Some National Thoughts

[Jim VB]

Maybe I'm wrong, but my understanding was that the Midwest/East Coast bias was being driven by the dealers themselves. The further west you go, the scarcer the product and exhibitors. (Especially in vintage cards, the West was still pretty unpopulated when much of the stuff we collect was distributed.)

I know the best attended National was in Anaheim, but many East Coast dealers didn't want to schlep their stuff across the country and back.

(From a retired retailer's point of view, the goal should be to schlep it across the country, SELL IT, and let someone else bring it back. Lots of guys would have to change their pricing and thinking. Novel concept, huh?)

I do know that Mike Berkus is a regular reader of the Non-Sports board. Although a good number of future events are already locked into certain cities, he may be more than willing to revisit the decision making process. I'll drop him an email and ask him if he wants to join the discussion.

[Jim VB]

Rich,

Don't think we didn't notice!

Very nice use of the word "whilst."

[benjulmag]

In the 28 or so Nationals dating back to the early '80s, exactly one has been in the New York City metropolitan area (Parsippany in 1984-sorry, Atlantic City doesn't count). Arguably New York City and its surrounds is home to the largest collecting base in the country. There has yet to be a national in Philadelphia or Boston, two major markets. I think year after year ignoring these major cities is very short-sighted. Sure its nice to have inexpensive hotels and other amenities, but its also nice to reach as much of the collecting base as possible. What would be so bad in rotating the National around geographic areas -- say one year in the northeast, the next in the midwest, then the west, southwest, southeast? Then, after the cycle has been completed, beginning it again but the next time at a different city in that geographic region.

[glynparson]

I like Corey's idea. I also agree with exhibitman's opinion of the I-X center and I had a good show.

[Rich Klein]

1) Corey is correct about the megalopolis from Boston to Washington getting the short end of the stick. Frankly; the cost to everyone of being in a large city is ginormous. Frankly the NY City area does not have a reasonably priced venue that would support the National. There are venues such as MSG or the Javitz that would but I'd guarantee the table rates would be at least double what they are now. I always wondered if the Valley Forge CC was big enough for this -- I know the Ft Washington was; but when the EPSCC was there -- I bet they had an exclusive.

2) Alan -- I guess admission was cheaper by a few dollars this year. The National Promoters can not usually control the Parking Prices for customers which is why I ask that admission be reduced. In the DFW area: now when I go to Arlington for a card show I know that the pricing is now part of the money I spend.

3) Note to EJM -0- although Exhibit Man is doing OK for himself; he is not super wealthy. No need for personal insults here. And nice way to make a debut on the board.

4) My personal belief at this time is that we should be in Chicago every year. Good location near airport; plenty of parking (both high and low priced) nearby; public transportation available; hotels one can walk to (or drive to) and in all price ranges from the Embassy Suites to Motel 6; etc.

5) I'm glad you contacted Mr. Berkus; I sent a note to John Broggi about this thread. Hope Mr. Wilke does not feel left out

Rich