2009 G.I. JOE Convention

The G.I. JOE Collectors Club and Hasbro, owners of the G.I. JOE franchise, invite Kansas City area residents — young and old — to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the world’s first action figure at the 2009 International G.I. JOE Collectors’ Convention at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center on Aug. 15 and 16.
   
The convention will open with a spectacular 42-story parachute drop of more than 300 12-inch G.I. JOE figures with working parachutes, outside the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. Fans and spectators alike are invited to watch the figures as they parachute to the ground from more than 500 feet.

This year’s convention will also feature special guests, including some of the original G.I. JOE vs. COBRA creators, industry guests, artists and, of course, the Hasbro G.I. JOE design team. Additionally, the first 100 children 12 years old and younger through the doors on Saturday morning will be given a free Snake Eyes Role Play Set.

In 1964, Hasbro introduced the world’s first-ever action figure, G.I. JOE to the masses. In the 45 years since, G.I. JOE has undergone a number of reinventions and re-imaginings. Beginning with the 1960s classic "America’s Movable Fighting Man," continuing with the 1970s Adventure Team, then on to the wildly popular G.I. JOE vs. COBRA in the 1980s, and now the current line of G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra movie figures and vehicles, G.I. JOE has always remained current and relevant to kids of all ages.


CONVENTION

WHAT:   
International G.I. JOE Collectors’ Convention; diorama contests; thousands of vintage action figures on display and for sale; meet toy designers; seminars; panels; convention exclusive figures and more than $1,000 in prizes available.

WHEN:   
Saturday, August 15 –10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 16 – 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:       
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
2345 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO (816) 421-1234

COST:            
Adults: $12; Children 5-12: $8; Children 4 and under: Free!

ADDITIONAL INFO:   
http:// www.GiJoeCon.com OR (817) 448-9863

 

PARACHUTE DROP

WHEN:                
Friday, August 14th at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Behind the Hyatt Regency Crown Center
2345 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO (816) 421-1234
Drop will be on Gilham Road between hotel and Children’s Mercy Hospital   
   
COST:
Free!