Now that the dust has settled...

[timn1]

Smaller than previous years (there was 100 feet at the west end of the convention hall not being used, and I'm pretty sure it was used in previous Cleveland nat'ls. I think Cleveland has really worn out its welcome over the past decade, and not as many people showed up.

Less exotic vintage than I remember at previous ones, although this may be a subjective impression.

Prices seemed a little less absurd than in previous years, although maybe I'm just inured to them by now.

Still a heck of a lot going on, and amazing cards around.

Everybody come next year to Chicago (if I remember right) and let's make it the best ever-

[vthobby]

I think next year is Atlantic City.....

mike

[refz]

year is Atlantic City.....

mike[/QUOTE]

Speculation or concrete? This would be great.

[kamikidEFFL]

This is the schedule for the next few years, the reason I know that is I asked if there would ever be a east coast show close to Boston and they said no because the venu was to small. Anyway below are the Venus for the next 5 years as of now.

2015: Chicago
2016: Atlantic City
2017: Chicago
2018: Cleveland
2019: Chicago

I really want to just hit one up to see what all the buzz is. I watched a few YouTube videos from this year. Some interesting stuff. I posted a link of a few different 2014 national videos. Kid rambles a bit but still just nice to see what the fuss was all about.

http://youtu.be/y8kmjYScck8
http://youtu.be/nbsaOYK9O10

[mrvster]

will be off the CHAIN! I missed the last time it was there, but I hear it was great! ac airport right there......tons of casinos....tons of stuff to do within a small radius, almost over whelming.....

does anyone remember ac?? I cant wait to go.....

[rainier2004]

The was the first year I had 3 days to toil around, be social and try to actually take the whole thing it. The thing that really surprised me was how little money I saw exchanging hands. The National seems to not be a place of business, but is morphing into a place for us dorks to hang out. People rent tables, some have very little interest in selling their cards and is a medium to just hang out or to talk to collectors/buddies all week. It was extremely fun and the true key to the hobby is meeting other collectors, but socially and for your collection.

It was huge as usual, lots of things going on everywhere and there some definite impressions I had.

Tons of t206s, just loads in binders, piles, they seemed everywhere. I don't ever remember seeing that many before. So a massive amount of t207s as well, probably 1000 cards? Baltimore had maybe 100 and Chicago last year even less. Saw a bit of t202s as well and the mainstream t-cards seemed plentiful.

Much less memorabilia f/s sale, and what was were all autos. Just less stuff, I'm not a memorabilia guy but there just didn't seem to be the displays that pulled you in just the see their wares. Lots of rings, past that was not much in comparison.

It sucks having 1914 CJs so hot for an old CJ collector, no deals to be had. There was a complete 1915 set for $75,000 for Wed., that was neat.

Pre war seemed to represent well, but the extremely rare/unique pieces seemed to be lower than normal. Tons of the mainstream stuff, 50s and 60s is still king but lots of cards. I only made a single purchase at the show but my purchase of the show was made in the bar rather late. It seems more of a social thing now.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

People rent tables, some have very little interest in selling their cards and is a medium to just hang out or to talk to collectors/buddies all week.

Steven, that's crazy talk. I would have rather been spending my time selling stuff. But given the situation, I was very happy to get to spend all the free time talking with collectors and dealers alike. No one wants to spend the time and money it takes to set up at the National for five days, and then purposefully price their items too high to sell. I was also able to buy some stuff for bargain prices - sorry the stuff you were looking for was priced higher than you wanted to pay.

[Vintagecatcher]

Here is the upcoming National Schedule which I copied from there site:

What is the schedule for future Nationals?
2014 - International Exposition (I-X) Center - Cleveland, OH

2015 - Donald E Stephens Convention Center Rosemont IL

2016 - Atlantic City Convention Center - Atlantic City NJ

2017 - Donald E Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont IL

2018 - International Exposition (I-X) Center - Cleveland, OH


Patrick