PHOTOS: Airliners International Memphis

crownvic · 07-28-2012, 07:38 PM

photos of show...photo number 7 is the FedEx booth as they were there with everything including Pac Mins...last photo is Mike Chew counting up all his big sales!!

...Met up with Dai Phan..I was very fortunate along with two other Gemini Jets folks to get wined and dined at a very nice steak house courtesy of FedEx and then it was off to get a private tour of the FedEx hub operation at night and it was quite impressive..Also got a chance to visit the Flight Sim ops for FedEx and they gave me 2 hrs to do whatever I wanted in the MD-11 simulator..It was a long night but nevertheless quite fun!!! Attendance at the show was weak...

crownvic · 07-28-2012, 07:47 PM

very official looking in the photo..thats me on the left..but very unofficial and bogus in reality and in real life too...I had my ATP back in the 80's from Embry Riddle but its long expired..

Kitty Hawk 1903 · 07-28-2012, 08:03 PM

Thank you for posting the photos. I went to the Portland event last summer. A couple of things: I think you look like you know what you are doing in the left seat. Did you get photos of the Aeroclassics table? And lastly,what did you purchase?

crownvic · 07-28-2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitty Hawk 1903

Thank you for posting the photos. I went to the Portland event last summer. A couple of things: I think you look like you know what you are doing in the left seat. Did you get photos of the Aeroclassics table? And lastly,what did you purchase?

Andrew was absent from the show..I picked up an International Bahama DC-8 custom Inflight models from Jetsreams USA and some other assorted crap..

CathayPacific · 07-28-2012, 09:55 PM

Interesting, cool to get the Fedex tour, I went to airliners international last year in Portland, pretty good show, but lack of visitors.

crownvic · 07-28-2012, 10:30 PM

I have attended just about every airliners intl show since 1983 as well as assisted in hosting 3...they are now virtually dead...the internet has killed them..the first 2 days are vendors selling to vendors with very little floor traffic, this despite the hard and painstaking labor that goes into organizing it from the show hosts..its the regular vendors who attend the show every year who are the driving force to keep it going and its the only reason it stays a three day show as the last day is the really only decent day for attendance, although lately that has been questionable...Ive seen a major deteriorization in attendance especially in the last 7 years...the excitement and anticipation is just not there anymore..

Dai Phans comments on the other thread are actually a good thing..it was kind of nice not having a million dealers selling the exact same models that are easily available on the internet..It was nice to see alot of memorabilia such as wings, timetables, photos etc etc...its the first show i have ever attended that only 3 dealers selling models were present...

Next years show will be in Cleveland..I wish the promoters well as this will be a tough venue to draw a large crowd too..Ill be there and hope most everyone else will to support the hobby...

jetbluefan · 07-28-2012, 10:48 PM

I want to go to these, but I am still too young to travel alone (No one else in my family is i interested). Give me 2 years though, and I will start attending..

Dai Phan · 07-28-2012, 10:49 PM

Hi Crownvic,

Great to see you again and too bad you didn't bring your warehouse with you as I hoping to do some serious damage to my pocket book! Well I managed to bring home 8 models and I hope to see you next year in Cleveland. DP

Graham Bridges · 07-29-2012, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

photos of show...photo number 7 is the FedEx booth as they were there with everything including Pac Mins...last photo is Mike Chew counting up all his big sales!!

...Met up with Dai Phan..I was very fortunate along with two other Gemini Jets folks to get wined and dined at a very nice steak house courtesy of FedEx and then it was off to get a private tour of the FedEx hub operation at night and it was quite impressive..Also got a chance to visit the Flight Sim ops for FedEx and they gave me 2 hrs to do whatever I wanted in the MD-11 simulator..It was a long night but nevertheless quite fun!!! Attendance at the show was weak...

Thanks for posting pics Russ. Photo 1: NW connie, never seen that before, I'm guessing mahogany from Philippines ? There is a big Doug there with no stand, any clues to that one ? Also the small grey connie. And liked the look of the CV880 in house colours, what was the tag on that one too.

The other end of the table (photo 4). Is that a collection of TWA Riffes ? And is the connie from Riffe ? Again, if you remember, what kind of money on that stuf please. Ebay is the only place we see Riffe over this side of the pond.

Maybe only 3 dealers selling models but looks like big tables to me with loads of interesting models.

As for low attendance, again I'm guessing, but many collectors probably cannot justify the travelling costs in the current environment. Forums is where the "meet & chat" I think. A real shame because meeting in person, discovering the personality behind the mask is one of the great spin offs from the hobby. However different in Uk because we are a small island eh ? Over here a show at Heathrow or Gatwick has 33% (maybe more) of the country's population within a 200 mile radius. Some collectors won't travel to a venue if takes more than an hour ! Depends on one's enthusiasm I guess.

Saving your dimes for the next Gatwick I hope !

Battery_H · 07-29-2012, 09:15 AM

Well, this was my first AI, but I do have a bit of experience in other forms of collectables, both from the collector and dealer viewpoint. I wouldn't be so quick to claim that the internet has been the sole cause of the reduction in shows, rather I'd be more apt to look at the sluggish economy over the past decade. Travel costs are up, and disposable income is down - don't expect more travelers in this kind of climate. Dealers selling to dealers is going to be the climate when travellers are down, and the day falls in the work week. Saturday attendance is going to depend on many factors, most of the completely out of control of the organization team.

That being said, I think it a good thing that there was a range of products for sale. By offering more than just models (*gasp* the blasphemy), you widen the possiblity that someone off the streets may get interested in aviation. From there, the possibilities open up widely.

Of what I saw, the most disppointing thing to me was the lack of enterants in some categories of the model displays. The high quality of the work on display was evident, and I wonder if that works to discourage new builders. Perhaps a opportunity to demonstrate and share skills - that might also work to get kids in the door (with their parents as well)?

Connie Lover · 07-29-2012, 10:21 AM

Thank you for posting pictures and your observations. Since my wife did not want to drive 16 hours with me( to bring my stuff to sell), I could not justify the expense just on myself. I guess there are several reasons the conventions are not like they used to be. In the 1980's, I attended nearly every year. In the 1990's and after I only attended a handful of times- mostly because I could not get the time off from work. I have not given up on them however. I intend to have tables at Cleveland. Collectors in this forum should also consider getting even one or sharing a display table. For example, it allows early access, it gives the collector an opportunity to sell his spares or unwanted models, selling helps defray the cost of traveling and attending the convention. Because of the short traveling time, I sell every year at Newark. Although I don't generally sell models there, I do see several vendors selling them. I hope not just the Newark show is well attended but all the shows thrive and grow.

jetbluefan · 07-29-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Lover

Because of the short traveling time, I sell every year at Newark. Although I don't generally sell models there, I do see several vendors selling them. I hope not just the Newark show is well attended but all the shows thrive and grow.

Well, I will be in Newark this year!

crownvic · 07-29-2012, 11:15 AM

Memphis airfares are insane too! that also contributed to a lower turnout Im sure...

crownvic · 07-29-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham Bridges

Thanks for posting pics Russ. Photo 1: NW connie, never seen that before, I'm guessing mahogany from Philippines ? There is a big Doug there with no stand, any clues to that one ? Also the small grey connie. And liked the look of the CV880 in house colours, what was the tag on that one too.

The other end of the table (photo 4). Is that a collection of TWA Riffes ? And is the connie from Riffe ? Again, if you remember, what kind of money on that stuf please. Ebay is the only place we see Riffe over this side of the pond.

Maybe only 3 dealers selling models but looks like big tables to me with loads of interesting models.

As for low attendance, again I'm guessing, but many collectors probably cannot justify the travelling costs in the current environment. Forums is where the "meet & chat" I think. A real shame because meeting in person, discovering the personality behind the mask is one of the great spin offs from the hobby. However different in Uk because we are a small island eh ? Over here a show at Heathrow or Gatwick has 33% (maybe more) of the country's population within a 200 mile radius. Some collectors won't travel to a venue if takes more than an hour ! Depends on one's enthusiasm I guess.

Saving your dimes for the next Gatwick I hope !

Sorry Graham no idea on the prices of the TWA planes, I may have a source who can find out if you need to know...As for the Heaqthrow and Gatwick shows they are the best in the world for any airline enthusiast especially the Gatwick show...The brits have the airline collectable market sewed up!!!

flaps · 07-29-2012, 01:54 PM

The pics are fun to see. I think the people that run these things need to re-think where they have them these days. Cleveland -- give me a break.

If you want succesful shows in this day and age, you need to stick to areas where there are already tons of people, Las Vegas would be the perfect place, tons of people always in town, a few million who live there and states close, like CA and AZ where people can drive to the show in just a few hours.

States that might work would be CA, NY, NJ? and for sure Las Vegas.

Lots of guys would have no issue getting there significant other to come to Vegas for a weekend, and tap the show while in town. With some sort of advertising you would get tons of tourist, huge international base of potential fans customers whatever you wanna call em.

Lots of dealers to do the show from various close by states. I think show organisers need to make sure they have more than 3 dealers, give me a break, probably and issue getting dealers to a show in Memphis or Cleveland, probably not in Vegas. Also make sure you cut dealios for dealers to stay somewhere if they need to spend the nights somewhere, deals can be found so easily if you look / work a little.

Hey I dont know for sure, but I think this would work.

Flaps

ExMEMDL · 07-29-2012, 05:41 PM

This was my first AI but not my first show as I have been to shows in both ATL and DFW. Since I live less than an hour away from MEM, I was excited to get the opportunity to make a quick trip to "the big one". My work schedule didn't allow for me to enjoy the whole AI experience, so I hung my hopes on a good vendor show. Unfortunately, like some of the others, I was disappointed. While I did pick up a couple of models and a couple of shirts, I was hoping to have more to chose from. In my mind, the last DFW show was actually better and offered more choices of various types of merchandise. While I didn't care for the last ATL show I attended (2010), it too, offered a little more than this show. On a positive note, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised to see the turnout from FedEx. Anytime a company store shows up, you can bet that quality merchandise will be sold.

I was surprised and also disappointed with the model show. I was surprised because I thought a one-day ticket didn't allow for admission to the model show. When I heard the announcement that everyone was invited, I was really excited. For years, I have seen pictures of hundreds of model airplanes in one room and was looking forward to that experience. Needless to say, the low number of entries left me disappointed.

All in all, when I first heard of AI, I thought that MEM would be a great spot to hold a convention. MEM, over the years, has always held their own when it comes to commercial aviation and the city fathers are trying to make more improvements to the aviation structure here in MEM. I do hope that all of the tours, etc. that were offered are enough of an enticement to keep MEM on the radar for future conventions. Hopefully, this years convention only mirrors the nation's economy, not the city of Memphis.

Dai Phan · 07-29-2012, 09:21 PM

Greetings,

I think if there was more space allowed for the show room, then may be AIM will have ended up with more vendors. According to the AIM web, all tables were occupied so I made the trip with eager anticipation. But in 40 minutes or less, I was pretty much done. For someone who lives far away that has to drive/fly and stay at hotel (expect 75.00-130.00 a night in Memphis), then the cost of the trip does not justify for the reward. There were not enough vendors to make the event exciting due to limited space. The ad of being the "world's largest" event simply did not live up to its name. I believe in the future, they should drop the "world's largest" ad all together. In all, I enjoyed the event but felt it should have been hosted in a larger place. DP

shandaken · 07-29-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownvic

Memphis airfares are insane too! that also contributed to a lower turnout Im sure...

DAL wanted $803 for MSP-MEM. I flew to LIT from MSP and paid only $275. The road trip down I-40 added to the fun. LIT is one hell-hole. 102F with matching humidity yesterday.

shandaken · 07-29-2012, 10:27 PM

Here's a pic of Jetstream's table and owner.

Connie Lover · 07-30-2012, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flaps

The pics are fun to see. I think the people that run these things need to re-think where they have them these days. Cleveland -- give me a break.

If you want succesful shows in this day and age, you need to stick to areas where there are already tons of people, Las Vegas would be the perfect place, tons of people always in town, a few million who live there and states close, like CA and AZ where people can drive to the show in just a few hours.

States that might work would be CA, NY, NJ? and for sure Las Vegas.

Lots of dealers to do the show from various close by states. I think show organisers need to make sure they have more than 3 dealers, give me a break, probably and issue getting dealers to a show in Memphis or Cleveland, probably not in Vegas.

Flaps

Cleveland, because of its location, is probably less expensive to travel to and easier to get to from Europe. As an attraction the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame is located there. Las Vegas, New York, or cites on either coast would be preferred by many people perhaps. However, in whatever location there has to be people willing to work to put on the convention. As far as selling goes, a model dealer would have to factor in his expenses, which are certainly more than selling on line, when selling at a show. Generally model dealers are selling the same products so they have to price competitively. That may explain the lack of model dealers at Memphis.

Battery_H · 07-30-2012, 10:32 AM

I can understand the appeal of holding a show in places like LAS, I was involved in a discussion this weekend over what some of the requirements are. The outcome of this discussion surprised me - like many of you I would have thought that a "tourist" destination would be prime (truth be told, I would have loved to have one in MSY), but the other factors can weigh heavily against it. Having spent 2 years in Vegas, and being responsible for a couple of events while out there, I think I can speak to the conditions there.

1) Travel Accessability. The city under consideration must be accessable from the air both domestically and internationally - this almost always means either a hub city or a focus city of a major airline. This is perhaps the prime reason that "destination cities" seem feasable.

2) Food/Lodging Accessability & Cost. Not only do you need hotels close by, but you need the hotels to be reasonable in cost. This is where places like LAS fail - yes, the rooms are cheap during the week, but weekend rates at hotels on the strip climb quite a bit, and don't expect a discount for staying multiple nights, even in this economy. And folks, the days of the $5 steak/lobster buffet are long gone from Las Vegas - a breakfast buffet can cost you $15-25/person, dinner buffets run up around $40. If you're looking for a nice meal, be prepared to drop $150-200. And, you'd better be prepared to do everything in the hotel you're staying in, because if you've never walked from one to another, let me assure you - the distance is greater than it seems, espically in a 120 degree August.

3) Convention Space Accessability & Cost. Places like Las Vegas have a large amount of convention space because it's a popular convention town, but the space isn't cheap. The hidden costs and fees at any hotel/convention center are legion - from submitting your layout plan to the Clark County Fire Department for approval (don't ask me about those crooks), to how many folks are going to access the food court in the convetion center (be sure to make the $2,500 daily minimum, or your group picks up the difference.) Floor space is at a premium in a destination city, because, well, it's a destination city. The cost for a banquet room (not including catering) at a hotel in Summerlin (well off of the Strip) for a single night ran several thousand dollars.

4) Other Airline Activities. It would seem to me that AI sets itself apart from just the "trade show" by including other activities - all which require facilities at the local airport. Maintenance tours require a large maintenance base. Ramp tours may be possible, but are less likely the more busy an airport is. Likewise an ATC tour - if they're landing 50 planes an hour, don't expect to get in to the tower with many people. LAS doesn't fare well in this category (and sadly, neither does MSY).

So, what CAN be done to boost attendance and vendors? Well, I'm going to be giving things some thoughts, and hopefully sharing those with some of the folks setting up the Cleveland show. Whatever help I can offer, they can have.

arctic9048 · 07-30-2012, 11:11 AM

An expensive city isn't always the key but a city that isn't Memphis would have helped. Nashville is a much, much nicer city than Memphis. City leadership thinks Memphis is cool because of Elvis. Well, maybe it's just me, but Elvis has been dead longer than I've been alive. Plus, the area around Graceland is a complete disaster. I remember at the new tower dedication, the mayor started talking about how Memphis was an Aerotropolis and a model for the world.

I don't know what the model for the world is but I would hope that they are not aiming for a high school graduation rate that doesn't hover around 60%, not having a high violent crime rate, not having a median income well below average, and not having suburbs that have property values fall drastically as soon as someone hears word that their school systems might merge.

I won't be taking time off to go to Cleveland. I wouldn't have taken off to go to Memphis. Charleston, Savannah, or somewhere that offers something to do besides a show...sure.

Connie Lover · 07-30-2012, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battery_H

I can understand the appeal of holding a show in places like LAS, I was involved in a discussion this weekend over what some of the requirements are. The outcome of this discussion surprised me - like many of you I would have thought that a "tourist" destination would be prime (truth be told, I would have loved to have one in MSY), but the other factors can weigh heavily against it. Having spent 2 years in Vegas, and being responsible for a couple of events while out there, I think I can speak to the conditions there.

1) Travel Accessability. The city under consideration must be accessable from the air both domestically and internationally - this almost always means either a hub city or a focus city of a major airline. This is perhaps the prime reason that "destination cities" seem feasable.

2) Food/Lodging Accessability & Cost. Not only do you need hotels close by, but you need the hotels to be reasonable in cost. This is where places like LAS fail - yes, the rooms are cheap during the week, but weekend rates at hotels on the strip climb quite a bit, and don't expect a discount for staying multiple nights, even in this economy. And folks, the days of the $5 steak/lobster buffet are long gone from Las Vegas - a breakfast buffet can cost you $15-25/person, dinner buffets run up around $40. If you're looking for a nice meal, be prepared to drop $150-200. And, you'd better be prepared to do everything in the hotel you're staying in, because if you've never walked from one to another, let me assure you - the distance is greater than it seems, espically in a 120 degree August.

3) Convention Space Accessability & Cost. Places like Las Vegas have a large amount of convention space because it's a popular convention town, but the space isn't cheap. The hidden costs and fees at any hotel/convention center are legion - from submitting your layout plan to the Clark County Fire Department for approval (don't ask me about those crooks), to how many folks are going to access the food court in the convetion center (be sure to make the $2,500 daily minimum, or your group picks up the difference.) Floor space is at a premium in a destination city, because, well, it's a destination city. The cost for a banquet room (not including catering) at a hotel in Summerlin (well off of the Strip) for a single night ran several thousand dollars.

4) Other Airline Activities. It would seem to me that AI sets itself apart from just the "trade show" by including other activities - all which require facilities at the local airport. Maintenance tours require a large maintenance base. Ramp tours may be possible, but are less likely the more busy an airport is. Likewise an ATC tour - if they're landing 50 planes an hour, don't expect to get in to the tower with many people. LAS doesn't fare well in this category (and sadly, neither does MSY).

So, what CAN be done to boost attendance and vendors? Well, I'm going to be giving things some thoughts, and hopefully sharing those with some of the folks setting up the Cleveland show. Whatever help I can offer, they can have.

Thank you for your insights about putting on a successful airline convention.

Connie Lover · 07-30-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arctic9048

An expensive city isn't always the key but a city that isn't Memphis would have helped. Nashville is a much, much nicer city than Memphis. City leadership thinks Memphis is cool because of Elvis. Well, maybe it's just me, but Elvis has been dead longer than I've been alive. Plus, the area around Graceland is a complete disaster. I remember at the new tower dedication, the mayor started talking about how Memphis was an Aerotropolis and a model for the world.

I don't know what the model for the world is but I would hope that they are not aiming for a high school graduation rate that doesn't hover around 60%, not having a high violent crime rate, not having a median income well below average, and not having suburbs that have property values fall drastically as soon as someone hears word that their school systems might merge.

I won't be taking time off to go to Cleveland. I wouldn't have taken off to go to Memphis. Charleston, Savannah, or somewhere that offers something to do besides a show...sure.

Personally, it does not matter that much to me where the convention is held. I would go to the convention for the convention only. If there is stuff to do in that city, great! If not, I do not mind because my purpose for being there is to attend the convention. I lived in New York all my life but I was a little nervous walking back from Don Pepe's Restaurant in Newark in 2010 when the convention was held in the downtown area. Anywhere one goes there is the potential for danger. Memphis may be dangerous in some parts but it also has a great music scene. There are lots of clubs, and great food too. True, I was not at the convention but a friend of mine and his wife went to Memphis recently and they had a ball! They are in their seventies! I learned something that I will repeat here. Whether it is a person, a place, or a thing: Whatever you are looking for you will find. If you are looking for the good, you will find it. If you are looking for the bad, you will find that also. I wish you well!

Battery_H · 07-30-2012, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Lover

Thank you for your insights about putting on a successful airline convention.

Just my $.02. Anyone who wants to give Vegas a shot is welcome to try.

JeffinMass · 07-30-2012, 08:14 PM

I attended the MEM show this year and left with one 1/200, seven 1/400 diecasts and three books. The hotel and it's people were exceptionally hospitable. The local BBQ restaurants were over the top with delicious food . The airside tour was informative, however, I had wished that we were able to "get out" and photograph on the FedEx
flightline. That was amazing none the less !!! The fares in to MEM are rarely discounted. I ended up paying a wopping $352 for my airfare. Next year in Cleveland should be no lower either. I only hope that the 2013 WAHS organizers will come
up with something that we won't be able to refuse.
All in all Andrew did a superb job.

Jeff

jcahea · 07-30-2012, 10:07 PM

The one in NJ a couple of year ago was aweful. Best AI was either Dallas or Orlando in recent years. DC was okay. I find the regular SF, LA, and Newark shows to be just as good as some of the AI's if you are not going for the added tours, banquet, and cocktail party.

jcahea · 07-30-2012, 10:08 PM

Nice picture of Don selling his blemished stock.

Steven De Lisser · 08-01-2012, 01:17 AM

Two things killed the Airplane Collectible Shows, the internet and the terrible events of September 11.

Increased security meant fewer ramp tours (and sometimes none at all), which was a major draw for photographers and enthusiasts both locally and around the world. Also, non US citizens are not allowed in US control towers.

As a Canadian, an inexpensive trip to New York, Miami or Chicago for a few days will cost me between $750-$1000. The alternative is to simply stay home, order models online and travel where and when it suits me.

Organizers of these events are also to blame because this trend has been obvious for a long time and yet they have continued using the same formula while hoping for a different outcome.

Steven De Lisser

Dai Phan · 08-01-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcahea

Nice picture of Don selling his blemished stock.

I am curious. Why do you say that? DP

shandaken · 08-01-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dai Phan

I am curious. Why do you say that? DP

Dunno, perhaps bitterness in general.

jcahea · 08-01-2012, 10:26 PM

Don will usually bring some new releases/new stock, but alot of what is on his table is usually returns that have minor blemishes that he sells at a reduced price. Good way to get a great deal on a plane that has a minor blemish that is acceptable to some.

No not bitterness. I know Don, so I am just having a little fun.

Charles757 · 08-02-2012, 12:35 PM

Hello all! Great suggestions. It would be nice to continue the shows, nothing wrong with chatting about models, classic models and decals with fellow collectors. I dind't go this year, because like many, I'm financially tight at the moment. However, as one who has always entered the model contest since 2008 do see only a few models and I can understand the complications of security, baggage problems and other things. I do bring as much as I can stuffing models in a box in baggage. However, I had too also borrow someone's super glue to repair the models I brought last year ot the show in Portland, Oregon. When I was in Orlando for the show in 2009, I purposely brought a whole table load of models just to allow people something to look at, regardless of if the models needed some work only because I was able to drive there. I've seen pictures of past shows from the '90s and early 2000s and have seen there were tables full of built models. I always look for just that one hasegawa kit and a Wooster models 757 and some 1/200 decals. one regional show I used to like going to when airfares are dirt cheap is the one in Newark.

Charles

AlphaBravo · 08-25-2012, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the show photos, Crownvic. I am very sorry to have missed it. Would like to attend one someday.

Does anyone have photos from the FedEx hub, ramp or mx hangar tours to share? Would love to see them!

Fleetlordatvar · 09-23-2012, 10:51 PM

what is a ramp tour?

JeffinMass · 09-24-2012, 08:46 AM

It should actually be called an "airside" tour. A bus took us behind the scenes through the FedEx aircraft area, past the C5-A Tennessee National Guard and we were able to get off to photograph Delta's bank departing.