The second largest convention for G.I. Joe collectors, next to the Official G.I. Joe Collectors Convention, is “Joe” –Lanta. Lots of tables, lots of friends, lots of toys, and tons of excitement is what every toy show should have. This one covers all of those as dealers and collectors unite for a good time. This is my report on the convention itself and my experience of it.
It all started with a conversation with the organizer of the event Buddy Finethy. Stagefrightz asked him if he minded us coming down to get footage for the G.I. Joe Documentary. After a few email exchanges Buddy helped us out in any and every way shape or form. Buddy had us our own conference room. We collected a great deal of footage to help us out in our quest to make the documentary. I personally want to thank Buddy and his staff for all their help and everything they did for us.
Stagefrightz did not arrive till Saturday but however Joe-lanta kicks things off starting on Friday night. From 8p.m. – 10p.m. on Friday they are at the hotel by having room to room trading. This is always a great thing as fellow collectors get a great chance to intermingle with each other. The social integration is a huge part of all conventions and a most important part for most collectors.
Most of the stuff kicks off Saturday with a huge dealer room with both 12 and 3 3/4 th dealers. Items are not strictly limited to Joes as other things are available. After the day progressed and the doors closed for the day we were all treated to a great meal. After being stuffed with some delicious food, the group was then rewarded with the special event exclusive to Joe-lanta, the Joe Film Festival. A great event in which we were treated to some great short films that use action figures as the main stars, few other films shot real life action but with Joe esq. themes. Sunday started with a doors opening once again. The showroom doors open and the crowd once again fills in the rooms trying to strike up deals or conversations.
During Saturday and Sunday there were also seminars, in which there was a variety of topics covered. Army building, Dio-rama buildings, and the new IRON JOE game were some of the seminars and events planned. There was a Convention Exclusive for 12 inch figures this year. Picture of it is below.
There was not a 3 ¾ exclusive this year. However, next year there should be something for all 3 ¾ Joe collectors. The goal is to get a bigger overall Joe following to Joe-lanta. The best thing to do if you have any questions to contact Buddy himself at joebud01@aol.com, I know for a fact he will answer each and every email.
Also this is a reminder about the Documentary. Please be a part of YOUR movie, and send me a video tape of yourself talking about what Joe and Joe collecting means to you. Please also take some footage of your collection. Thank you ahead of time, and contact me at Skarapz@gmail.com for contact details.
I hope to see any and all people at next years Joe-Lanta and look for news about next years exclusives. For more information about the convention, please visit Joe-lanta.com.
Joe-Lanta images |
pics by Ryan "Skarapz" Boutier |
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