About SLICS

An international gathering

SLICS brings cartridge collectors, researchers, and professionals together to share collections and knowledge. Visitors come from across the United States and around the world.

The show includes educational displays, seminars, meetings, a banquet, and auctions. For many attendees, it is an annual opportunity to catch up with friends and see material they rarely encounter elsewhere.

From Chicagoland to St. Louis

1979

The Chicagoland show grows

Founders Bob Strauss, Doug Culver, and Denny Deniston moved the Chicagoland International Cartridge Show from Mundelein, Illinois, to the Drake Oak Brook hotel near Chicago.

1985

George Murphy takes over

Murphy assumed management and continued running the show at the Drake Oak Brook through 1998.

2000

A new home in St. Louis

After taking over from Murphy and searching for a new venue, Mel Carpenter brought the show to the Henry VIII hotel in St. Louis. The central location and airport access made the city a practical meeting place.

2002

The Renaissance partnership begins

The show moved to the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. The hotel has hosted the show along with meetings, seminars, the banquet, and auction.

2007

Vic Engel continues the tradition

Vic Engel succeeded Mel Carpenter as the show’s organizer.

Today

Organized by Aaron Newcomer

Aaron Newcomer now organizes SLICS, continuing the show’s focus on collectors, research, and community.

The International Ammunition Association

The show program includes IAA meetings and benefit activities supporting the collecting and research community. Consult the schedule for this year’s meeting and event times.

Explore the 2027 program →