|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
It’s official! The Hot Wheels Newsletter National Convention arrives in Dearborn, Michigan from April 25th to 29th. My issues with the Hot Wheels conventions have been well documented. But, truth be known, I hadn’t actually attended one, since the Nationals in Chicago. So, this past October I attended the Convention, newly moved to Anaheim, and I have some things to say. I’ll start by saying I was wrong. My initial experience in Anaheim was less than pleasant. It had nothing to do with the Convention, however. I was unfortunate enough to pull into valet parking behind someone in a Shelby Series I. The parking attendants surrounded the Shelby and glanced toward my Escalade like it was a second class citizen. Somehow they decided who would park my car. No doubt they had a quick game of rock, scissors and paper. The loser, a lad who looked like he had just lost a case on The People’s Court, did a quick burnout and disappeared into the parking structure with my car. He ran back to the Shelby like a man possessed. I entered the hotel, and the first person I met was Ira Guilford. Ira is one of the treasures of this hobby. Anyone who has spent any time in his company is immeasurably better for having done so. I realized immediately how terrific these events are. The new venue was great. The hallways took some getting used to but the amenities offered as concerns restaurants, gift shops and so on were far and away better than they were in Irvine. This started me thinking about Mike Strauss and his organization. Mike is in a tight spot. He is between a company that, rightfully so, jealously guards its intellectual properties and trademarks, and a fan base that contains a hard core that is opinionated about every move he makes. Let’s look at some of the realities. The collectors owe a debt of gratitude to Mike. His efforts have kept this hobby going. He has done more than anyone to make certain that collectors had a venue to meet and greet each other. Are there occasional problems? You bet there are. But, the idea of actually putting an event of this magnitude on is awe inspiring. The average person would be overwhelmed by coordinating a ten kid birthday bash at Chucky Cheese, let alone something as broad in scope as a Hot Wheels convention. But year in and year out, with no shortage of naysayers and critics, Mike gets it done. The upcoming venue guarantees a good time. Dearborn, Michigan, home of the Ford Museum is visitor friendly. The population is rock solid, hard working, good folks. In short they are very much reflective of the people in the die cast hobby. The convention itself shapes up to be the same great bash it always is. You see Hot Wheels collectors bring their own party wherever they go. Mike Strauss and company provide the venue and amenities and it is always a great time, without exception. Phil Riehlman, Wayne Scott, Larry Wood and many others will be on hand from the design team. This year’s dinner honors Phil Riehlman, the man who made the drag bus one of the most popular vehicles in Hot Wheel history. If you’ve never included the dinner in your convention trip, I highly recommend it. But there is something for everyone at the convention. Auction, bingo, polka, room to room trading, or just hanging out, you name it. By the way, when you are there say “Hi” to Mike Strauss and thank him for his untiring efforts. I’ll start it off right here, “Thanks Mike”. --Al |
||
|
Be sure to visit Al's website at Al Segundo.com |
||
|
Have you missed any Your Take On.... articles? Click Here |
||
