March 2004 - On July 3rd and July 4th, fans of America's first action figure will celebrate the nation's birthday and the G.I. JOE's brand's 40th birthday at the 2004 Hasbro International G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention in Orlando. The eighth annual summer gathering is co-sponsored by Hasbro and the G.I. JOE Collectors' Club and will take place at Walt Disney World Resort. This year's theme, "40 Years of Adventure" commemorates the role that G.I. JOE has played in providing kids with adventures for the mind and spirit since 1964.
Key highlights of the convention include: a special display of historical G.I. JOE figures over the 40 years; special seminars on G.I. JOE art, comic books, and action figures hosted by members of the G.I. JOE design and marketing teams from all four decades; and a huge campaign rally to get G.I. JOE inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Convention-goers can preview the new 2004 G.I. JOE line, attend collecting seminars, and browse through the sales area filled with G.I. JOE brand merchandise. The schedule also includes diorama-building and photography contests, with more than $1,800 in prizes available. There will also be a "play pit" full of G.I. JOEs for kids to enjoy and all attendees under age 12 will get a free G.I. JOE figure. The convention will culminate with a special 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner at Epcot on Sunday evening for registered guests.
This year's convention, expected to be the largest ever, is open to the public on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m (early bird admission is also available for an extra charge). For additional information or to receive a registration packet, call (817) 448-9863 or visit www.gijoeclub.com.
WHAT: EIGHTH ANNUAL G.I JOE COLLECTORS' CONVENTION; G.I. JOE'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
WHERE: DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT*
4600 North World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830
*All General Admission activities are in the Fantasia Ballroom.
WHEN: SATURDAY, JULY 3 AND SUNDAY, JULY 4
General Admission: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
COST: General Admission: $9 for adults and $5 for children (under 5, FREE)
Free Parking (mention "G.I. JOE Convention" at main gate).
Paid admission to the Walt Disney World theme parks is not required.
INFORMATION: (817) 448-9863; www.gijoeclub.com
