Happy Matchbox Monday…
The countdown is on for the MC International Gathering of Friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This will be my fifth, and it is definitely one of the best diecast events of the year. Mattel has adopted it as their Matchbox event for the year, and always comes prepared to preview what is coming up in the current year, as well as the direction for the next.
This year will be especially interesting, as many collectors are curious to see the direction of the brand after this direction change in 2012. Plus, 2013 is the 60th anniversary of Matchbox, and Mattel keeps hinting at something that collectors are going to love. We should get an idea at the Gathering.
We will be there and plan on reporting on all of it, and of course show a ton of pics, so make sure to visit often.
Just this weekend, the show’s organizer, Jim Gallegos, released the schedule:
Route 66 MC International Gathering of Friends Convention Calendar of Events
Friday 20, July 2012
2pm – 5pm Registration in Lobby “Get together and begin in Room Trading. (Door Hangers and room trading participant info available upon registration.)
8pm -9:30pm –Meet and Greet – (Beverages and cake) Sponsored by the Matchbox® Team. Come meet the Matchbox® Team from El Segundo. Bring your favorite die cast related item to share with others.
Bring your favorite Diecast/or related item to share with others.
7pm – ??? In room trading–Be sure to sign up at the registration table in the lobby. (Room numbers available by elevator.)
Saturday 21, July 2012
10am-noon Registration in the Lobby.
10am – 4pm and 9pm-12am In room trading– (Room numbers available by elevator.)
Workshops All take place in Sandia Ball Rooms
11am-2pm Custom Contest viewing (Come vote on your favorites)
10 am – 11am Regular Wheels “The Rare Ones & Pre Productions” Hardy Ristau
11am-12:30pm ‘My Life at Matchbox’ “PART 4” Former Matchbox Employee Paul Carr shares his 16 years at Lesney and Matchbox, the people, the pre-pros.
1:30 pm– 2:30pm – Matchbox® Designer Presentation
The Matchbox team will share the “Matchbox® Car Design Process”
Pre-Paid Reservations are required to attend the dinner and/or auction
5pm – 7pm Dinner Sandia Ball Room
•Mattel Presentation (Like a mini Line Preview) See what’s coming.
7pm – 9pm Auction
9pm – on In Room Trading. (see participant list by main elevators)
Sunday 22, July 2012
8am-3pm Outstanding Real Classic and Custom Car show east parking lot
Visit the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Fire Trucks East parking lot.
8am – 10am Set up for Toy Show and Sale Early Bird Admission – Grand Ball Room
(9am Early Bird floor rights $10 per person) – Grand Ball Room
10am-3pm Matchbox® Play Area open – Grand Ball Room
2 Autograph session Matchbox Designers and Marketing Representatives will be signing your favorite Matchbox items. 2 sessions.
10am-11am
12-1pm
10am – 3pm Toy Show and Sale. (Admission $3 under 10 free w/adult)
Downhill Racing throughout the day.
MATCHBOX and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from Mattel, Inc. © 2012 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This convention is not affiliated with Mattel, Inc.
Where's the location in Albuquerque? Ready to book my room, just not sure where!
Maybe for the years to come, a permanent Gathering of Friends website can be established; where all the pertinent information can be found without digging through multiple posts on multiple blogs!
I remember seeing the hotel information somewhere, just cannot seem to find the post again.. Marriott I believe.
Thanks in advance!
-Charlie
Charlie it is at the Downtown Marriott on Louisiana Boulevard. Did you sign up for the dinner?