Ron Rudat is a legend when it comes to vintage GI Joe action figures. And due to massive demand from fans and collectors, he’s back for ICCC 2023 to meet fans, engage with collectors and discuss his legacy in the toy business.

Rudat joined Hasbro in 1980, amid the company’s top-secret G.I. Joe relaunch initiative code-named “Operation Blast Off.” After significant market research, Hasbro had determined that G.I. Joe's best chance at profitability was to scale down all action figures to 3 3/4 inches.

Rudat was charged with designing the new smaller figures. He designed EVERY SINGLE figure from the inception of the “A Real American Hero” campaign from 1982 through 1986, even though to this day he'll tell you he "wasn't a figure guy." He also created the Cobra figures and Logo. In 1985 Ron's name made it onto a G.I. Joe file card, and in 1986 his mustache was immortalized on the front of a G.I. Joe package, having his likeness illustrated as “Leatherneck.”

We are pleased to host Rudat, as he is revered by countless collectors around the world.

ICCC 2023 will be held May 26-28, 2023 at the new Farm Bureau Exposition Center in Lebanon, TN, just outside of Nashville. Tickets are on sale now. Book a room at our host hotels before they sell out. #ICCCon