We are a small and upcoming RC club located in Middle Georgia.
We are looking to initiate an invitational fly in (date yet to be determined) with no competition events other than possibly airplanes flown in the event for Pilot Choice or People choice awards.
We need sponsor for this event and how to get
Promotional items that we could use as pilot raffle and/or spectator raffle prizes.

Hopefully your club supports the LHS.
If you have sanction for the event you can present the LHS with a copy as well as your flyer and they may be able to come up with some swag for your event.

Events that are labeled "invitational" are generally limited to participants that are specifically invited such as Top Gun and other big name events.

The first step is to pick a date. Check the AMA calander to see all what is going on in the area.

Does your club have a CD? You need a CD to fill out a sanction. This does three things, most sponsors (other than local shops) prefer to support sanctioned events. Second it will generate a free advertisement in the back of the AMA magazine (and their web site) provided you make the 90 day deadline. Third it will ensure that no other clubs in the area can sanction an similar event on that day.

Don't mean to be harsh but it sounds like you and some of your club need to go to a few events and see what's going on. To put on a GOOD event you need a lot of time, help and savy. It doesn't happen in a day.

You might be better off starting with a fun fly that is open to guest. You still need to do all the arrangements with AMA etc.. As far as sponsers go, they can be hard to get much out of in this day and age.

Now after all that, GOOD LUCK !!!! ENJOY !!! RED ( Retired Navy )

Its hard to build a succesful flyin overnight. And you will probably need to make it open at first, then hopefully it will build enough to need to restrict it down the line. I think the smartest thing you can do is next year you and your buddies need to hit every warbird flyin you can. make lots of friends, have a good time and make them want to come to yours . I have heard many times local people going to other warbird flyins because a visiting group was nice enough to show up at the local one.

Get the word out and make friends, thats the key...

I think invitational was the wrong wording.
My thoughts were to have area clubs invited (and open to any AMA member) for a good time fly in.
I was thinking of maybe a $5 landing fee that would include lunch (hot dogs, bbq chicken, hamburgers).
Any other profit from it would maybe get a prize for "people's choice" No competition events but possibly a noon show of the local talent.
I know that this does not happen overnight, I have had the privilege to work on staff at the best events out west to include the
Electric Festival, Gunsmoke, and Jet Ralley held in Mesa AZ. I assisted in all parts i.e. TX impound, parking, security, registration etc.
I am a newcomer to the state of Georgia retiring"from" AZ. I just thought this forum would give ideas on how to obtain small promotional items etc from Manufacturers. Our Local Hobby Shop "Dennis Hobbies" previous owner is the one who donated the field and facilities to fly in and the current owner is a big support.
Thanks again for the input and maybe see you at an event in the Spring.

Contact your local AVP. He can help you thru the hoops. If you don't have a CD in your club he'll find one for you. Dennis