Lots of things effect a successful event. Big or small. Sometimes the really big ones are not as much fun as a smaller well run event.
Getting people to want to return the 2nd time is what is important. Having more than one member doing all the work helps a lot too.
Obviously a nice place to fly at is important. Lots of open space. Paved runways are cool. But I find that people tend to fly a bit higher over asphalt than grass.
So don't think you need a
paved runway to have a great event. Grass leaves stains, Asphalt usually requires repairs. Think about it.
Safety is important, but too many rules will run people off. Most people flying at 3D events are usually pretty good pilots and are able to keep control of their planes.
If you have important site rules make them known to everyone, early in the show so everyone understands them. An over zealous safety director that has never experienced a 3D event and
doesn't really understand AMA rules can ruin a show pretty quickly. If you see someone flying that is way beyond their piloting skills, and a danger to others, then kindly ground them and ask them to spectate.
Heli's and EDF foamy jets will take the fun out of a 3D event pretty quickly. Either give the heli's a spot to fly at or give them some time of their own the main flight line. Or ask them to not fly when the bigger planes are in the air. But send the EDF foamy guys somewhere else. Nothing scares a 3D large scale pilot more than having something zipping thru the sky that they cant see. If you have FOG members that want to see your show fail? Call their wife's and tell em to keep em at home. If they do show up, give them a job like parking cars and emptying the trash cans.
If a kid shows up at the flight line with a 3D foamy plane, give them spare batteries so they can keep flying. If you have a PA system, encourage them.
Good food is always a plus. Its never any fun to have to leave and go get something to eat. Most of these guys will eat anything, so
always having something edible is a plus. Pilot meals on Saturday nights are always fun. People really like raffles too. Which help the club to make money. So spend some time contacting RC companies and ask for donations.
Keep the landing fees to a minimum. Don't try to make money on the landing fees, just cover your costs of feeding them.
You want people flying at your event. Kids and Women should be FREE.
Tying your event to a theme like Toys for Tots, Diabetes research, breast cancer awareness will bring in spectators. Seriously, try it. Communities will get involved. Always a good thing.
If your going to have night flying(advisable), rent 1 or 2 light towers. If you don't have power in the pits, buy some extra gas for the light towers and let people plug into them during
the day to charge stuff. Or have a good generator on site. 30 small Gens running all the time is no fun for anyone.
If your going to have a rule like no gas planes after 10:00pm, then let the gas guys have the air until 10:00.
FWIW, Bowling Green Kentucky has one of the nicest RC fields we have ever been too. Some members also really know how to flip burgers.
Allow people to sell stuff. Keep any fees to vendors at a bare minimum, or free. Make it worthwhile for them. Nothing like being able to purchase a prop or something cause you need one.
You should invite Fred from Higher planes to attend your show. Free advertising.
If you can allow people to camp, big or small, let them.
Provide a list of good hotels in the area to help people plan their trips.
A good Google address to put in the GPS helps too.
Nice clean porta johns are a must. If yours have been crapped in for the last 10 years, rent a couple new ones.
If you don't have running water, set up something so people can wash their hands. Always a plus.
If you can get some of the plane vendors to come, be nice to them.
Not usually a lot of takers in games like hover bowling. A few will but most wont risk their planes. Most just want to fly and enjoy the day. Not a big deal either way.
Let people have fun, feed them well. Make it a family environment.
And be nice to them.
Oh Brownies are way cool too.
