A banquet, contests and shell swaps are a part of the action. Jamborees are usually held over a weekend, like shell shows. It is the biggest shell event in the U.S. and perhaps in the world. This week-long extravaganza is sponsored by COA in conjunction with a local host shell club, and is held in a different U.S. city each year. 1996 was a project of the St. Petersburg Shell Club.
Novices rub elbows here with world-famous experts.
COA members, their guests and interested non-members come together for slide shows, talks and multimedia programs and exhibits as well as workshops and symposia of timely interest to collectors. Social events like a Welcome Party and a concluding Banquet round out the week. Two events that are eagerly anticipated by every veteran COA member are the Annual Shell Auction and the COA Bourse. Excitement runs high as bargains are knocked down to the lucky bidders. There is also a series of silent auctions running during program sessions.