Tail End Charlie

Tour of Exhibitions

Text: Jakub Nademlejnský

The spring round of exhibitions is over. We are glad we could meet with you, happy we were able to visit our favorite places again, and we’ll be delighted if we can keep meeting you at these places in the coming years. That’s never guaranteed. Here in the Czech Republic, some of the biggest events (Modelbrno, Nymburk's Kitsaloon, or Pilsenkit), where we used to have a booth, have disappeared. And the events meant to replace them attract nowhere near as many modelers as their predecessors did. We see declining interest year by year, for example, at PanthersCup in Prosek. I cannot praise the Panthers highly enough for organizing it, as they are among few still willing and able to host a major event in the Czech Republic. It’s actually the last large event in Prague, which might seem odd, but when we researched potential venues for this year’s E-day, we discovered that prices for spaces suitable for such an event in and around Prague are so high that organizing it could be financially unsustainable for any modeling club. So we’re thankful that at least events like PanthersCup are still going strong, and we’re always happy to support them with our participation.

Since we want to continue attending major modeling exhibitions, we’ve started traveling abroad. In March, we visited exhibitions in Verona, Italy, and Bytom, Poland, for the second time. Bytom is a traditional competition similar in format to those in the Czech Republic. It turned out to be a great destination and an opportunity to reconnect with our Polish customers, where we hadn't been in years. Verona, however, is a completely different kind of event. It’s primarily a commercial fair for models of airplanes, tanks, ships, trains, as well as costumes, masks, toys, and just about anything one can play with. Modelers from all sorts of clubs across Italy come together there, and we thoroughly enjoy the whole experience with them. I highly praise their friendly attitude and warm hospitality.

In April, we took part in the exhibition in Prostějov and wrapped up the spring program last week in Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary. The “Easter Prostějov“ event keeps getting better every year. This year, the tables were literally packed with beautifully built models. I would like to encourage more modeling companies to come and support the Prostějov club and their excellent organizational work—help turn “Easter Prostějov“ into an even bigger show. This year, the hall was full of visitors, and I believe this event is well on its way to becoming one of the largest in the Czech Republic.

Let me add a few more lines about Moson. It truly deserves it. The organizers have long done a fantastic job, to the point that Moson is now considered a must-attend event for modelers every year. This year, about 2,500 beautifully built models were on display. The organizers developed a sophisticated category and judging system, secured a high-quality judging team, and most importantly, arranged for outstanding facilities in cooperation with the city. Combined with the charm of the spa town, they’ve created a perfect mix that works and attracts visitors from all over the world. Our booth was visited by customers from Taiwan, China, the USA, Latin America, Australia, and all corners of Europe. The only downside is the declining quality of services in the town, which clearly only comes alive during cultural and social events. Otherwise, it seems pretty dead—which, combined with other factors, has led to a sharp rise in prices for accommodation, food, drinks, and even spa admittance, while quality of service has decreased.

So, what’s next for us this year? For now, we’ll rest and recharge. In summer, we’re headed to the IPMS USA Nationals in Virginia Beach. We also plan to attend the Plzeňský Velbloud (Pilsen Camel) for the first time. Later in the year, we’ll once again take part in competitions in Eindhoven, Telford, and visit our Slovak brothers in Nitra and Bratislava. And I almost forgot about E-day! This year, for the first time, it will be at a new venue—in my hometown of Litoměřice, at the prestigeous “Výstaviště Zahrada Čech“, Czech Garden Exhibition Grounds. This place has the potential to offer modelers an experience similar to Moson—or maybe even better. So mark your calendars for October 4th and come to E-day. This year’s event is definitely going to be worth it.