This week, two encouraging announcements from Illinois offer good news for collectors planning for the Great American Stamp Show from August 12-15, 2021, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The American Philatelic Society, American Topical Association, and American First Day Cover Society sponsor the show.
On May 4, the Stephens Convention Center announced it would reopen to events in July 2021. The Convention Center has 30 planned events in 2021, including GASS in August. The Center is going through accreditation by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) before July. GBAC is considered the gold standard in the industry, and GBAC accreditation is awarded to facilities that have established certain cleaning and disinfecting protocols that highly trained professionals carry out.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Illinois would enter its “Bridge Phase” beginning May 14. The Bridge Phase lifts group size restrictions and other requirements, paving the way for large group events. According to the reopening plan, Illinois could enter Phase 5 as early as June 11 - lifting virtually all restrictions. Facemask requirements will still be in place in Illinois following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
“We know the past year has been a challenge to the hobby, but we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Scott English, APS Executive Director
“We know the past year has been a challenge to the hobby, but we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Scott English, APS Executive Director, “The Convention Center has committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone attending. I believe this show is just what the hobby needs right now; let’s make it one to remember!”
The APS has established benchmarks of 75 dealers, 25 societies, and 500 exhibit frames by May 15. As of now, only the dealer registration is below the established benchmarks. The APS Board of Directors is meeting on Tuesday, May 18, to review the progress of the show.
The APS provides regular updates on the GASS homepage.
Dealers interested in participating in GASS: Chicago 2021 can get registration information here.
Please be sure to pre-register here.
Hotels are filling up; see what is available here.