Convention – 2023 Summary & Photos

Two-Day Annual Show Was a Success

The 2023 CSMMI Annual Convention held on June 16 and 17^th at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention site, in Burlington, Ontario Canada was a huge success. Attendance was up, vendors reported good business, and collectors provided praise for the event and even showcased some of their "finds" on the CSMMI Facebook pages. Planning has started on our 2024 annual show which will be held in the same Burlington Holiday Inn on Friday June 20 and Saturday June 21, 2024. Note, this show will be one week later than in previous years. Save the date and plan to join us.

We are pleased to provide a summary of the annual show, the Annual General Meeting and the awards presented to our members.

2023 CSMMI Convention Summary

CSMMI ANNUAL 2-DAY SHOW

Venue: Burlington Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, 3063 South Service Road, Burlington, ON Friday June 16 & Saturday June 17, 2022

Another successful event. Bourse featured 39 dealers on 79 tables. Members exhibits on 6 display tables. Special exhibit: Restored military vehicles and WWII BSA motorcycle were on display in the parking lot courtesy of the Ontario Military Vehicles Association (OMVA).

2023 CSMMI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

Took place on Friday June 16, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Harvester Room in the Burlington Holiday Inn. All regular and required business took place, including, approval of the Minutes of the AGM held on June 17, 2022, financial statement for year ending 2022 (approved), membership report (approved), website report, report on Facebook, elections of officers and awards presentations. A new President, Juan José Besteiro, was elected for the current term and we gave a warm thank you to Bryan Patterson for his 13 years as President of the CSMMI. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. For more information see draft minutes at link below.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS (2023 – 2024)

President – Juan José Besteiro (#1859)

Past President – Bryan Patterson (#953)

1st Vice-President - Mike McLean

2nd Vice President - Dave Hiorth

Secretary – Bill Alexander (#721)

Treasurer – Bryan Patterson (#953)

AWARDS

Silver Medal Award - John McKinnon (#163) for 57 years of service

Silver Medal Award - Ian Edwards (#276) for 51 years of service

Life Member - Fred Hayman (#L273), a member for 51 years

DISPLAY COMPETITION

1^st place – Gold Medal and the G.E. Switzer Prize for Best in Show Award: Robert Land for Relics of the Medical Services

2^nd place – Silver Medal: Scott Duncan for The Canadian Militia Line Infantry Uniform 1855-1900

3rd place - Bronze Medal: Bob Rutledge for The Military Button - A Miniature Masterpiece

: Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals for the display competition

: Robert Land (l) receives the G.E. Switzer Prize – Best in Show Award from Juan José Besteiro for his excellent 1st place display

: Juan José Besteiro (l) presents the silver medal to Scott Duncan for his display.

: Bob Rutledge (l) receives the bronze medal from Juan José Besteiro for his display.

: Fred Hayman (l) became a CSMMI Life Member from President Bryan Patterson at the 2023 AGM

: Bryan Patterson (l) presents a CSMMI Silver Service Medal to John McKinnon

: Newly elected President Juan José Besteiro (l) receives the gavel from out-going President Bryan Patterson in a peaceful transfer of power at the 2023 AGM

: 2023-24 Executive officers (left to right), Bill Alexander, Bryan Patterson, Mike McLean, Juan José Besteiro and Dave Hiorth

: New CSMMI Long Service Medal

: Relics of the Medical Services by Robert Land was the 2023 Best in Show display

: Detail of Relics of the Medical Services

: The Canadian Militia Line Infantry Uniform 1855 – 1900 by Scott Duncan was awarded the silver medal

: The Canadian Militia Line Infantry Uniform Pattern 1896

: The Military Button – A Miniature Masterpiece display by Bob Rutledge earned a bronze medal

: The Military Button – A Miniature Masterpiece display by Bob Rutledge earned a bronze medal

: Jamie Cline (left) and Lou Grimshaw get ready for the show

: Ontario Military Vehicles Association had a display of vehicles both days in the parking lot

: The show room enjoyed brisk activity both days

: Great to see younger visitors taking an interest in military history.

: Chris Buchanan (left) and Fraser Cooke at their tables.

: Mike McLean (left) and Steve Gusterson