Mall Show Fever
Each and every AMA club has a model opportunity to meet the public and display members' craftsmanship. A mall show is a golden chance to have good, clean fun and discuss our great sport with many interested onlookers. Unlike most other fevers, this one gets your spirits up and can result in a lot of fun for everyone involved. A well-thought-out mall show presentation and the casual, friendly atmosphere your club members generate will do much to draw new members.
Why a mall show?
Think about the benefits:
- Indoor, climate-controlled setting: no rain, wind, snow, dust, biting insects, or hot sun.
- No daylight constraints or crashes — a quiet, relaxed environment to show models and answer questions.
- A great opportunity to improve public relations and educate the community about what your club does — potentially helping protect local flying sites.
- Malls draw natural foot traffic, giving you exposure to people who might become members or advocates.
Timing
- Try for a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) so the mall can use your show to draw shoppers and you get maximum attendance.
- In northern climates, late winter or early spring (February onward) works well: people are itching to get out, and newcomers have time to finish projects for the season.
- Plan dates early and allow time for publicity and materials to arrive.
Organizing the club
Begin with your club — one person cannot do it alone.
- Enlist help from every member. Find out who will handle which areas.
- Make a written list of tasks and assign names; include backups for illness or conflicts.
- Estimate how many models will be on display to plan space and equipment needs.
Models to display
- Encourage a mix: finished models, framed-up models, and models under construction.
- Framed models and work-in-progress inspire interest and questions about techniques and tools.
- For each model, provide an information card including builder, model name/type, engine, radio, finish, weight, and any notes.
- Allow plenty of room between models and avoid crowding similar types together.
Mall management
- Contact the mall manager to explain your intent and request dates and space.
- Secure a Friday–Sunday slot if possible.
- Ask if the mall provides tables, barriers, tablecloths, or other materials; if not, arrange to supply them.
- Set up professionally and courteously so mall personnel see you as a reliable partner.
Promotion and media
- Prepare a short, informative news release with the who, what, where, when (and why).
- Contact local newspapers, TV, and radio; offer interviews, photos, and filming opportunities.
- Remind media about the event about a week beforehand.
- The AMA PR Department can provide blank press and information release forms at no charge.
Inviting area clubs
- Notify nearby clubs and invite them to participate.
- Including other clubs increases the variety of the display and builds goodwill.
- Participation can lead to invitations to other shows and broader exposure.
Materials and demonstrations
- Order AMA brochures and handouts in advance (at least 30 days); provide a street address for shipping. Reasonable numbers are available at no charge from the AMA PR Department.
- Order three or four AMA videotapes to run during the event. Arrange for a portable color TV and hookups, and have someone knowledgeable to change tapes and manage equipment. Keep volume low.
- Prepare printed club literature describing your club's goals, activities, and contact information; have it printed well before the show.
- Order AMA Cubs (Delta Darts) for live build demonstrations. A few basic tools and glue make for an engaging modeling session. Invite audience help, especially from youngsters, and present completed models to participants when appropriate.
Raffle and membership sign-ups
- Consider holding a raffle to draw interest and raise a little club money. Items need not be expensive — a cleaned-up trainer and a working radio can make a great prize.
- Hold the drawing during the final hours and use "winner need not be present to win" to sell more tickets.
- Arrange for a club instructor to contact the winner and help them get started at the club field.
- Have a sign-up pad and pencil on the literature table to collect names and phone numbers for follow-up.
- Contact sign-ups during the week after the show and invite them to a meeting or flying event.
Setup and show conduct
- Set up early, preferably before the mall opens. Have enough people to make setup smooth and professional.
- Use barriers to keep hands off models and assign members to monitor the display.
- Avoid confrontations if someone tries to touch a model; use a friendly reminder instead.
- Encourage club members to circulate, greet onlookers, and answer questions. Take breaks as needed.
- Wear club shirts, hats, or jackets for easy identification. Be neat, courteous, patient, and receptive to questions.
After the show
- Remove models promptly and carefully. Return all equipment and materials and clean the area before leaving.
- Thank all club members for their support and consider planning a celebratory club flying day.
- Thank mall personnel and media contacts for their assistance and let them know you plan to return next year; this helps secure future support.
Say "Thanks."
Be sure to thank the mall personnel who worked with you and all media support persons. Express appreciation for the opportunity and their help. Setting a date for next year while relations are fresh increases the chances of even better publicity and cooperation.
And last but not least.
Personally contact everyone on the sign-up sheet. Invite them to meetings and flying events, help them select proper equipment, and offer guidance to get them started. Make newcomers feel welcome — treat them as you would want to be treated. Your club will benefit.
Remember that good public relations can change how the community views model aircraft fliers. Get out there, show the public why you enjoy the sport, and let them know how they can join. Let's all get mall show fever!
— Joseph M. Nunes
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
