On Sunday, October 11, following the conclusion of the Baltimore Comic-Con, the 2009 Diamond/Alliance Retailer Summit began in earnest, with excited retailers making their way from the Baltimore Convention Center to a special Industry Open House from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum. Attendees were treated to beverages and pizza provided by Squire’s Italian Restaurant, a Baltimore institution for over 50 years.

Four of comics’ brightest stars and the driving forces behind the upcoming Image United limited series – Robert Kirkman, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino – were also in attendance at the Opening Night Reception to meet and greet storeowners.

Open to Summit attendees, industry professionals and Diamond & Alliance staffers, the evening gave participants a chance to visit the 17,000-square-foot museum and socialize with fellow comic/pop culture buffs. This open house followed an already-full evening that consisted of Summit Registration, Open Gaming time, Game Demos, a ComicSuite conference, the Organized Play and Gaming Conference, and the Better Retailing Workshop.

Devoted to America’s cultural history, the museum is located in Baltimore’s historic Camden Station (just a block west of the Baltimore Convention Center), and houses everything from rare toys and antique advertising to comic books, movie posters and animation cels, including rare artifacts that have never before been displayed under one roof. Many of the articles come from the world-famous private collection of Diamond President & CEO Steve Geppi, with other antique and vintage items loaned to the museum by private individuals.

Look for more information about the facility at GeppisMuseum.com!