An Idea To Improve The National; An Open Letter To The Board

[4815162342]

Great suggestions, Adam. You've said what we've all been thinking.

[the-illini]

If none of that is doable, would it be so hard to put some empty tables and chairs throughout the convention center so you could sit down?

I know a lot of people didn't like the Cleveland facility, but I loved that I could walk down any aisle and when I got to the end there was a huge group of tables and chairs (and beer vendors) nearby.

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by the-illini

If none of that is doable, would it be so hard to put some empty tables and chairs throughout the convention center so you could sit down?

I know a lot of people didn't like the Cleveland facility, but I loved that I could walk down any aisle and when I got to the end there was a huge group of tables and chairs (and beer vendors) nearby.

I believe a few Nationals ago in Chicago they did have various "rest areas" throughout the floor where those who got tired of walking could sit and relax before moving on. Sure, it takes up valuable floor space but I can tell you if I had a place to sit and relax and wipe the sweat off of my brow I surely would have stuck around longer and spent some more money. As it was I was tired, hot and hungry (and was not paying those crazy prices for food) and just wanted to get out of there.

[Exhibitman]

I'm not sure the logic of having corporate booths in the center really holds for this sort of show. People who want new cards and boxes to break will seek them out. Same with people looking for the graders. Most collectors I know just consider the center of the show to be an area to avoid.

The more serious concern is the noise that booths like the Topps booth are generating. If redemption contests and pack wars are to be part of the landscape then something has to be done to deal with the noise. I was sitting at tables near the Topps pavilion and it got so loud during those events that it was impossible to talk over it. If that is going to be part of the show then those booths have to move to a separate area. It is not fair to the surrounding dealers.

[slidekellyslide]

.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

.

I think I saw her there on Saturday.

[buymycards]

Hi Chris, I agree completely. How about a few freaking chairs so we can rest awhile?

Rick

[icollectDCsports]

Perhaps the best way to peruse the show floor is via drone.

[keithsky]

I don't think the people that run the national really care what collectors think. Like all the corporate crap taking up half the building with the loud noises. Even all the auction companies put them in a certain area not everybody wants to be involved in an auction and with them bringing all their stuff that you can't even buy people just bypass their table anyway so let them have their own area. I agree tables and chairs randomly put out so people could sit down would be nice. Those worthless bags they give out when you walk in instead of a Heritage catalog promoting themselves they could throw in a survey that people could fill out on what they like and dislike at the National and mail it to the National people at least that way for future nationals they could make changes based on what collectors feel is good for the hobby not just a few people sitting around deciding for the whole collecting world what's good for a national. Get the people and collectors involved with their ideas as a few folks that have posted on this post have come up with already and some good ideas that they probably won't implement or even consider. Years ago those bags they gave out used to be fun to get standing in line with cards to open and little odds and ends stuff companies would put in there nothing spectacular or worth keeping but still something to do while you were standing in line this year the only thing in the bag was a heritage catalogue. Whoopi

[Donscards]

Great Ideas guys, but it will not work---the selection of booths go by a seniority rating---the more nationals u have done, the better selection of a booth u get---so the guys that have done Nationals from the beginning get the best booth location, meaning up front where u enter the show.---The Corporate people pay big money for their sites, so they will get the middle of the floor-----I wish they would combine booths (vintage, new cards, memorabilia, etc.) also better numbering of the booths would work---and like I stated before, the Topps booth was the worst ever for loud noise with their loud speaker auctions and promoting their cards.---It drove me crazy---but what can I do--just shake my head and try to talk to a customer---my voice took 2 days to come back to normal. But again, the booths go by seniority and they work their way down from front to back.

[bcornell]

Originally Posted by keithsky

I don't think the people that run the national really care what collectors think.

This is the only conclusion that anyone can come to. I've been to 12 Nationals and they are in a steep decline in quality. It's practically all Tristar (autographs) and 'corporate' booths now along with $25 admission fees, which is just obscene.

Mike Berkus & Co. brought this show to life and now they are causing it to die. I've been saying this to anyone who will listen - this hobby is imploding.

Bill