On Friday, September 28, 2007, more than 300 G.I. JOE figures -- all with working parachutes -- "jumped" from the top of one of the world's tallest atrium at the astounding hotel in downtown Atlanta, GA, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, and sailed 47 stories (nearly 500 feet) to the lobby below as hundreds of G.I. JOE enthusiasts witnessed the incredible spectacle.
The amazing aerial stunt marked the official opening of the 14th annual Hasbro International G.I. JOE Collector's Convention, hosted by the G.I. JOE Collector's Club, Hasbro, Inc. and Atlanta Marriott Marquis. For three days, thousands of G.I. JOE fans met at this downtown Atlanta hotel to participate in events and activities that celebrated the brand's nearly 45-year history with a special emphasis on the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA storyline.
Twenty five years ago Hasbro introduced kids to the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga with a line of 3 3/4-inch scale action figures -- quickly becoming one of the most memorable toy lines of the 1980s -- and a comic book series, followed by the cartoon series the year after. Since then, G.I. JOE vs. COBRA has inspired more than 500 fully articulated and fully poseable action figures.
This year's convention goers had the opportunity to interact with special guest wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, as he became an honorary member of the COBRA forces. Attendees were also able to purchase an exclusive, limited-edition "Rowdy" Roddy Piper 3 3/4-inch scale action figure. Piper, winner of more than 38 professional wrestling titles and more than 7,000 professional matches, also participated in panels and signed autographs on Saturday during the convention.
"This convention allowed G.I. JOE fans around the world the opportunity to come together at a state-of-the-art Atlanta convention center hotel and revel in their passion for one of the most well-known toy lines ever created, and this year's parachute jump turned out to be an amazing feat," said Chris Anderson, director of sales and marketing for the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
Hasbro officials inaugurated the G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention in 1994 to bring collectors, fans and the G.I. JOE team together to share in the history of the brand. The annual event attracts thousands of people for G.I. JOE-related presentations and activities, along with buying, selling and trading rare and vintage G.I. JOE action figures. This year's convention occurred just a few weeks after Paramount Pictures announced their plans to release a full-length G.I. JOE feature film in 2009.
The Atlanta Marriott Marquis not only made this event possible, but a great success; from the G.I. JOE "launch" to providing action-figure enthusiasts with exclusive downtown Atlanta accommodations. Everyone agrees that the Marriott and G.I. JOE make a mighty combination.
About Atlanta Marriott Marquis:
Rediscover the sophisticated Atlanta Marriott Marquis, a destination downtown Atlanta hotel conveniently located in Peachtree Center, offering an indoor connection to MARTA and a short 15 minute ride to Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. This contemporary Atlanta, GA hotel is steps from the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and few blocks from CNN Center, Georgia World Congress Center, Philips Arena, and Georgia Dome. The breathtaking atrium is marked by the 50-foot color changing sail of Pulse, a classically cool cocktail lounge and the new iconic symbol of this downtown Atlanta, Georgia hotel. Take pleasure in freshly renovated guestrooms, including 1663 luxurious rooms and 94 spacious suites, boasting lavish conveniences and amazing skyline views. Delight in Sear, a new signature restaurant offering fire-inspired cuisine, or enjoy the lively ambiance of High Velocity, a trendy sports bar. Experience the electrifying transformation of the unrivaled Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Atlanta, GA. For more information or to make a reservation call 404-521-0000 or visit the Atlanta Marriott Marquis official website at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlmq-atlanta-marriott-marquis/