Conventions 3/3/08

Other pages with convention information:

The Matchbox Collectors Community Hall 3/7/01
http://www.mboxcommunity.com/ and
Convention and Meeting Notices 3/7/01
http://www.mboxcommunity.com/cgi-local/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID12&conf=DCConfID6

on this page: convention information

Details added as available - if it is not on this page I do not have the answer, so contact the persons listed for each convention
I know, some information is out of date. I generally leave the out of date convention information posted until the next year's information is available as the new information is frequently similar
Matchbox Community Hall 7/1/07
Matchbox-USA 3/3/08
M.I.C.A. European 12/28/02
M.I.C.A. UK 7/13/07
Australian convention 2/16/04
Auckland diecast models, collectors fair, and swapmeet 7/1/07
Midwest Matchbox 8/6/02
Matchbox Toys/Mattel No Hershey Show in 2006. [From the MB Forum e-mail news] 2/26/06 The revitalized Hershey show in will be Labor Day week-end, August 31-September 2 , 2007. [MB USA newsletter, August 2007] 8/30/07
Mattel Hot Wheels 8/31/98 show discontinued
toy shows & others' lists 6/9/04

5th Annual Route 66 MCCH International Gathering of Friends Convention 7/1/07

Come meet the Mattel Marketing and Design team. Room trading, racing, auction, dinner, and toy show. July 20, 21 and 22, 2007, Albuquerque, NM, Marriott, 2101 Louisiana Blvd. Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Show 7/22 10-3) (T85) (I-40 & Louisiana Blvd.). "Largest display of rare and unusual die cast ever in the state." Contact Jim Gallegos for more information, E-mail diecastshow@mboxcommunity.com or call (505) 892-8848 (Jim). [Jim Gallegos, From the MB Forum e-mail news] 3/1/06 7/1/07 [most information below is from prior years]

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
When: July 20-22, 2007
Time:
Show 10am - 3pm, Grand Ballroom
Vendor Set up: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Early bird rights 8:30am $10 per person
Covered Table Rental: (6’ X 30”) $35
Show Information / Registration forms: available online http://www.mboxcommunity.com/show/2007GatheringShow.pdf
Admission: $3 over 10 yrs; Early Bird Admission: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (US $10.00)
Hotel:
Albuquerque Marriott
2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Reservations 505-881-6800 or 800-228-9290
[it appears the Marriott is sold out but Jim indicated that he will try to help those looking for accomocation on the Matchbox Collectors Community Hall forum] 7/15/07
Show Model: "There will be special VERY Limited Edition Show Special Matchbox and Hot Wheel vehicles available. (Less than 125 pieces of each will be available) These will sell out!"
Auction: 7:00 -9:00 p.m. following dinner in Pecos Ballroom. Auction Preview: Noon-5:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 -7:00 p.m., Pecos Ballroom, Pre register only. Deadline for pre-paid dinner registration is July 14. Call 505-892-8848. limited reservations.
In-Room Trading: Friday 8:30am until ???; Saturday 10:00am until ???
Downhill Racing: Main Ballroom throughout the day Sunday [TBD Saturday]
Code 1 Toy Show models (1 of 1000), Dinner Model (1 of 150) and Dealer Model (1 of 1000)
Mattel Presentation: John Coyne, Louise Ocasion, Felix Holst & Michael Heralda and 1 other Mattel Rep TBA
Email diecastshow@mboxcommunity.com or
call 505-892-8848 (Jim Gallegos)

Matchbox-USA 4/25/07

"The 27th Annual Matchbox USA Convention & Toy Show will be held in the same location as last year... Durham Fairgrounds, Rt. 17, Durham, CT. Convention Sat. Night June 7th, 2008. Toy Show Sunday June 8th 9AM-2PM with dealer setup on the 7th 12 noon to 5PM. More details to follow!!!" 3/3/08

Grant Chapman at Mattel announced the decision to deny support for an east coast toy show in 2007. [MB Forum e-mail] 3/3/07 "The brand wants to support as many conventions as humanly possible. Unfortunately, for 2007, there are no funds left in the budget to afford any support for any convention above and beyond the New Mexico convention. This decision is not meant as a slight, or abandoning of our East Coast supporters, or a personal decision. It is the most unfortunate of decisions, a business one. 2008 is an entirely different story. Our plan is to offer support to both an East and West Coast convention, and equally support them: financially/personnel attendance/collector cars/ etc." [MB Forum e-mail] 3/7/07

Charlie Mack & Matchbox USA on line at http://www.CharlieMackOnline.com/ 7/19/01

dealer info & regular updates: http://www.CharlieMackOnline.com/
date: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, June 6-7-8, 2008
place: Commercial Exhibits Building, Main Street, Durham, Connecticut
hotel: none in Durham, located about 6 to 10 miles away 2/16/06
- Fairfield Inn at the Marriott
  exit 15 off I-91, Rt. 68, Wallingford
  telephone (203) 284-0001
- Courtyard at the Marriott
  exit 15 off I-91, Rt. 68
  telephone (203) 284-0247
- Sheraton Inn
  off Research Parkway, Meriden
  telephone (203) 238-2380
rates: $TBA +12% tax
check-in after TBA; check out is TBA. make reservations by May 31, 2008
show: Sunday, June 8, 2008, 9:00am to 2:00pm Gen adm $5; children under 12 free; 7am adm $__
Pre-show set-up Dealer set-up Noon to 5:00pm Saturday, June 7, 2008, and 7:00am Sunday, June 8, 2008; non-dealers/collectors $5 admission during dealer set-up.
dinner model: TBA
other models: TBA
dinner: Limited to 100 [2007]. 5:30pm Saturday, June 7, 2008, evening. $35/person, children $10. Includes door prizes and model.
show models: TBA
sales tax registration: Contact Charlie who has license registration forms. There is a one time $50 fee [information from prior years].
show table: 8 foot tables: $65 [2008], only 60 available [2006]; contact Charlie Mack for information (860) 349-1655, FAX (860) 349-3256
In-room trading TBA
Auction: TBA
return convention reservations by May 31, 2008 ,
- with the following information:
  names of member & guest
- to:
  Matchbox-USA
  62 Saw Mill Rd
  Durham, CT 06422
  mtchbox@aol.com
http://www.charliemackonline.com for dealer info & regular updates
road race: TBA
Directions 2/16/06
- to convention from: I-91 South - take exit 15 and turn left (for hotels turn right and then the motels are both right at the exit across from each other)
- to convention from: I-91 North - take exit 15 and turn right (for hotels turn left and then the motels are both right at the exit across from each other)
  - You are now at Rt. 68
  - follow Rt. 68 past all lights and approximately 1 mile to a STOP SIGN
  - turn LEFT and follow past the QUARRY and RAILROAD TRACKS
  - then continue on approximately 5-7 miles to the end of Rt. 17 where there is a LIGHT
  - turn RIGHT onto Main Street / Rt. 17 and follow approximately 1/2 mile to the FAIRGROUNDS on the right
  - follow signs and entry road to Commercial Exhibit Building
- Museum Directions: follow the same route to the STOP SIGN
  - take a LEFT and follow the road past the QUARRY and RAILROAD TRACKS
  - follow the road for approximately 2-3 miles
  - count 3 immediate right hand turns and take the THIRD RIGHT on OLD WALLINGTON RD.
  - follow Old Wallington 1/4 mile to a STOP SIGN
  - take a RIGHT and follow the road 1 mile to a 4-way intersection and stop sign
  - go STRAIGHT onto SAW MILL ROAD
  - follow 1/4 mile to #62 Saw Mill Road on the left, a brown house with detached garage

M.I.C.A. 11th European Convention 5/29/03

per Kevin McGimpsey e-mail dated 5/28/03 "as you will read in [MICA Newsletter] 19#1 the 11th Euro Convention has been cancelled" 5/29/03 [information from vol. 6 No. 18, April/May 2003 MICA newsletter] Emphasis is on Matchbox Collectible Ranges, including Dinky , Yesteryears, & other Matchbox ranges.

MICA news page: http://www.matchboxclub.com/news.htm [2000 convention]
date: Saturday, October 4, 2003 5/25/03
place: Dortmund, Germany
directions: [TBA]
hotel: [TBA]
- telephone [TBA]
- FAX [TBA]
rates: [TBA]
booking form must be returned to obtain subsidized rate
language [per 2001 will be a mixture of Dutch, English & German with plenty of hand signs. An interpreter will be on duty throughout the weekend.]
show: [The Toy Show takes place at the same hotel ?]
organized by [TBA]
Full details from:
- MICA UK
  13A Lower Bridge Street
  Chester, CH1, IRS
  M. Quayle
  <mo@matchboxclub.com>
  - 01244 346297
  - FAX 01244 340437
    or
- Mishel Kreidiet [2001]
  Postbus 350
  1115 SH Suivendrecht
  Holland
  - telephone 020 6957568 after 6:00 pm

M.I.C.A. 23rd UK Convention 9/16/07

MICA convention page http://www.matchboxclub.com/acatalog/kk.html 9/16/07
date: Saturday 15th March 2008
place: Stratford Upon Avon, Staffordshire , England
guest of honor: [TBA]
double ticket £68; [£36 single] includes: Saturday day activities; talks; free models; dinner & evening's auction & programme, reaffles & the Sunday show
Hotel:
Holiday Inn in Stratford Upon Avon, Staffordshire
Tel: 00 44 (0) 870 2254 701
FAX: 00 44 (0) 1789 298703
e-mail: events.histrafford@gmh-hotels.com
"This 4 Star hotel conveniently situated by the river and in the centre of this beautiful Shakespearean city has all the modern amenities expected by conventioneers such as swimming pool and leisure club, tea making facilities, hairdryer, satellite television etc. The hotel has a car park and this is complimentary to conventioneers, subject to availability. The usual £5 daily charge has been waived; this is a great gesture by the Holiday Inn."
rate: weekend rates £44 per person based on two sharing a room. This rate includes a full breakfast. So once again great value especially if you can make a long weekend of it! The normal rate varies between £120 and £160 per room. For single occupancy the room rate is £70.
Please reserve your bedroom (s) by contacting 00 44 (0) 870 2254 701 (Fax# 00 44 (0) 1789 298703) Ask for In House Reservations and quote MATCHBOX -23, by 15 March 2008 OR
e-mail: events.histrafford@gmh-hotels.com and quote MATCHBOX -23, by 15 March 2008
Return your completed booking form to MICA as soon as you can - if received prior to 1st October 2007 you will be eligible for a free Model of Yesteryear or Dinky so long as you attend the Convention Dinner - checks / credit cards will be charged on [TBD]. " By returning this form, fully completed to arrive at the Club no later than 1st October 2007, and attending the convention dinner, you and your guests will receive a free model... please tick your preferences on the booking form. These Code 2 models due to their restricted numbers and 'lack of distribution' are both rare and valuable. In past years these models sell the next day on Ebay etc for monies in excess of £60!!!"
Credit cards will be charged on 1st February 2008
cancellation policy:
February 28 - 75% refund;
March 1 - March 12 - 30% refun;
after April 12 - NONE
2008 Booking form
If you require special facilities please ask. If you intend trading from your bedroom, then please ask the receptionist to allocate you a room on the same floor as other traders. Conventioneers will pay for their own rooms at the time of checking out. [prior press release information]
If you intend exhibiting your Matchbox collection or trading from your room, please denote this on your MICA Convention booking form & MICA will try to keep you on the same floor. [prior press release information]
Ring MICA if there is a problem or for details
01 244 346297, or
FAX 01 244 340437
local attractions: The town centre is just a 5 minute walk away... great shops and tourist attractions.
dinner: Saturday - a choice of main courses on the booking form, question on booking form if vegetarian meals or special dietary requirements. [prior press release information]
convention model: [TBA] those registering by October 1, 2007, will receive a Code 2 model
golf tournament: Friday there will be a game of golf for the annual MICA Golf trophy
organizer [TBA]
stalls Potential stallholders are asked to ring [TBA]. Please quote 'MICA Convention' when booking your table(s). [prior press release information]
admission charge payable to [TBA], which is independent of MICA.
in room trading is anticipated starting late Friday afternoon. [prior press release information]
schedule: There will be an interesting programme on Matchbox on the Saturday afternoon and an evening auction
Full details from: MICA UK
13A Lower Bridge Street
Chester, CH1, IRS
M. Quayle <mo@matchboxclub.com>
- 01244 346297
- FAX 01244 340437

7th Australian Convention 4/26/99 2/16/04

[information from vol. 5 No. 19, February/March 2004 MICA newsletter]

date: Saturday, March 27, 2004
venue: Novatel Brighton Beach, Sydney, Australia
convention ticket: $100/person
auction/dinner: [no information]
convention model: [no information]
convention gift set: [no information]
swapmeet/in room trading: [no information]
contact for convention kit: (hotel brochure:, booking form, details)
Elaine Winkworth
MICA Australia
P.O. Box 26
Winston Hills
NSW 2153
Australia
telephone: (02) 8824 8570 2/16/04
FAX: (02) 8824 8579 2/16/04

Auckland diecast models, collectors fair, & swapmeet 7/1/07
[MICA "new" web site classified ads]

date:Saturday 6th October 2007, 11.00 am till 3.00 pm
venue: Akoranga, Y.M.C.A. Hall, Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand
convention ticket: adults $5.00.
This will be New Zealand's biggest swapmeet-collectors fair for diecast models and old toys etc enq.
contact: Graeme A Humphrey (64) (9) 480 9117
email: graemeh@infogen.net.nz

Midwest Matchbox Convention 8/6/02

[information from Midwest Diecast Miniatures web site]

http://www.mdcmonline.com/ 7/5/00
http://www.mdcmonline.com/mrmc.html 7/5/00
for more information on the convention & hotel reservations, visit [Midwest Matchbox]
contact:
Tom Sarlitto
335 E. Geneva Rd., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
(630) 681-2101
e-mail: jstmtchbx@aol.com
date: Fri., Sat., & Sun., October 4,5,6, 2002
place: Carol Stream, Illinois
hotel:
Carol Stream Holiday Inn
Gary Ave. and North Ave.
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
- rates: $79.00 Standard Room/$99.00 2 Room Suite, per night
- Phone Reservations: 800-800-6509
- You Must Mention Midwest Regional Matchbox Convention
show: Sunday October 6, 2002, 8:00AM - 2:00PM
admission:
tables: $20.00 before $30.00 after 9/1/02 per 8 foot table
Sponsors: Illinois Matchbox Club, Midwest Diecast Miniatures & Matchbox USA. Other clubs invited to participate.
Convention Promoters: Mike & Tom Sarlitto, Midwest Die-Cast Miniatures
in room trading:
Dinner:
Convention Schedule of Events: [preliminary]
- Friday October 4th:
  - 3pm-9pm - Registration
  - 3pm-Whenever - In Room Trading
- Saturday October 5th:
  - 8am-11am - Registration
  - 8:00am-Whenever - In Room Trading
  - 9am-4pm - Silent Auction - winners announced between 5pm and 6pm. 100 plus auction lots will be displayed, hourly door prizes. All convention attendees will receive an auction number at registration.
  - 1pm - Day at the Races - Bring your best & fastest Modified & Stock Matchbox & compete for a trophy & prizes. (this event time is tentative)
  - 7pm - Matchbox Meeting Reception. guest speakers, question & answer session, Illinois Matchbox Club mini meeting, FREE Matchbox giveaways & door prizes, special desert treats, coffee,tea &cash bar.
- Sunday October 6th:
  - 8am-2pm - Sunday Toy Show - vendors setup with an array of diecast models & a special area for Matchbox Clubs
Convention Tickets $20.00 before & $25.00 after 9/1/02
Checks and Money Orders ONLY will be Accepted
Please include the name of each attendee, address & telephone number with your payment to:
Midwest Diecast Miniatures
335 E. Geneva Rd.
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
convention registration: jstmtchbx@aol.com

Matchbox Toys/Mattel Annual Mattel International Matchbox Toy Show 2/26/06

The revitalized Hershey show in will be Labor Day week-end, August 31-September 2 , 2007. [MB USA newsletter, August 2007] 8/30/07

The Hershey Toy Show for 2006 is a victim of the corporate-wide budget cuts ... There will be No Hershey Show in 2006. [From the MB Forum e-mail news] 2/26/06
"With Hershey still up in the air on a decision, [the Matchbox USA convention] could be the only ease coast convention to attend [in 2006]." [information from Charlie's editorial page in the Matchbox USA Newsletter December, 2005] 1/18/06
"The date is looking at being sometime in September this year, although a location has not been secured." [MICA newsletter February-March 2006] 2/13/06
3/16/05 [John Yanouzas, Matchbox Forum e-mail]

date: Saturday July 9, 2005, 9:00am-5:00om, & Sunday July 10, 2005, 9:00am-12:00pm
place:
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
West Chocolate Avenue & University Drive
Hershey PA 17033-0446
(717) 533-3311
hotel: none specified
dinner: none announced
show: Saturday July 9, 2005, 9:00am-5:00om, & Sunday July 10, 2005, 9:00am-12:00pm
admission: free
model: 2 special toy show models for sale dedicated to the 2005 Hershey Toy Show, the Plymouth Cuda in purple with white interior and chrome base and “MATCHBOX TOY SHOW/ July 9th & 10th, 2005/HERSHEY, PA” tampo, and to introduce the comeback of Super Kings a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 in lime green and yellow interior and gray base ”MATCHBOX TOY SHOW/ July 9th & 10th, 2005/HERSHEY, PA” tampo. The dinner model will be a Superfast model, a London Taxi in black, beige interior and chrome base with the Union Jack on the roof. The tampo reads: “MATCHBOX TOY SHOW/ July 9th & 10th, 2005/HERSHEY, PA”. The Jeep Hurricane will be just an additional vehicle for purchase (not a toy show model). [model description updated from MB Forum e-newsletter July-august 2005] 8/3/05
contact:
Pascale Gervais
Freeman Public Relations
973-470-0400 ext 20
pgervais@freemanpr.com

Toy Shows:

others' lists of shows:

Matchbox Forum news page [page down] 3/6/01
http://www.charliemackonline.com/ 12/23/01
Bay Area Matchbox Collectors' meeting & California toy show list 6/2/99
http://www.bamca.org/calendar.html
Mr. Bill's toy show list 3/13/98 9/10/98
http://www.collectible-info.com/shows/index.htm
Current Schedule of Toy Fairs and Swap Meets in the UK 3/7/01
http://www.diecast-collector.com/swapmeet.htm

shows:

John Yanouzas of Matchbox Forum will turn his Hamption Barn Meet into the Willmantic Toy Show for October 28, 2007. [MB USA newsletter, August 2007] 8/30/07
Illinois Matchbox Club meeting & swap meet