Model Boat Mayhem
Shows, Events, Club websites and Club Events => Commercial Events and News => Topic started by: Dave Cook on September 23, 2017, 07:00:18 pm
-
we have at all costs to support our shows , if we don,t we will have NONE ,So we should just pay up and attend , i have heard that the organisers of Haydock are trying to condense the show to a smaller area to reduce the entrance fee .
Dave >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
-
Lots of people have said to me, is it right Warwick are having a truck display, my answer is yes,and they have said what's lorrys/trucks got to do with INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW,looks like Warwick will be closing as people go for the boats NOT TRUCKS, my answer was if you want to go to Warwick then go,but everybody has said they're copying Blackpool show! I go to both.
Baloo
-
I agree that asking clubs to pay is a game changer.
Individual club members are already spending a lot of money to man our club stand at shows and an entry payment would not be tolerated. Remember without the clubs, the shows are not worth attending.
For example, manning our stand at Haydock means at least six people have to pay for 2 nights at a local hotel, as well as a 180 mile round trip in their car. Then add in their meals and drink.
Most club members do not care if we have a stand at any show and they certainly won't allow the club to fund any part of it.
-
Dave Cook and Baloo, support your comments A1+, model boat shows have to attract alternative punters, if its a mix of trucks, heli's whatever, we all build models, some of the alternative traders have superb stocks of usable items, we cannot be a go it alone fraternity. Our shows are dying slowly but surely, mix and match is not a problem, the problem is a lot of you guys won't get of you bums and join in!!! quibble about the cost etc . but if you don't go it wont be there.
Think about this, Ellesmere Port, reported not running next year. Haydock, down sizing to reduce costs. Warwick, reported to be having a Truck arena like Blackpool. Blackpool, back up coming due to diversifying into other forms of modeling, last year there were Trucks, Tanks and static models, all worth a look, different use of skills, but still quality modeling.
Quit moaning and attend or loose these shows, the cost to run a show must be horrendous, if you don't pay through the door, the organisers cannot fund through their own pockets, answer, the show closes.
-
Apologies if I am mistaken but I am Sure this thread is about the Blackpool Model Boat Show and not about the the ifs / buts, and rumours about other shows and cost Etc etc.. <*< <*<
If you want to discuss them start another thread.
Ps I Do Agree about the diversification of shows but this is not the thread to discuss it
-
Sorry LB, I wrote that in support of Blackpool Show and the efforts of Stavros and Iain From Component Shop, who without their intervention, its probable that Blackpool would no longer exist, comments were made about the cost of attending different shows, it is all relative, money if finite, spend it where you will.
-
Sorry LB, I wrote that in support of Blackpool Show and the efforts of Stavros and Iain From Component Shop, who without their intervention, its probable that Blackpool would no longer exist, comments were made about the cost of attending different shows, it is all relative, money if finite, spend it where you will.
Jarvo See Pm I sent earlier.. and agree with your Comments above :-)) I go to the show for the show and Banta :} SWMBO goes for lights and chips.... 8)
-
LB, love the banter, can I send my SWIMBO with yours??? we could have some peace[size=78%] and quiet to enjoy the models!!!![/size]
[/size]
[/size][size=78%]Regards[/size]
[/size]
[/size][size=78%]Mark[/size]
-
lol %) %)
Just seen todays date, Less than a month to go...
-
The St. Albans model show runs without any real support from the trade. We just have a truck spares trader who is in with the Tamiya trucks and a very small time trader in Meccano. They both give us a donation to club funds. The local RNLI have a stand and this is their biggest earner for the year.
We hire a local school with whom we now have an excellent relationship.
We hire in tables and a man with a van who helps with physical work. Wives and daughters do the catering.
The clubs all help us knockdown at the end of the show, let the water from the pond down the drain and the profit goes into reducing our subs each year. We have about 25 - 30 club members working intermittently over the time. They all work quite hard.
We print about 10,000 flyers and advertise just beforehand in local press. We contribute to the charge a few exhibitors make but this for a charity and nobody pays to be there.
We sell models in the club shop.
It has become a get together of local clubs, everyone wants to come next year and the local population pay £4 entrance fee and children £1. And get lots of enjoyment having rides, taking part etc.
Last year we sold 1500+ tickets. We do aim it at young people but everyone enjoys it.
It all seems to work! Come and see for yourself tomorrow!
regards Roy
-
i would not like my club to spend money on a table, specially if it not really going to benefit the club as in getting new members signed up
i rather my club spend money on adds in papers or newsagents hair dressers etc to promote the club and let them know we exist rather then spend it on a table
-
It is a difficult call, but from a club's perspective, what is the benefit to the club of attending a show?
There may be intrinsic benefits, but there should be some more direct benefit to a club before club money is spent. Spending on local ads can bring in new members, as can attending local events; but attending shows a long way away is unlikely to benefit the club directly.
From a show organizer's perspective, just finding the money to pay for the venue must be difficult. If diversification of model shows is working, and it seems to be, then other shows copying this is good practice as it may mean the very survival of some events. I went to the Cologne model railway exhibition years ago, it was huge and very busy, it also had more than just railway models.
-
We have attended shows at Yeovilton and Bovington museums in the past, and continue to support the Bovington shows. These events charge a table hire fee as well as a reduced ticket price for any members exceeding the five free complementary ones provided to each group. This has been going on for many years, just for some reason, model boat shows have been cruising along with no charges whatsoever to the groups attending. The above costs, when divided up amongst, say twelve members, would come to about £5 a head. Tables being paid for from club funds. Not a great expense to the members.
I have seen over the years, the efforts made by certain modellers, to obtain free entry to events, sneaking in through fire doors, bringing the bare minimum of models to contribute to the clubs stand, disappearing off the stand as soon as the show opens, only to reappear for going home time, as well as many self serving sins ( having spoken to organisers of very recent events, I know this still goes on. ), this is no way to support the hobby.
One of our members broached this very subject of paying to attend big shows a couple of years ago. A show lives and dies by its trade support, no traders and we bitch like little girls, but do we buy much from them. The cry 'I can get that online cheaper' is a common one ( Traders should have a swear jar on their counters to deal with this type of scumbag! Keep it to yourself, tight 'bottom'.. ). A trader will judge his next years attendance at a show based on the current years takings at that show, if you don't support him, he will not be there next year. This little thing can cascade to cause the death of a show you claim to love. If clubs contributed a little to costs AND this could be used to offset stand costs for traders ( a big 'if'. some show organisers have been, and shall always be, greedy 'bar stuarts' ), maybe a more stable relationship could contribute to greater longevity for shows.
My personal opinion, based on over thirty five years of this boating ( God, I am getting old AND grumpy, move over [name withheld!]), is that nearly all model shows have a finite lifespan, based on human interaction, i.e. grumpy, miserable, tightwad, keyboard warriors, as well as pond side gossips, and lovers of ordering tat from China direct. None of whom have ever been involved in organising events. So you reap what you sow. The majority of us should be eternally grateful to that minority who put themselves out there to make these shows worth visiting, long may it continue :-))
-
It is six of one and a half dozen of the other, but in the end it all comes down to cost.
I have just come back into model boating and to me it seems that we have lost a lot of shows,
Sandown weekend - Plumpton - Merstham - Greenwich and Brighton Model Word (may be back for 2018) just to name a few that have all gone due to costing's,
The only one of the above that was only boats was Greenwich and after three years that had to end even with the backing of the Museum, so in the end it just may be that we will have to pay to ward's some of the costing of the show.
-
I have to second what unbuiltnautilus has said about those who put on shows. A big thanks for all the hard work. :-)) :-))
It should also be remembered that venues are expensive to run. You are not just paying for the costs of running a venue for the days you are there. Venues often run 365 days a year, have to pay salaries, insurance, rates, sometimes a ground rent, etc. The venue has to try to recoup all of these costs in the days that the halls are rented out, or from other entrance fees throughout the year. Many small venues are run by local councils and they rarely break even.
A table hire fee is definitely fair, if the event organisers provide tables. The benefits are that it saves clubs transporting tables (perhaps requiring a bigger vehicle), it saves those who don't have tables from buying or making them, and the stands that are provided are usually uniform and makes the show look and feel more professional (a better advert for the hobby).
The comment about buying on line cheaper is a real problem for those who don't trade online. For those who do trade online, there is an opportunity to build the brand with potential customers for the future. I don't want to hijack this topic talking about online trading, but some of the traders we see at the shows do online sales very well.
-
we have at all costs to support our shows , if we don,t we will have NONE ,So we should just pay up and attend , i have heard that the organisers of Haydock are trying to condense the show to a smaller area to reduce the entrance fee .
Dave >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
On behalf of the committee there are no plans to condense the show it will be the same size as the last couple of years.
-
It is a difficult call, but from a club's perspective, what is the benefit to the club of attending a show?
There may be intrinsic benefits, but there should be some more direct benefit to a club before club money is spent. Spending on local ads can bring in new members, as can attending local events; but attending shows a long way away is unlikely to benefit the club directly.
From a show organizer's perspective, just finding the money to pay for the venue must be difficult. If diversification of model shows is working, and it seems to be, then other shows copying this is good practice as it may mean the very survival of some events. I went to the Cologne model railway exhibition years ago, it was huge and very busy, it also had more than just railway models.
i agree, not going to benefit clubs who travel long and far away and charge them for it, stops clubs going you only have local club stands. my club is not local to haydock or ellesmere port, how many people are really going to travel from there to ours when you have closer clubs
-
Over the last ten years at shows I have seen about a dozen new models on club stands.
Most have a couple of persons either eating or drinking and will not engage in conversation of the model as it belongs to someone else.
People half asleep on some stands.
Some club stands are brilliant with guys
who will interact, and these are the club's that
win the prizes.
Charge for clubs, you will lose the noddys O0
-
i agree, not going to benefit clubs who travel long and far away and charge them for it, stops clubs going you only have local club stands. my club is not local to haydock or ellesmere port, how many people are really going to travel from there to ours when you have closer clubs
When your club used to hold their open days Liverpool, Southport, Hoylake and St Helens and other clubs attended.
-
Lets take a look a history . Beale show. Once one of the best model boat shows in the Uk. Then they stared charging for Exhibitors entrance fee. The show went down hill from there . What happened to the show . It died a slow death.
Lets take a look a model railway shows . Exhibitors get Free entrance fee. Free lunch and drinks ,Free table and chairs ,Fuel payed for . If you need to hire a van payed for . 2 day show over night cost payed for .
So as a model boater were doing very poor as all we get if free entrance fee and table and chairs. Now some people think we should pay for that . Sorry if the show can not break even charging exhibitors wont help save the show .
One final though .a boat show is poor with models . I know a lot of people who wont pay to Exhibit there models .
john
-
basically start charging the exhibitors and the model boat show will die,
-
I have been reading this thread with interest, as it seems we have a different philosophy regarding our club's attendance at shows here, at least in our area. Our club attends several shows each year, and usually receives a fee for our efforts. At the very least we receive travelling expenses. The idea of a club paying to attend a show is foreign to us, so obviously a different culture exists in the U.K. Having said that, I would think that many of the shows over there are much bigger than any we have, so their expenses would be much higher.
Peter.
-
When your club used to hold their open days Liverpool, Southport, Hoylake and St Helens and other clubs attended.
I greatly appreciated the efforts that other clubs made to attend our Regatta and it is very disappointing that our members have no interest in travelling to visit other clubs.
Even our displays at local events have withered away, we are simply gaining a new younger membership who believe they can learn and buy all they need online.
Shockingly, I am beginning to see their point of view.
-
Hi Peter,
I am curious as to how the Australian event organizers pay for the event. Is it through sales of BBQ and beer, public entrance tickets, parking and camping fees for visitors, sponsors, traders fees, free venues provided by local government (local tax payer) or land owners, local community financial support (fund raising) for local event?
Not only will the culture differ, but mechanisms for doing thing will also differ. There may be some lessons to be shared.
-
We could talk about this for evermore but it is a fact the numbers of visitors attending model boat shows are in decline. May be its time to open to other aspects of modelling to boost numbers through the door not asking clubs to pay to display. Clubs are already being crippled with high running costs so to ask them to pay to display at shows for me will be the end of many shows. Its a fact many clubs are now having open days which seem to work.My thoughs on this matter.
:(( :((
-
Hi all, I have just put in a relevant item under St, Albans model show.
regards Roy
-
We sometimes have the same suggestions at the many rallies we attend.Most who applied a fee for exhibiting,lost a lot of exhibits.Yes it costs money to put these things on,but dont forget the exhibitors have expenses also,and without exhibitors you would have no show! I love the Blackpool Show,and have only missed it once in the last 8 years.Each year it becomes more expensive,and because of age,more difficult to attend.I dont drive,so I need my wife to drive us up there from Cornwall.The Hotel costs us around 400 pounds for 3 nights,we have fuel to pay for from Cornwall and back.We buy drinks and food at the venue during the day.We pay to travel on the trams if we want to visit anywhere.We buy food on the way up and on the way back,and inevitably we purchase goodies from the traders at the show.
Just one instance,at one event a good many of us went to,they decided to introduce a charge of 5 pounds per table.I normally have 4 tables,one of my friends had 6 tables,and most others had at least 2 tables.Some were coming 100s of miles to exhibit.once the exhibitors heard this, 12 of us pulled out,leaving very few in the marquee,and we still have not returned,favouring another rally many miles away on the same date.This I think tells them something.Remember,most exhibitors are there to display,and do not sell,so are making nothing but spending a lot.Whereas the much needed traders do pay,and it is down to them if they make a profit or benefit from their outlay.
Mick F
-
We all know shows are changing, but to keep on subject should exhibitors pay to display? simple answer NO.
However i feel if the shows are being put onto raise money for charity or run by a charity , i see no reason why the organisers couldn't ask for a small donation.
-
Here's an interesting thought ( FACT )
Model boat show visitor numbers are on the decline.
Model railway shows arn't suffering as much. WHY ?
HOWEVER!!!!
Why do Model railway exhibitors demand and expect to be paid to display inc hotel accommodation, Food and Petrol whilst us model Boaters are just happy to come along at our own expense and show our models and yet boats shows are struggling to survive?
Unfortunately now the likes of Blackpool , warwick are having to add other types of models so its only likely that more boat shows will go! The likes of tamiya truckers etc dont display at show without travel expenses! So our Boat show organisers clearly feel its worth paying out for them , perhaps they should invite model railways too as they like giving money away.
And before you all get on your high horses, yes i have organised shows and deal with said exhibitors every week so it is FACT!!!!! <*<
-
Model Railways are far, far more popular than model boating so lots more punters.
Colin
-
Yes they are But still shouldn't be paid to exhibit!
-
I think the reality is that the financial dynamics vary from show to show depending on the circumstances.
What works in one situation doesn't necessarily work in another.
Colin
-
I do agree with you Colin, i think the point im trying to make is Boat shows are losing numbers and rather than subsidise stands and admission there paying for displays that don't relate to the key show ie us boaters.
take Warwick for example you can't exhibit unless you belong to a club , by allowing individuals they would attract some new modellers
By adding a club run bring and buy , a positive step , but no
and the prices for stands in certain circumstances are more expensive than those at Railway shows. anyway rant over . Sadly a show i no longer support.
-
Well certainly if I find out for sure the truckers are being paid to attend at Blackpool,then I will never ever even visit the show again!
Take the fantastic Brighton Show,now sadly defunct,and why?? Because they gave everyone some recompense for attending,and yes I did claim also,mainly for fuel I might add.Now I wonder if the organisors were NOT to pay exhibitors, would not save thousands perhaps,and enable the show to return,as it is sorely missed.
What really does it matter if Boat Shows become more diversified,and become Model Shows? Surely this would attract more people with more to look at,which is just common sense and will keep the shows going?
To us exhibitors,it isan event where we can show our models with pride,and give the public a chance to see something different.We also make new friends,and as in my case,some of them I may only see once a year at that particular show.
We also get to seeproducts that are on the market that we have no chance of seeing or even know about otherwise.Why do we do it?? Because we love it! Iam not interested in winning any trophies such as best display,or best model etc,although I did win one of the categories once!
Mick F
-
I do agree with you Colin, i think the point im trying to make is Boat shows are loosing numbers and rather than subsidise stands and admission there paying for displays that dont relate to the key show ie us boaters.
take Warwick for example you cant exhibit unless you belong to a club , by allowing individuals they would attract some new modellers
By adding a club run bring and buy , a positive step , but no
and the prices for stands in certain circumstances are more expensive than those at Railway shows. anyway rant over . Sadly a show i no longer support.
To answer two points .
For the last 2 years Warwick have let individuals in. Not sure if it is going to be happening this year .
Take a big ish model rail way show. You might have 20 layouts and 25 traders. The take from the traders normal covers the expense of the layouts.
Take a model boat show of the same floor space. You could well have over 200 model boats and still 25 traders . There is no way the take from the trader will cover 200 model boat expense claims .
With model railway shows covering expense is historical thing so kind of ingrained in that show circle. But show organisers do watch it like a hawk
One thought. The biggest model show in Europe is Dortmund show which cover nearly all aspects of modeling .
John
-
Looking from a different angle, as a car enthusiast I regularly put my car on display at shows. Usually it can range anywhere from £10-30 and all I am doing, really, is parking on a bit of grass! Even better, at some shows I will participate in an autosolo demo event, costing another £10-15. I'm not reimbursed for fuel (which is not cheap!) or tyres, but I accept these costs as part of my hobby.
I'm talking a little out of turn here, as to exhibit you first need something completed to exhibit(!), but I certainly wouldn't have an issue with paying £5-10 to be able to display my handiwork, especially if the alternative is not having anywhere to exhibit at all. {:-{
-
Yes Warwick has allowed individuals in but only as part of Steve Deans group if he picked you ,
not for example as Bob from Cornwall showing his three boats on a table or Steve from Newcastle showing his 8ft torpedo boat,
and jack and Phill from Brighton with there boats on another table.
Either way they do not get the chance, and for the record i would be happy to pay a tenner a table for an enjoyable weekend weekend and to show my boats.
-
Hi all, the model railway layouts are built with the idea of running them at shows, they stay packed up between shows. They have thought through the erecting of the model railways and have good quality connections between baseboard units to make assembly simple and quick. The baseboard unit storage is sophisticated and easy to transport, which is their intended use.
The model boat show is incidental to the use of the model boat.
So railway modellers are always improving the layouts for detail and operational interest solely for the visiting public. They hope to be accepted at a model railway show. Only a few are used as operational layouts in club rooms. The club room will house a complex layout in continuous update mode.
Its a different ball game.
regards Roy
-
Well I think it would be a show killer to start to charge to have a table at shows. For me to show at blackpool it is £160 for a room Friday and satday night. On top of that I have meals to buy plus the cost of traveling to the show. Our club gets no real gain out of attending the show except it is good to meet fellow modelers and see what is on offer from the traders. Start adding more to the cost and it is not worth the trip over. Also as one person said about the models are the same every year. When I have looked around I see on most stands new models every year. On our stand we will have about 18 boats and 9 are new builds and not been to shows. Also I have yet to find any one on the stands who will not discuss a boat or try to help when asked.
-
Mick rest assured on one point the Trucks are NOT paid to attend Blackpool in any way shape or form neither are any of the clubs etc
Dave
-
Thanks Dave,for explaining that no one gets paid,which is good to know.
AsI said,I wasnt coming this year due to the expense,but my wife has decided to drive up,bless her,and we will be there.I only plan to bring a couple or even one small model,and will have it on my pal Neils table.
Hopefully,if I can make it next year,I will have my new model of the HMS RAMILLIES,plus artefacts from the ship.
See you soon matey!
Mick F
-
Hi Peter,
I am curious as to how the Australian event organizers pay for the event. Is it through sales of BBQ and beer, public entrance tickets, parking and camping fees for visitors, sponsors, traders fees, free venues provided by local government (local tax payer) or land owners, local community financial support (fund raising) for local event?
Not only will the culture differ, but mechanisms for doing thing will also differ. There may be some lessons to be shared.
Mark, the main difference between the type of shows we attend, and the dedicated model boat shows being referred to in most of the posts, is that our shows are more diversified. Our attendance is often part of an event such as a rural show, air show and, in one case, even a model railway show. We don't have dedicated model boat shows in our area, you're more likely to see them in the major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne etc. We tend to be an "added attraction" as it were, and as such are often, but not always, reimbursed for our attendance. Having said that, we do not ask for payment if we are invited to a show but, if it's offered. we will accept it %)
Peter.
-
Reading this thread and thought it's time to put my pennies worth in......
I go to Haydock nearly every year with my mates and display, would we continue to go if required to pay for tables, I don't know. Now we had this discussion this year between us and at Haydock we use normally about 10 tables and 1 of us had suggested a halfway point where you get say 6 tables but then you pay for any extra ones you want after that it may allow the organisers a bit of room to save money for the show.
Now the other points raised: attendance
Sad it may be but attendance is going down and I feel it's not because shows are to expensive or interesting but it's our hobby we seem to attract the wasters out there at times!
Those with nothing better to do and no where else to go!
I'm at present in a club with nearly 100 members of which 40% you never see from 1AGM until the next.
30% are not interested in model boating but somewhere to go and sit on a Sunday and have a cup of tea.
That leaves the final group those that are interested in model boating. So out of that remaining 30% that's the ones who would go to other shows, but even then only a few would take a boat and sit it on a table.
up in Scotland there was a model show, open for any club to attend display, free to attend for members of the public but the local clubs would not support it, some people were criticising the fact a local youth group were there displaying their plastic models yet these same people didn't have the guts to turn up and display themselves! In fact 1 club attended the show on both days yet would not take a table or show any boats but walked around criticising others for their displays!
That's what I believe is the real problem we have now got to a state where people join model boat clubs not that they build, sail or want to see models but want somewhere to go, so you have no chance of getting them to attend a show and put a model on display...
The last point which has been shown up in this thread, the constant rumours that are made up and sent out by scum!
I fail to understand this but in the run up to this years Haydock show, people were being told it had been cancelled, on this thread someone has been told the show is down sizing and on another forum someone had been told that it was the last ever show at Haydock, all of which has been disproven by the organisers.
I have heard things over the years about other shows too and it makes you wonder what pleasure the scum that makes these rumours up is getting? If we do not though nip these stupid rumours in the bud quickly then someone wiling to drive several hundred miles to a show may start having doubt if it's a wasted journey or not and again that's perhaps another person lost to the hobby......
-
Playing devils advocate here, putting principle aside there is an argument about proportion, my intention is not to belittle other peoples arguments.
A hypothetical question.
If potential exhibitors are spending hundreds of pounds to attend a show, then the cost of table is a small addition (maybe the cost of a couple of beers). If (speculation) that makes the difference in the viability of a show, is that a price worth paying, or should we just let the show fail?
-
...the main difference between the type of shows we attend, and the dedicated model boat shows...attendance is often part of an event such as a rural show, air show... and, in one case, even a model railway show. ...We tend to be an "added attraction" as it were, and as such are often, but not always, reimbursed for our attendance.
Ah! got it. There really is no comparison. It almost makes the case for someone to try and negotiate space at rural shows, air shows, maybe the boat show in the UK, and on the side of other genres of model show.
In the case of rural shows, in the UK certainly, there are large corporate sponsors (Usually the farming insurance companies). Air shows also generate a lot of money. It is not unfair to think that these kinds of event could pay.
-
Playing devils advocate here, putting principle aside there is an argument about proportion, my intention is not to belittle other peoples arguments.
A hypothetical question.
If potential exhibitors are spending hundreds of pounds to attend a show, then the cost of table is a small addition (maybe the cost of a couple of beers). If (speculation) that makes the difference in the viability of a show, is that a price worth paying, or should we just let the show fail?
Ask your self this. If the cost of a few hundred pounds table hire is what keeps the show alive,then the show is already in deep money troubles. Getting exhibitors to pay for tables may save them for a year or two . If they dont turn the show around it will die.
john
-
Yes they are But still shouldn't be paid to exhibit!
The economics of taking a model railway to a show are very different to a single boat. A 20ft model railway will normally only have 4-6 operators, the similar space filled with boats would attract how many people, each bringing one boat? Chances are the railway will require van hire. Looking at another hobby and saying "We don't get paid, why should thay" is a just a great way to anoy others. As Colin says, you can't compare the two. The railway guys have to work all weekend operating the models too. As has been said here, many (not all) boat modellers drop the model and clear off only returning to the stand to store purchases and sit down to eat their sandwiches.
I can certainly see logic is dramatically restricting the numbers of free tickets given to any club stand. Coleville suffered badly from the numbers of people who only brought a boat for Saturday. I'd estimate at least a quarter of the models weren't there on Sunday and others have suggested it's higher than that. Perhaps if clubs only had 2-3 people on duty who manned the stand on a rota this would help the finances as well as (IMHO) putting on a better presentation.
-
We attend about fourteen shows every year, ranging from big radio control shows, regional static displays, local events hiring our pond and 'have a go' boats, museum based model shows, to full pyrotechnic displays. Some we contribute to the events costs by hiring extra tables and purchasing extra tickets ( both Yeovilton and Bovington would provide two free tables and five complementary tickets, everything extra you pay for. ), some we attend at our own costs, while some events pay us for either pond hire or pyro costs. Interestingly, we have been offered payment more often by the smaller events, in some cases very small events. Some shows provide all our table needs, while others provide nothing. It seems to be a more complex issue than initially suggested.
As far as show profits go, we may be under the impression that these events are money making juggernauts, but I would not be at all surprised if a small profit (or loss) is the norm for most events, once tent hire, staff costs, risk assessments and insurance costs are taken into consideration. Having spoken to event organisers over the years, I suspect the above is the norm, so it is, without doubt, a two way street. It may be nice to attend to these events, free of charge, but we all have a responsibility to make a show work. so bring your most interesting stuff, smile and engage with the public, keep the coke cans and sandwiches off of your display areas ( I have the photos, don't make me put them up, fellow clubs! ) and make sure you promote the hobby to the best of your ability. ( I would suggest throwing a towel over those members caught sleeping on stands! ).
A question for the oldies, Did we have model boat specific shows back in the seventies and eighties? I can only remember multi discipline shows like Sandown Park and Plumpton.
-
We attend about fourteen shows every year, ranging from big radio control shows, regional static displays, local events hiring our pond and 'have a go' boats, museum based model shows, to full pyrotechnic displays. Some we contribute to the events costs by hiring extra tables and purchasing extra tickets ( both Yeovilton and Bovington would provide two free tables and five complementary tickets, everything extra you pay for. ), some we attend at our own costs, while some events pay us for either pond hire or pyro costs. Interestingly, we have been offered payment more often by the smaller events, in some cases very small events. Some shows provide all our table needs, while others provide nothing. It seems to be a more complex issue than initially suggested.
As far as show profits go, we may be under the impression that these events are money making juggernauts, but I would not be at all surprised if a small profit (or loss) is the norm for most events, once tent hire, staff costs, risk assessments and insurance costs are taken into consideration. Having spoken to event organisers over the years, I suspect the above is the norm, so it is, without doubt, a two way street. It may be nice to attend to these events, free of charge, but we all have a responsibility to make a show work. so bring your most interesting stuff, smile and engage with the public, keep the coke cans and sandwiches off of your display areas ( I have the photos, don't make me put them up, fellow clubs! ) and make sure you promote the hobby to the best of your ability. ( I would suggest throwing a towel over those members caught sleeping on stands! ).
A question for the oldies, Did we have model boat specific shows back in the seventies and eighties? I can only remember multi discipline shows like Sandown Park and Plumpton.
Ramsgate (and I'm not as old as you)
-
i never ever been to haydock, the show always falls on the bank holiday and clashes with Holyhead Lifeboat day, where am i going to take my model lifeboats (2 of them are Holyhead boats) a RNLI lifeboat day or haydock, But maybe another reason is that it is on a bank holiday weekend during the summer holidays, why not try an normal weekend that isn't a bank holiday, you have people going away or they have family and friends visiting on bank holiday so they go out to other places
-
Our display team in the main consists of people who have been doing it for 20 years and over time some are becoming physically unable whilst others have passed away.
Three couples have informed me today that they will no longer be attending events and so the "team" is down to 3 and I doubt I will be able to recruit replacements.
In all probability Colwyn Bay have attended their last show, or other event.
-
About Charging.... At one show there was a £0.50p Yes 50pence %% REFUNDABLE charge for the plastic name badge holders, when you returned the Holder you got your 50p back, 2 Members protested and went home, we were all gobsmacked !!!
-
you do get them lol
-
In my experience (25 years or so) Neither Wargames shows or Military model shows require clubs to pay for tables or pay exhibitors. Some of these shows are large, Trucks and Tracks and Euro Militaire, Salute and Warfare being examples of the larger shows. I am not sure how well the Military modelling shows are doing for footfall, given that one or two have retrenched in the last eight years, but wargames shows are holding their own quite well.
References to excessive use of exhibitors passes and members coming just to poddle off to shop leaving others to man the stands have all been experienced over the years at both types of show, and exhibitors at wargames shows will, like Model railway enthusiasts, have spent much time building a terrain system for only one season of shows.
One thing I have noticed at the model boat shows I have attended, and also seen in magazines, is that no one is getting any younger, and so the issue may be deeper than that of charging for tables. If the number of members able and willing to attend shows is falling, then it stands to reason that those interested and able to attend shows is falling as well.
I helped the Yeovil club (Model Warship Association) put on a display at a Village festival. We were in the village hall with the refreshments run by the scout group, and we had loads of people looking at our display either before during or after their refreshment, so maybe less obvious venues and occasions might encourage footfall.
At the end of the day the catch phrase "If you can't beat them join them" seems to be working for some shows.
-
I have mixed views about clubs having to pay to exhibit - on the one hand it would show commitment and allow planning to take place as once you have paid people tend to attend. On the other hand I quite see why some would feel this is a step in the wrong direction.
Once you start paying, say £5 then there is the inevitable tendency for this to increase to £20 etc which is a slippery slope. Candidly I am quite happy to display if I get free entry and even that's not absolute as I do want the shows to continue.
One thing that I think would be useful, albeit difficult to manage, would be to make some tables available for individuals to display and/or sail on the day(s).
Fundamentally the more models on display the more interest the show should generate and the greater the footfall for the organisers. I do think the multi discipline shows are probably the way forwards as there is greater appeal to a wider audience and I personally quite like to look at, and chat, to modellers in different spheres of the hobby.
Its a very complex situation with multiple different views but I do think we all need to support the shows where we can as otherwise there won't be any.
Cheers
Geoff
-
My view is that a modeller is a modeller and the shows should diversify into all aspects of modelling, such as model trucks ,trains, tanks, planes etc.
The problem with just a model boat show is that its the same people with the same models year on year. All clubs need to add interest and think out of the box to encourage new modellers into the art. If we fail to get on board and create an interest to the younger generation then the shows will be no more and only the club members will see your handy work/skills, which will not help to promote the hobby.
Look at the Dortmund show!
Destroyer42
-
That's fine in Europe. Most UK modellers simply don't like shows that aren't very specifically aimed at the very bit of modelling they are interested in, and vote with their feet.
I've been to a few multi-discipline shows abroad and they are brilliant, but I know I'm very much in the minority.
-
As far as I am concerned NO clubs should pay to display their models,whether they are Boats planes etc.....and lets face it NO club or individual should be asking organisers for ANY form of payment to display their models either Whether they are boats planes trains etc....
It is a Privilege to show off your models and should be treated as so.
And as far as I have any breath in my body there will be NO WAY anyone will pay to show their models off at any show that I am concerned with,let alone payment for expenses
Dave
-
I think Dave is right, charging clubs to display models will simply kill off shows faster than ever. But I have always felt that the number of free tickets should be limited to those manning the stands and giving up their time and that free passes should not be exploited as is sometimes the case.
Shows cost money to put on and charges to traders need to be kept at levels where they can expect to make a small profit at least so the only other source of income is feet through the door and if too many people are getting in for nothing it really does undermine the financial viability of the show and pushes up entry prices which in turn discourages visitors.
It is a fine balancing act and people need to recognise this and act responsibly.
Colin
-
I agree with Colin. Boats on display are a big part of the show and so shouldn't cost the entrant.
However, I have seen many modellers abuse the free tickets. IMHO the last Coalville show suffered especially badly from this with around 1/3 of the boats disappearing on Saturday night. Owners had enjoyed a nice day out but didn't want to come back on Sunday. As far as I am concerned, you put a boat in for the duration and unless you are working on the stand, you only get free entry once. I certainly don't have a problem with shows limiting the number of tickets per stand to just enough to man the thing properly for each day.
No-one is making a fortune from putting on a model show, so ripping off the organisers isn't clever.
-
We have had this happen at many steam rallies that I attend.One particular rally started to charge £5 per table,which most objected to,and never went back.One display used eight tables so he was required to pay £40 for being an attraction and spending eight hours a day behind his display! The alternative was to bring your own tables,which in itself would have been a nightmare for the organiser to lay out with so many varied sizes and heights of tables,and also mean that the tables would take up more room in their transport,so less models could be brought.
However,more the point,for this particular show for me to attend from Cornwall,will be costing me around £500! I don't drive so my wife has to come with me.Because of health problems,we now have to make the journey in two sessions,both ways,stopping roughly half way at a B&B,at a cost of £60.The stay at the Norbreck costs us £320 for four nights,meals included,plus the cost of the almost 700 mile journey in a large van.My wife has never had a free pass in the 10 years we have attended,the only time she comes into the hall is setting up and taking down periods.
So if I for one had to pay to exhibit on top of these costs would not be attending. Without the show,exhibitors would have no where to exhibit,but on the same hand,without the exhibitors,there would be no show.
Mick F.
See you next week on the LBES Display.
-
Beal starting charging clubs and we all know what happen to that show. Gone for ever
John
-
Set a standard number of free tickets per table, so perhaps one free ticket per 6foot of table up to four tables (24linear feet or a good corner display) and then one free ticket per two tables up to 48 linear feet or large open plan display.
The number of trader or exhibitors should have badges to match, perhaps numbered according to a table number so that cheeky free entry by transfer of badge can be stalled. Naturally there has to be a balance between being draconian and being fair to all. Clubs that are long term supporters of a show could reasonably apply for more free tickets if they often get a good turnout of helpers who stay the course and are seen to support their club display and thus the show.
-
Reiterating what I said in a post in this topic in September 2017, far from being charged entry to shows, many of those that we have attended in the past have actually paid our club for our attendance. This payment has never been asked for, but was given in appreciation of our time and effort. We have never been charged to display at any show I have been involved with as a member of our club, indeed all members manning the stand are granted free admission.
I wholeheartedly agree with Dave (Stavros) when he says that no club should ever be charged to display, as without the clubs and models there would be no shows.
Peter.
-
Only if they want to kill the show stone dead.
As has been said before Beale Park was one of THE shows to go to.
Charging for tables and entry killed it stone dead.
Bob
-
Just preparing to attend The South West Model Show at The Tank Museum in Dorset this Sunday. They are providing five free tickets and two free tables. This is fine for a IPMS type group, whose models could be fitted five deep in the average bath! However, we will be bringing RC boats, 1/6 tank and 1/1 Steampunk Robot, plus many other things, also eleven more members. We will be paying for those extra tickets and dividing the cost down amongst the members. also we will be trailering all our own tables there. We are quite happy to do this. We recognise that no organiser can provide a one hat fits all option, and this one works for us just fine, day out, show off your models, see some tanks, nice.
On the subject of paying clubs to attend, I think it depends on what they bring to the party. We charge for pyrotechnic shows, cos they cost money to stage, they also take time to prepare, and we have had to put the H&S legwork in over the years to get it right. However, sometimes we have let it slide or charged a nominal fee, if the event is either small, or working for charity purposes. You have to be grown up about this sort of thing.
Hopefully, gone are the days of the freeloaders putting their 18 inch Yarra tug on the table and buggering off for the day to look round the event, or the times I have seen club tables with the members obscured, intentionally or not, I know not, unable or unwilling to communicate with the public.
Our display layouts very often have the tables jammed up against the walls, putting our members out front, where the public are, able to engage with them one on one on any subject that may come up. Although, as we are all getting on a bit, we have had to start adding an area for collapsing in a heap and dozing off %)
-
Hopefully, gone are the days of the freeloaders putting their 18 inch Yarra tug on the table and buggering off for the day to look round the event, or the times I have seen club tables with the members obscured, intentionally or not, I know not, unable or unwilling to communicate with the public.
Tug? Try single cylinder steam engine. The same one for the last 5 years at least, with a tantrum if the person organising the stand points this out. And no, said member isn't going to sit behind the stand...
-
Hi all, I have made previous contribution as St.Albans model show. The only requirement we ask for is that you as visiting exhibitors help us clear up at the end of the show. This goes down very well and enables us (OAP's) to continue running the exhibition.
A few years ago I had a Meccano exhibitor with two small items on a 6 foot table go off in a storm because he had to go and get his own chair! His Chairman had a few words to say to him! He stayed but no one ever got a 6 foot table again with very little to put on it.
We hire in tables they cost about £4 each for the weekend delivered and collected. This we decided was a bargain compared to when we were at the Marlborough school where we received the least help ever and had to tour the classrooms for tables and then put them back afterwards. Our previous school venue had a lot of tables available as they used the school for shows and make some money for themselves.
regards Roy