Is anyone excited about the National?

[parkplace33]

On another discussion board, the topic of this year’s National came up. Some who were attending were excited, but a somewhat large percentage it seemed were not. Some attendees (even a dealer) said that it didn’t have the draw of previous Nationals. One said it felt like a “chore” going this year

For anyone going, are you excited? Was this just a one off sampling, or is something different this year?

[Seven]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

On another discussion board, the topic of this year’s National came up. Some who were attending were excited, but a somewhat large percentage it seemed were not. Some attendees (even a dealer) said that it didn’t have the draw of previous Nationals. One said it felt like a “chore” going this year

For anyone going, are you excited? Was this just a one off sampling, or is something different this year?

I'm very excited. It's the first National for me. I'm looking forward to seeing a few people from the board and taking it all in.

I understand the feeling of things being a "chore." I think the commoditization of our hobby over the past couple of years, has soured some people or has simply made them feel burnt out. We're getting big time auctions, month in and month out apparently. Compound that with the Crypto/NFT nonsense and it can definitely turn people away. But people will come back, and the Hobby is strong.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by Seven

I'm very excited. It's the first National for me. I'm looking forward to seeing a few people from the board and talking it all in.

I understand the feeling of things being a "chore." I think the commoditization of our hobby over the past couple of years, has soured some people or has simply made them feel burnt out. We're getting big time auctions, month in and month out apparently. Compound that with the Crypto/NFT nonsense and it can definitely turn people away. But people will come back, and the Hobby is strong.

I'm thinking of going for the first time and agree with this. Meeting some Net54 folks would be the biggest reason I would go.

[Tony Gordon]

I am definitely excited. I look forward to it every year. I will be set up in Booth 657 with largely post-War vintage, all four major sports.

[x2drich2000]

Quite honestly, I think a big part is people want to be disappointed by AC. If you've been reading this board for awhile there is no shortness to the "AC is hard to get to" or "AC is a dump" type comments. Those who think it is a chore want to have a reason to complaint and will blame their disappointment on it being in AC instead of Chicago, Cleveland, or their backyard. If you go in wanting to have a good time, you'll figure out a way to make that happen. Those who are excited are just happy to have the show and enjoy it regardless of where it is or whatever else is going on. Personally, I'm excited anytime I get to go.

[Snapolit1]

Very excited.
I think there are folks who believe that if they keep complaining loud enough about AC it will fall off the slate somehow. Won’t happened.

Aside from the fact that NJ sellers and AHs have an oversized role in the hobby, AC is driveable for 1/3 of the nationals population. Let that sink in …..

[Mrc32]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Very excited.
I think there are folks who believe that if they keep complaining loud enough about AC it will fall off the slate somehow. Won’t happened.

Aside from the fact that NJ sellers and AHs have an oversized role in the hobby, AC is driveable for 1/3 of the nationals population. Let that sink in …..

Plus I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere the convention center gives the NSCC the room for free. Just to get people to fill the hotels.

I'm going with my son and both of us are excited - although we'd rather it was in Chicago.

[Andrew1975]

Can't wait... have been looking forward to it for a long time. I was at the last National in AC in 2016 and had a great time.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

My first time setting up independently so I am WAY excited. Please come by, say "hi" register for the auction and grab a T-shirt!

[JackR]

I'm going with my son and both of us are excited - although we'd rather it was in Chicago.[/QUOTE]

My son and I started going to the National in the late 1990’s when he was 7 or 8. We’ve gone almost every year since then, and he’s 30 now. Each show has been a blast — and we’re psyched for Atlantic City — but we agree with the gentleman who prefers Chicago.

[Jewish-collector]

I'm probably not going this year. Like I've been saying for awhile now, the novelty of attending the National is over. It's really just a large social meetup nowadays. And, the ones on here who say you want to meet other Net54 members, that will really be difficult with so many people at the show, unless you arrange beforehand to meet.
beer chug.gif

[Oscar_Stanage]

I am very excited. First timer. I am staying 3 nights and leaving Saturday afternoon. I am getting a few autos, adding to my T206, hopefully selling/trading my red cobb, maybe ripping a few boxes, meeting some Net54ers.. I cant think of a better way to spend a few hours than walking around a massive card show and then playing blackjack when bored.

[Bkrum]

Just booked my flight today. Never flown to a show so will have to control my buying as I have to lug it back!! Only staying Weds/Thurs nights and haven’t selected a place to stay. Figured I would at one of the casinos….any thoughts?

[Fballguy]

My first and I can't wait.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

Quite honestly, I think a big part is people want to be disappointed by AC. If you've been reading this board for awhile there is no shortness to the "AC is hard to get to" or "AC is a dump" type comments. Those who think it is a chore want to have a reason to complaint and will blame their disappointment on it being in AC instead of Chicago, Cleveland, or their backyard. If you go in wanting to have a good time, you'll figure out a way to make that happen. Those who are excited are just happy to have the show and enjoy it regardless of where it is or whatever else is going on. Personally, I'm excited anytime I get to go.

I did fine when I set up there last time, but it is too far to drive and I decided to take a skip year this time. Will go to Chicago next year if my health is still good.

I'm not going to bad mouth AC, it will be a fine national and I am glad that I experienced it the previous time.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Very excited.
I think there are folks who believe that if they keep complaining loud enough about AC it will fall off the slate somehow. Won’t happened.

Aside from the fact that NJ sellers and AHs have an oversized role in the hobby, AC is driveable for 1/3 of the nationals population. Let that sink in …..

Well, AC is off the slate as the NSCC wants the event in Chicago every year. Not even interested in Cleveland or AC. Let that sink in.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

Well, AC is off the slate as the NSCC wants the event in Chicago every year. Not even interested in Cleveland or AC. Let that sink in.

What's that info from?

[NYYFan63]

I got back into collecting five years ago and this will be my first National. I live an hour away from AC so I am hoping to be there Thursday - Saturday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mrreality68]

I book this in advance a while ago and I am looking forward to it.
Meeting people from the forum, enjoy some of the to do list from the previous thread and bringing my wife so in evening we will enjoy a little gamble, the board walk and the atmosphere of some of the hotels and or shows.
AC is closer for me than Chicago so makes it doable for me. The show should rotate around 3 or 4 venues in my opinion around the country so every corner as the opportunity every 3 or 4 years ago to get people that normally may no travel as far to go and perhaps that will help create more and new collectors or investors. Even though I know it will not happen

[rjackson44]

Live in long beach island 30 min away . Ill be there walking with my pitbull 😇😇

[Johnny630]

So Excited...can't wait. It's going to be a blast. I'm just very bummed out about SGC not doing on site grading, missing for the second year in a row :-(

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by rjackson44

Live in long beach island 30 min away . Ill be there walking with my pitbull 😇😇

You mean that vicious beast from your facebook posts? Is it safe to have him out in public

[rjackson44]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

You mean that vicious beast from your facebook posts? Is it safe to have him out in public

scott lol hope to say hi octavio what booth again are you holding court

[TaxMechanick]

Short answer... Yes.
Lisa and I will be at booth # 813 with our usual assortment of rare, interesting, unusual and eclectic stuff, as well as some conventional material... 19th century- pre WW1 baseball, boxing and other sports, as well as America and some non-sports.

Best,
Glenn

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by TaxMechanick

Short answer... Yes.
Lisa and I will be at booth # 813 with our usual assortment of rare, interesting, unusual and eclectic stuff, as well as some conventional material... 19th century- pre WW1 baseball, boxing and other sports, as well as America and some non-sports.

Best,
Glenn

I always love your stuff, hope I get time to visit!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by rjackson44

scott lol hope to say hi octavio what booth again are you holding court

465, definitely have to come say hi!

[TaxMechanick]

Thanks Scott!
Hopefully I can stop by as well...
I suspect it may be difficult for both of us... I'm expecting as large and consistent a crowd as ever, in spite of some folks concerns!

[ullmandds]

I wish I were going...and I'm excited for y'all! I love the feeling of anticipation walking in for the first time of the year...major overstimulation. There's nothin' like it!

[ldrunner27]

I'll be there Wednesday and Thursday, can't wait. To me it's like going to a museum to see stuff I haven't seen before and may not see again

[rand1com]

I always look forward to the National. This year marks my 12th National as a dealer and they have all been a positive experience.

Sales are up or down mainly based on inventory and to a lesser extent location in the room but I have not been disappointed in any years.

Of course, I am not a full time dealer as I only set up at the National and the fall Boston show at the Shriner's venue.

AC is not my favorite venue due primarily to the ridiculous hotel rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Basically, the hotel cost is $500 for the week higher than Chicago or Cleveland for similar accommodations.

As to the earlier comment about the National only being in Chicago in future years, they work on a 3 year schedule and this year offered to the dealers the options of: Chicago/AC/Chicago, Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago, or Chicago/Chicago/Chicago for the next 3 years.

I have not heard the results of that poll but one of those 3 options will be in place for 2023-2025.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Randy that's great info! Will be interesting to see results. I myself, would vote for Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago but ideally would be Chicago/Dallas/Anaheim

[Yoda]

I'm excited I am not going.

[atx840]

Unfortunately I've had to cancel my trip, was really looking forward to hanging out in NYC with a few collecting friends and then heading down for the week. Living in Canada I don't have access to many shows, it's the one event I look forward to all year.

[Jewish-collector]

The National is going to end up being in Chicago every year.

[uyu906]

I am excited to be there for 2 days! AC is the most convenient site for me other than when it was held in Baltimore. Bringing my son also - it will be his second time at a National - his first was at the last National held in AC.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

The National is going to end up being in Chicago every year.

Somewhat near the middle of the country isn't the worst idea ever.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Somewhat near the middle of the country isn't the worst idea ever.

I wouldn't be shocked if they eventually bring Cleveland back into the mix. A new group came along to take over leasing the IX Center from the City of Cleveland, and is already back to operating it for various shows that were held there before the pandemic hit. They did take out the ferris wheel though. My understanding is it may have had to do with insurance issues.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by exhibitman

what's that info from?

nscc

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by ajjohnsonsoxfan

Randy that's great info! Will be interesting to see results. I myself, would vote for Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago but ideally would be Chicago/Dallas/Anaheim

I threw away my ballot. I figure they will do what they want anyway. I would have voted Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago as well.

Dallas has a regular 600 table show now, so not as much urgency there, Surely with the population of Southern California they could have a regular show that pushes 600 tables.

[Snapolit1]

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

Originally Posted by rand1com

I always look forward to the National. This year marks


my 12th National as a dealer and they have all been a positive experience.

Sales are up or down mainly based on inventory and to a lesser extent location in the room but I have not been disappointed in any years.

Of course, I am not a full time dealer as I only set up at the National and the fall Boston show at the Shriner's venue.

AC is not my favorite venue due primarily to the ridiculous hotel rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Basically, the hotel cost is $500 for the week higher than Chicago or Cleveland for similar accommodations.

As to the earlier comment about the National only being in Chicago in future years, they work on a 3 year schedule and this year offered to the dealers the options of: Chicago/AC/Chicago, Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago, or Chicago/Chicago/Chicago for the next 3 years.

I have not heard the results of that poll but one of those 3 options will be in place for 2023-2025.

[philliesfan]

From Philly, it's a 1-1/2 hour drive, I should be there Friday and Saturday. I was thinking of finding a cheap place halfway from Philly to make the drive easier Saturday morning.

[parkplace33]

Saw this about the National in another forum

"Collectors used to have the cards in their pockets, then in bookbags, now in secured suitcases. Things have changed"

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

I don’t think it’s that out of line if I compare rates in Boston, Portland Maine, and Portsmouth New Hampshire. All vacation spots and over 200 per night on the weekend.

The National is a great time every year. I think the positive experience far outweighs the costs associated. I might be bias since I am on the east coast. I would happily travel to the west coast for the show.

Have a great time at the show everyone!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

Needed three rooms for 5 nights. Wound up renting a condo is was over $1000 cheaper.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Needed three rooms for 5 nights. Wound up renting a condo is was over $1000 cheaper.

That is the way to do it. I have been renting condos and houses for many years instead of hotels.

Next month I am going to the Shaw Classic in Colorado. I rented a nice house in a great location with a fenced yard with a grill and fire pit for the same money as staying in a dumpy Motel 6.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

I threw away my ballot. I figure they will do what they want anyway. I would have voted Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago as well.

Dallas has a regular 600 table show now, so not as much urgency there, Surely with the population of Southern California they could have a regular show that pushes 600 tables.

I think the Dallas show is 5 or 6 times a year too. Houston has twice the population and just reduced their big show to once a year. I'd think a National in Houston would probably be cheaper and nearly as easy to get to.

[mrreality68]

I guess it also depends on what your plans and/or wants are. I decided to go with the hotel for the boardwalk, the gambling , the shows after the convention each day. My wife is going with me so it is a mini escape and time away from the kids

[parkerj33]

I for one, am excited to go and meet with many online friends.

[Jewish-collector]

Just like 2016 did, this National will bring lots of collectors from the east coast, some from the middle of the country, and few from the west coast.

[dfletch00]

looking forward to it .. my 5th time ... 1st at AC
will be there until Saturday ...
Hope to meet several of you .