Contest and Show Issues

Here's a link to IPMS/USA regional map. You can see if there is a club near you who could help. You will need significant help to do a contest. There's a lot of work and there are some serious expenses: hall, maybe tables, trophies(ribbons are the east expensive). You will need several knowledgeable judges. You will need a couple bodies at entry/registration. People have little interest in just displaying models. We've invited people from other clubs to display at an event at a local air museum that wouild get them free admission and got almost 0 takers. You'd pretty much have to put out a donation jar unless you can offer something to entice the public and modelers, like vendors. The club did a dispaly at a soldiers' home for the residents and hardly anyone came over.

https://calendar.ipmsusa3.org/region-map

As for venue; If we put on the show / contest, it would be in the VFW's hall, so no cost there. I was figuring on enlisting reps from local hobby / craft stores as part of the judging staff, and possibly for some prizes. There are sufficient members and auxiliary members for staffing, and we could potentially have food available too.

So, as you can see, all I need are the model builders and their work.

A contest or show is not a good way to raise money unless you find a free venue. Most larger show are put on by large clubs with resulting volunteers. 

I recommend forming a club, and then after it is formed consider a show.

Some years ago I did a similar thing. I organised posters for shop windows and had an article in the local paper. Rules and judges were harder to organise.

I suppose you could ask you community center. They could donate the space, possibly tables and advertising. 

Just a thought. 

The model companies used to provide make-and-take kits, usually snap together kits with stickers instead of decals. I remember Monogram 1/288 scale Shuttle, 1/72 scale F/A-18 Hornet, kits like that, etc.

That used to be such a draw for younger builders in cub scouts or at IPMS shows.

Good thoughts, I'll try it.

Hmmm;

 Do you have access to any modeling Forums in the Area.I would start by asking the Hobby Stores( Such as they are) if you can put out a flyer seeking interested players. That's one way.That is also the only way short of putting out money for ads to find if there's any interest.

 The other Way is this. When I had a show at the Martinez facility in Ca., The Rec. dept put it in the Local V.A. News-letter. That got it to take off.