As the associate producer of HotWheelsCollector.com, Chris Parker barely has time to get out to lunch every day, let alone make it to an event half way across the country. Two weeks ago, Chris was given a break just long enough to attend the Hotlanta Collector Experience in Atlanta, Georgia. Here’s Chris’s day-by-day account of four days (and nights) of collector mania!

Arrival – Wednesday, June 10
Dang, this place is hot! Seriously. It’s muggy, and I’m sweaty. Good thing everything takes place in an air-conditioned hotel.

Day 1 - Thursday, June 11
Okay, first things first… I went through the registration process, which was a piece of cake. Then it was time to take a walk around and talk to the collectors. I met a ton of cool people! Later, I attended the RAOK party and watched the people hand out the different cars they made for each other. It was cool to see all that collector love. Oh, and I ate some really good food.

Day 2 - Friday, June 12
On Friday, I attended the opening ceremony, then went around to the rooms to say hello to everyone. Afterwards, I went to a discussion with Michael Zarnock about what items are worth. Michael spoke, then there was a great conversation amongst everyone there. I asked people what matters to them… was it limited runs, the castings, the RLC™ price-point items (Spectraflame®, Real Riders®), etc.? As expected, answers were all across the board. Mostly, people said they just collect what they like.

I also went to an autograph session that all the guests participated in – a total blast. After that, we all went up to the suite for the VIP party that was broadcast over the web.

Day 3 – Saturday, June 13
I was honored to be one of the judges of the custom car show. It wasn’t easy -- there were so many awesome entries. I did a lot of walking through the rooms on Saturday, too; just trying to talk to as many people as I could.

The Die-cast Hall of Fame winners were announced at the Legends Dinner that night, and Hot Wheels® guide authors Bob Parker and Mike Zarnock made it already! Congratulations, gentlemen!

Day 4 – Sunday, June 14
On Sunday, there was a toy show downstairs. I checked it out for a bit, then sadly, it was time to go. As I was leaving, I shook everyone’s hand and gave out a Parker-style WOOHOO! for Hot Wheels® before I left.

All in all, Hotlanta was everything I expected and more. Collectors rock and it was a killer time. I just hope they let me out for more shows!

Photos provided by Loretta Parker