It can't be a coincidence. Whenever the Chess Collectors International (CCI) meet, chess collector stories follow in the mainstream press. Here's an announcement from the U.S. Chess Federation about the CCI's latest meeting.

• Seniors, Collectors and Hall of Famers Meet in Florida • 'The Senior Open, Chess Collectors International and Hall of Fame Induction are all set to converge in a thrilling week of chess from April 28 - May 3 in Boca Raton/Miami Florida.' [USchess.org; see links to the auction details]
  
  

The collectors are often even more interesting than their collections.

• How Gannex boss Joseph Kagan used his chess skills to forge a place in British history • 'A fascinating chess collection gives a remarkable insight into the life of one of Calderdale's most famous businessmen.' [HalifaxCourier.co.uk]
  
  
• Collecting: Knight Moves • 'Luke Honey professes to be a "lousy" chess player, but the game is his passion. Mr. Honey is a U.K. fine arts specialist focused on objects used in chess and other board games.' [WSJ.com]
  
  
• Bidders make their moves on rare chess sets • 'Floyd Sarisohn didn't know how his life would change after receiving an engagement present from his wife, Bernice, 56 years ago. It was a chess set. "It was a mistake," he said.' [Sun-Sentinel.com]
  
  

For more about the CCI, see their site at ChessCollectors.com.