We are only 8 days away from when the public can rush in and enjoy the spectacle that is JoeLanta and the Great Atlanta Toy Convention. Previously I mentioned EJ’s Lobby Swap. Let me tell you about that today.
A JoeLanta tradition dating back well before I was able to attend my first JoeLanta in 2013, EJ’s Lobby Swap is the brainchild of E.J. White, an Atlanta-based kitbasher and customizer and one of the folks who helps make JoeLanta and the Great Atlanta Toy Convention happen.
E. J. thought it would be a good idea, as a bonus for folks who purchase the special attendance packages, to have some time before the show opens for everyone to gather in the lobby at the Marriott Century Center (our gracious host for JoeLanta and the Great Atlanta Toy Convention) to socialize, catch up and trade toys in a relaxed atmosphere. That’s E.J. in the photo at the head of this post next to (L-R) yours truly and JoeLanta and the Great Atlanta Toy Convention’s Marten Jallad.
It’s a load of fun, and for the last few years E.J. has even come up with a cool ultra-limited edition Lobby Swap figure. You can see this year’s below. It’s just one of the cool things that happens at JoeLanta that makes it more than just a toy show.
By the way, E.J. White has been battling some health issues of late, and there is a GoFundMe page set up to help him out. He’s one of the nicest guys in a hobby filled with nice people, and if you’ve met him, you might want to head to this link and give him a hand. He’s certainly done more than his fair share for the hobby.
In past years EJ’s Lobby Swap has happened on Friday, right after early registration for the special package holders. This year they’re going to try it on Thursday, but rumor has it that a spontaneous additional Lobby Swap might happen Friday night, too. Don’t tell anyone. It’s not official. Keep watching PopCult for more of our countdown.
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