The 24th Annual Chicago iHobby Expo was held October 16-19, 2008 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The show was open to trade representatives only on the 16th and 17th and open to all on the 18th and 19th. There was over 60,000 square feet of model train layouts, scenery and miniatures in addition to hundreds of displays of diecast model cars, collectibles, slot cars and tracks, tools, educational games, and videos. I was struck by the wide diversity of new technology on display as manufacturers from all over the world exhibited the latest and greatest available to the contemporary hobbyist. Computer hardware and software seems to be in use more and more these days and it wasn’t uncommon to see interactive displays in several booths down each aisle with numerous eager hobbyists waiting their turn in line.
The show included 18 diecast-related exhibitors from well-known industry stalwarts like Highway 61 Diecast Promotions (booth pictured) and Minichamps USA to industry newcomers unveiling what they hope will be the next big thing in the hobby. Diecast enthusiasts were delighted and overwhelmingly pleased with the brand new Collector’s Issue of The Diecast Magazine, which boasts a waterproof, nylon-coated, glossy cover and pages filled with the most stunning photo spreads of diecast cars, trucks, construction equipment and planes you’ve ever seen! Widely available in all Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and Borders Bookstores on November 1, the first issue is a limited edition that will surely be an instant collectible!
Also in attendance was a small group from The Diecast Pub who enjoyed a fun-filled evening on Thursday at a local hotel. Members reported positive, optimistic discussions despite the current state of the hobby, with patience and an effort to attract new collectors to the hobby as topics of conversation. Mike DeTorrice, a long-time well-respected Pubber commented: “The hobby will find it’s footing and grow because I have confidence the people I met yesterday will MAKE it grow and will spread the word (and great products) about that will draw in young and old(er) fans and collectors. Cars and car replicas are fun and interesting and a part of a great history and a part of the present and future, too!” Another Pubber named Rich (aka just4fun) reported: “Despite the lack of new tools, everyone seemed upbeat, even the vendors at the show. Conversation was positive and I absorbed alot of what everyone had to offer. I think it’s time for all of us to come a little closer together.” And Tim, founder and owner of Diecast Pub states: “As far as the DCP is concerned, we have such an opportunity to be a part of making sure that the hobby of little cars lives on with younger collectors when we are gone. Each generation will bring new things that we need to keep open minds in regards to. One thing we all need to remember is that our hobby is constantly evolving and in order for it to continue and grow we need to have open minds in regards to new products and scales both at the retail level and on the internet… As collectors there are many choices we can make in regards to our involvement within this hobby. Two of them are being just active or being proactive.”
What the next year brings for the diecast hobby and industry remain to be seen. Are more bleak days ahead, with industry giants like Ertl finally losing the battle to the weak economy and commodities markets, or have we bottomed out and 2009 will bring better times with more releases and better value to the collector? We’ll have to wait to find out but you can bet that the 2008 Chicago iHobby Exhibit was good for the hobby and you’re encouraged to get involved in the future and consider attending the 2009 show!
