Compex 2017 is slated to return to Illinois this May, and it will host a workshop by the Midwest Bank Note Study Group.
Compex (the Combined Philatelic Exhibition of Chicagoland) will be held May 19-21 at the Forest View Educational Center on 2121 South Goebbert Rd. in Arlington Heights, Ill., which is about five hours west of the Detroit Windsor Tunnel in Windsor, Ont.
The Midwest Bank Note Study Group—part of the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society—will host a workshop on May 20 from noon-2 p.m.
According to organizers, the agenda will include “breakout study groups doing hands-on examination of stamp material using various techniques for paper discrimination of the ‘regular’ papers as well as silk and ribbed papers.”
There will also be a station devoted to UV illumination; trans-illumination by visible light; projection microscopy; direct comparisons with a variety of known samples; and an audiology booth for snap testing. Plenary sessions will include discussion of the migration from one paper type to another. Also featured will be a narrated version of John Barwis’ celebrated analytical study of the documented standard paper types.
“If you are a collector of the banknote issues, or interested in starting a collection, this is a truly special workshop for you to attend,” reads the Compex website.
EXHIBIT & BOURSE
The show’s bourse will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. The 40-dealer bourse will include a few postcard dealers as well as booths manned by the U.S. Postal Service and the United National Postal Administration will participate with their respective postal products available for purchase.
The exhibition is comprised of nine Chicago-area clubs holding their individual members’ exhibits.
Once again, Compex will have its traditional youth and beginner booth with free stamps and activities for new collectors of all ages. Information about collecting is also available for those wanting to get started in the hobby, regardless of age.
In addition to exhibits and dealers, several local clubs will be hosting their society meetings.
Admission and parking are free.