Last week MEARS was exhibiting at the 2008 PCCE conference. It was a new concept attempting to present the hobby in an upscale manner while allowing collectors very close interaction with dealers, auctions houses, and authenticators. Panel discussions were hosted throughout the event and a myriad of subject matter was discussed. Lightly attended at the inaugural event, the promoters stated they remain committed to future events.
The primary focus of MEARS attendance was to promote our new pinback button grading division. The holders had literally arrived at 12:30 AM the night before the event opened to the public. Attendees literally had the opportunity to view the holders hot off the press. To support the launch, professional actor Michael Krebs portrayed Abraham Lincoln. With a strikingly eerie resemblance, Abraham Lincoln was chosen to be our spokesperson as pinback button collection has deep roots in the political hobby and MEARS has the objective to enter that segment of the hobby at the introduction of the new division.
In our quest to improve our research database, fellow exhibitors Andy Madec and Brian Dec offered use of two extraordinary photos. Andy Madec had an excellent image of Lou Gehrig surrounded by a half of dozen Hanna batrite bats. The bat in his hand has a Hanna centerbrand with the Gehrig style knob (model A11). Brian Dec has recently uncovered a previously unseen image of the 1908-08 Pittsburgh Pirates team featuring Honus Wagner. Great details of the jerseys were evident.
Also at the show, MEARS unveiled another new product line, the MEARS Museum Display Collection. Working with Dave Driscoll of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, we designed display cases for bats and jersey, which were 100% in agreement with museum standards. All materials were archival and Dave Driscoll provided the historical context and museum quality graphics on the accompanying storyboards. The new cases were a crowd favorite.
Finally at the show, MEARS completed at corporate show makeover. For this event, the MEARS booth was decorated with 3 new display signs featuring each of our three distinct product lines:
1. Bushing & Kinunen MEARS For Sale
2. MEARS Pinback Button Grading
3. Bushing & Kinunen WANTED to buy
Each division is a unique and separate entity of MEARS and will be promoted as such. Overall, feedback was quite positive about your booth display, the museum collection, and the launch of our new pinback button division.
Sincerely,
Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS