Going to my 1st National this year

[T20Brew]

Dave,
I'll echo a lot of what was said about wearing comfortable shoes, staying 15-20 ride from the convention center,and parking in the metro lot.
All of the National's that I've been to have been at the Chicago locations (McCormick Place/Stephens Convention Center). I have always went 2 days and I think that is about right time-wise. You should have no issues finding buys with the items you collect. I try and stay as close to my buying plan as possible (one year it was mostly T201 and 1955 Topps Doubleheaders with a few misc items thrown in) and I needed about 1 1/2 days to really get through the whole place. That was even skipping over the tables that had just shiny new stuff. It is neat just seeing some of the items that the auction houses have also.
Pack a few items like granola bars or similar with you that you can eat throughout the day. I hate buying $6 pieces of not-so-great pizza that could have been spent on cards.
It's one thing I look forward to each time I'm able to attend.

[tschock]

All of the above, but wanted to emphasize something that goes with the granola bars mentioned. Hydrate!

You'd be surprised how easy it is to "forget" to drink fluids while you wander around the floor. I usually bring two or three 16/20 oz bottles of water and make sure I pound one by noon and polish off the rest in the afternoon. You might be lugging around the weight of the water initially, but as that backpack gets heavier during the day, it will definitely give you the incentive to drink the water rather than carry it around.

[OldEnglishD]

Thanks for the great advice fellas! Can't wait!

Dave