MR Express

International iHobby Expo sets attendance record

The show featured many new model train and other hobby products
Published: Monday, November 02, 2009
The 25th Anniversary edition of iHobby Expo broke the all-time record for consumer attendance during the weekend of October 24 and 25. Total attendance for the public days was 20,606 with 10% more adults, 50% more seniors, and 75% more children attending the model hobby extravaganza this year over 2008. Saturday's attendance of 12,058 was the highest one day consumer day in the show's history. The two day trade and two day public event was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.

The trade portion of the four day event, held from October 22 to 24, drew 4,982 total exhibitor and buyer attendees with 1,727 verified buyer attendees from 980 retail stores/distributorships. This compares to 1,784
retailer/distributor personnel representing 1,002 stores and distributorships who attended in 2008. 254 exhibitors (79 new to the show) took 609 booths, close to 61,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Check out the Model Railroader 2009 iHobby Expo report.

User Comments

BRIAN HUNTER from CALIFORNIA said:
That's amazing! Seems this hobby is growing, perhaps the nostalgia hobbies in general are? I know I'm coming back to it after a 7-year hiatus, and the amount of new products and layouts is mind-blowing!! Count on me for another subscription :)
Submitted: Friday, November 06, 2009 1:00 PM