Imagine being able to wander through over 600 booths of collectibles as you visit with hundreds of companies showing off their newest lines. Last year over 15,000 collectors did just that and this year will be more of the same.

The International Collectible Exposition is now celebrating 26 years at the Rosemont Convention Center, just a few minutes from O'Hare Airport in Chicago. It's a virtual a who's who in the collectible world with companies from Alexander Doll Company to Waterford Crystal represented.

Why do so many people visit this show when they cannot even buy from the companies exhibiting? Well, a few of the reasons are the artist signings, a preview of the new lines and a chance to buy a special edition event piece from one of four manufacturers.

The show opens up earlier in the week for the retailers and on Friday night lines start to form as many collectors camp out for the 9 AM opening to the public on Saturday morning.

Kristin Peterson of Krause Publications told us that there are over 185 different companies represented this year with over 600 booths for their different lines. Saturday morning can be spent browsing at the different exhibits or in line at one of the artist signings. Then if you are in the market for a special older piece, the Swap n' Sell Market opens up at noon on Saturday with over 200 vendors selling secondary-only pieces.

Peterson mentioned that each person attending can purchase up to two of each special piece. But be sure to get in line early for the ones you are interested in.

The event pieces are:

Note: The International Collectible Exposition is no longer produced, but this page has left up for future information on the show and event pieces that were available.