GI JoeCon 2011 kicks off with a press release

This weekend marks the 18th celebration of GI JoeCon. Kicking off tomorrow with the traditional parachute drop from the top of the convention center, eager fans will be waiting below to get one of these exclusive paratroopers! Held in Orlando, Florida this year from April 1st through 3rd, JoeCon is sure to have many great announcements about upcoming product, media and tie-ins! Check out the full press release after the jump.

ORLANDO SAYS “YO! JOE!” AND WELCOMES THE 18TH ANNUAL G.I. JOE CONVENTION

“G.I. JoeCon” Will Kickoff With Hundreds Of Paratrooper Action Figures Sailing Down From Atop The Convention Center

PROVIDENCE, RI – MARCH 31, 2011 – It has been seven years since its last tour in Orlando, but the G.I. JOE Convention – G.I. JoeCon, hosted by the G.I. JOE Collectors’ Club and Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), is excited to revisit Disney World for its 18th annual celebration. To kickoff the event, hundreds of action figures with fully-functional parachutes will be launched off the roof of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Convention Center and float safely to the spectators below – a spectacle that has become a fan-favorite at the convention.

G.I. JOE fans will gather at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Convention Center on April 1st to witness the parachute drop to be followed with the convention opening to the public on April 2nd and 3rd. Then, thousands of fans will participate in events and activities that surround the brand’s almost 50-year history that includes action figures, comic books, animated series and a blockbuster movie.

This year’s convention will feature some of the original G.I. JOE vs. COBRA creators, industry guests, artists, and the Hasbro G.I. JOE brand and design team. The convention will celebrate G.I. JOE, the original action figure, and its journey through the decades from its origins in the 1960s, to the present and beyond.

“Every single year, fans are always so excited for G.I. JoeCon,” said Brian Savage, the director of the G.I. JOE Collectors’ Club, “To kick the convention off with a such a fun and magical sight, the parachute drop will set the light-hearted tone of the convention for the rest of the weekend,” said Savage. “There really is something for everybody here – it’s a family event and it’s a great time for fans of all ages!”

The convention will be held at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Convention Center, located at 1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard in Orlando, Florida. General admission tickets are available at the door, $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-12 (free child’s admission with a paid adult). And, as always, admission is free for those 4 years old and under. General Admission tickets provide access to the showroom on Saturday, April 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on Sunday, April 3rd from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional details and pre-registration information can be found at gijoecon.com, or by calling (817) 448-9863.

Hasbro 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.

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About HASBRO
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.