iHobby Expo 2010

Despite a very challenging economy and significant softening in the retail sector, 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. .

In addition to the action-packed show floor featuring many opportunities to see hobby products in action (including the Traxxas Dirt Track, Empire Hobby Flying Cage, Biq Squid Race Track, MRC’s Slot Car Track, Chicagoland Hobby’s Pinewood Derby Track, and Thunder Tech’s Monster Truck Track), attendees experienced the third Phoenix Cup competition of professional airplane flyers where nationally ranked pilots from across the U.S. competed for cash and prizes in the various flying competitions held on Saturday and Sunday. The Mecha Mayhem Robotics Battle Zone, Truck Pulling Track and Rock Crawler Events were all smash hits. The Chicago Area Robotics Group (Chibots) also returned to the Expo this year to hold their “Fall Chibotica Contest” – interactive robot competitions featuring national and regional competitors and a robotic seminar for consumers. Youngsters enjoyed the Thomas the Tank Engine Kiddie Train Ride and a Legoland play area.