AMA purchased the rights to what was called the International Model Show (IMS) that was held in Psadena, CA for as long as I can remember. The IMS was started by Bill Northrup and as time went by his health got to the point that he was thinking of ending the show. AMA bought the right about 6 or 7 years ago. They continued with the show in Pasadena for a couple of years and used the IMS name for a couple as well.

The show was moved to Ontario, CA about 4 or 5 years ago a renamed the AMA Convention. That name was changed to AMA Expo this year. The show was kept out here in the west since it was a traditional location and because of the number of AMA members on the west coast who will never be able to go to Toledo or the WRAM show in New York.

It had nothing to do with nasty AMA scoundrels wanting to misuse our hard earned dues dollars to finance a lavish trip to the west coast in the dead of winter. AMA always sent people out to the IMS and now actually runs the show, which generates revenue and gives vendors a show outlet on the west coast.

Sorry to burst the conspiracy theory folks, but there it is.