Sports Conventions - Dealers - Questions

[Iwantmorecards77]

Hello all,

I am relatively new here and to the vintage hobby (just won a few B-L lots!). If this is in the wrong forum, I apologize, and please feel free to move it.

Currently, I am employed at a local sports facility as a youth hockey director, coach, instructor, and I also run a summer rec. camp. In addition, I plan other events such as open houses, the annual Halloween Bash, ect. We've done work with the New York Rangers, as well as the New York Islanders. They keep me busy all year long!

As part of the management team, we are looking to expand the use of one of our rinks/floors in the warm-weather months. We are a 2-rink facility, and we melt down one rink at the end of March for roller hockey, rec. camps, a motorcycle show, food show, and open house.

We also used to house a computer show and we also hold mixed-martial arts events. We have also consdered a local concert series.

One thing that we may be interested in would be a Sports Card, Memorabilia, and (maybe)Comic Convention. The floor is the size of an NHL rink (roughly 200' by 85'). We could probably fit 160-175 tables (8' each). We're trying to find a weekend where we have both a Saturday and Sunday available for such an event.

We are in a pretty decent location (kind of a northeast crossroads, if you will). We're just off I-84 in Newburgh, NY. New Jersey, Connecticuit, and Pennsylvania are pretty much right around the corner as well. There are shopping malls, department stores, and many restaurants nearby. Our facility also has a cencession stand, restaurant, and pro-shop (and ATM on-site).

I do have a small list of dealers in New York, but I don't want to limit it just to New York. My main question is, would be how to contact a large number of dealers that might be interested in such an event? I know large convnetions are popular, but smaller shows (like they used to have in the malls) have gone by the wayside (a lot, I'm sure, has to do with the internet).

I should have a date within the next week or so. We have begun getting quotes for table rentals, ect. Of course, we need to find dealers of sports cards, memorabilia, comics, toys/collectibles. We're pretty much in the "feeler" stage, and I thought that many of you have plenty of experience in this area. Lots of work would need to be done in a short period of time: finding dealers, getting tables, security, advertising, pricing, ect.

Would dealers be interested in such an event? Would people be interested in attending? Should it be a one-day thing or two days? These are some of the questions we need to answer before we move forward.

Any information (or thoughts) would help and would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Todd

[kylebicking]

Hey Todd,

Parsippany, NJ is roughly an hour and a half south of you, and the headquarters of SGC, one of the leading third party grading companies out there. If you can get them to swing a visit, set up shop, accept submissions, etc... that would greatly help you out.

I've read of several board members who also live in the area who could also give you an idea if a show could be successful. It really comes down to local interest on the hobby. Do some research on area card shops, etc... and see how business is. Pull them in, market to their existing customers and I'm sure you could make a success out of it.

Good luck,
-Kyle

[ibuysportsephemera]

Todd,

I live very close to you and know which facility you are talking about. I have been in the hobby for more than 25 years and would be happy to answer some of your questions. I tried to PM you, but your account is not set up to receive messages. You can PM me back if you would like.

Jeff

[drc]

If you have that sporting facility, organizing experience and promotional ability, I think you could have a good show. I would make sure you give your self more than enough time to organize, get word around and gather. Perhaps have it next year. Just a thought.

I live in Seattle and the annual show is organized by a Net54 collector and it's held in an elementary school-- and it's a top notch show, with good material and attendance. Interestingly, the elementary building is a great facility for a show, though the drinking fountains are really short.

As was mentioned, I would talk to someone at SGC, as they'll know names of dealers and might participate themselves. If you can get SGC to attend, that would be great.

As I said, giving yourself enough time to organize and get the word out is a good idea. You shouldn't schedule the show for this Sunday, for example.

Good luck.

[Iwantmorecards77]

Thanks for the input, guys!

Jeff, a PM has been sent...I think. lol I'm still trying to figure out my account.

Todd

[drc]

You should post on the PSA board (psacard.com), as there are lots of dealers and collectors there. I'd think you might get some good input there. They talk about shows there with some regularity.

[ChiefBenderForever]

Sounds like you have a great opportunity to have something successful. To get things going smoothly I would have the tables as low priced as possible. Remember many of the dealers will have to stay in hotels, food , ect. So a small fee would give them more room to wheel and deal with the collectors. And even if they don't, collectors will have some good stuff to look at. From what I have read about the Philly shows they used to be great but now charge so much for tables many dealers don't even go. By charging a small admission fee you could try to make some money on concessions. If you make it a reasonble and friendly experience it could go well and grow. I just moved to the area and am not that far away, I hope it works out I would love to attend and hopefully pick up a few nice cards !