Last July 7 (2000) we had the good fortune to be able to visit at The World Stamp Expo 2000 hosted by the United States Postal Service. They went to great effort to provide interesting displays and events including First Day of Issue Ceremonies for the "Space Achievement and Exploration" stamps being released that week (though it was generally a bit expensive for kids).

Speakers that day included representitives from the USPS (national level and the local Anaheim Postmaster), NASA autronauts, The Stamp Advisory Board (which selects stamp themes) and The Govenor's Board which, ultimately, recommends rates (i.e. increases).

Also present at the request of USPS were actual stamp manufactures such as:

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  - Avery Dennisson (self-adhesive stamps)
  in the U.S.A. since 1974 and worldwide since 1989
  
  
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  - Sennett Security Products / TRACE Holographic Art & Design, Inc. - producers of the U.S. space holographic stamps issued that week at the Expo. (got the one to the left; signed by Sennet and Trace predisents)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  - MDC Stamp Group (Ashton Potter; Canada, USA & House of Questa, England)- one of the largest and originators of Great Britain's and Canada's personalized stamps (with your photo on or next to the stamp).
  
  
  
  
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  - Banknote Corp. of America, Inc. (not the old American Banknote Co.)