While a collectors convention of all things diecast can be awesome, it’s likely most collectors have a particular scale or brand of marque they collect. That’s what makes the more narrowly focused conventions great for many collectors.
The Matchbox Gathering, an annual convention celebrating all things Matchbox, is easily the biggest in the world for that particular brand. Collectors of this brand are passionate about their hobby, of course, but Matchbox isn’t quite as targeted with the COLLECTOR aspect of diecast. Sure, there are limited models, and lots of historical quirks to collect, but they seem to attract a more sedate type of fanatic if that makes sense).
This convention meets every summer for three days in Albuquerque, New Mexico for buying, selling, trading, and camaraderie. (By the way, summer in New Mexico is a dry heat, so it’s all good!). It’s big enough to make the travel worthwhile but small enough to feel chill and low-pressure compared to some of the mega-conventions.
The 22nd annual International Matchbox Gathering of Friends Convention will take place Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28, in Albuquerque as usual. It should be a great time for everyone from the most serious collector to the casual fan. That kind of atmosphere makes the Matchbox Gathering the 2024 Diecast Event of the Year for the Model Car Hall of Fame.
The Model Car Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, on January 30, 2025. Thanks to everyone at Spielwarenmesse for having us as a part of their event.
