Collector's Festival 2001 Launches at Chicago's Navy Pier
Four-day event offers activities for both dealers and collectors
Edited by Matthew Kalash -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 6/1/2001
The inaugural Collector's Festival, produced by VNU Expositions and endorsed by the Collectibles and Giftmakers' Guild (CGG) and Gift Creations Concepts (GCC), will take place at Chicago's Navy Pier, June 14–17. The first two show days are specifically for collectibles dealers, with June 14 reserved for GCC retailers only, and June 15 open to all retailers. Collectors are invited to participate during the last two days of the show. Highlights will include the Harry Potter Pavilion, showcasing licensees from the books by J.K. Rowling. There will be a full schedule of events for dealers, including panel discussions and networking mixers.
Collector's Festival 2001 will also offer special events for collectors, like the Meet the Artists Cocktail party and autograph sessions with artists and celebrities. In addition, The Show Shoppe will offer a fundraising program for charities, June 16–17. The Pin Program features Olympic-style promotional pins created by exhibitors; $3 from the sale of each pin goes to Gallery 37, a program for youth.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Ceremony. Friday, June 15, 8 a.m. Keynote speaker Ron Jedinski, president of Roman Inc.
Collector's Festival Celebration. Friday, June 15, 6:30 p.m, Navy Pier ballroom. Buffet, bar, and entertainment. Collector Editions 2001 Awards of Excellence nominees will be announced. $35, in advance.
Meet the Artists cocktail party. Saturday, June 16, 5 p.m. $10.
Harry Potter Look-Alike Contest. Saturday, June 16. Two categories: 12 and under; and fans over 12. The top winner in each category will receive a $1,000 savings bond; runners-up receive $500 and $250 bonds.
Evaluation Day. Sunday, June 17, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Appraisals by a experts led by Gary Sohmers of PBS' "The Antiques Road Show." $5 per appraisal; two-piece maximum. A portion of the proceeds goes to Gallery 37.
BUYER AMENITIES
Travel packages, including rooms at The Hyatt Regency Chicago. Call (800) 421-4511.
Shuttle buses will run regularly between the Hyatt and the Navy Pier.
SHOW INFO
Hours: June 14, GCC only, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; June 15, all retailers, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; June 16–17, public, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Call: (800) 950-1314, ext. 2262
