IAC and the museum this summer!"
This was the AMA Foundation's first time attending the Dayton Air Show, and we couldn't be happier that we made the trip! Being surrounded by passionate individuals allowed us to thrive when sharing out excitement about model aviation.
Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston shared the following about her time at the show:
"Attending the 2025 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show was an experience unlike any other that I've had before ... quite literally, as this was my first time attending a full-scale air show! I was thoroughly impressed by all aspects of the event. From the vast number of attendees to the size of on-site full-scale aircraft to the jaw-dropping flight performances, I was in awe!
"I had a wonderful time talking to those present at the event, with conversations ranging from 'Wow, did you see that?' to 'Tell me more about how I can get started in aeromodeling.' I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend this event, share information about our hobby with aviation enthusiasts, and witness impressive flight performances on such a large scale!"
The AMA Foundation team extends its thanks to the 2025 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show for welcoming us to this event.
To view additional photos from our time in Ohio, view our Flickr album.
