Does The National Still Happen This Year?

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by perezfan

I was thinking the same. Would LOVE to see a new group emerge from this, who can make the Show more collector-friendly (as it was in its early days).

And more equitable geographically... with a Show west of the Mississippi to occur once every 3 years or so.

Good luck getting the DEALERS to attend far west shows. Many of the dealers are located in either the east coast or the mid-west and they would rather go east than west as there is a higher population of collectors there than in the west.

[Jewish-collector]

I expect the National to be cancelled for 2020 and to resume in 2021 in Chicago, 2022 in Cleveland, etc,...

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

I expect the National to be cancelled for 2020 and to resume in 2021 in Chicago, 2022 in Cleveland, etc,...

+1

[basesareempty]

There is a 50 table show scheduled just south of Baltimore for this Saturday. It will be the first show here since February.

[oldjudge]

With people dying across the country, with schooling being made virtual, with teams playing to empty stadiums, if at all, how can anyone be thinking about a baseball card show? If there is a vaccine by then,then that changes my thinking, but otherwise I hope the National is cancelled, if for nothing else than to save the idiots who might attend from themselves.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

With people dying across the country, with schooling being made virtual, with teams playing to empty stadiums, if at all, how can anyone be thinking about a baseball card show? If there is a vaccine by then,then that changes my thinking, but otherwise I hope the National is cancelled, if for nothing else than to save the idiots who might attend from themselves.

This.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

With people dying across the country, with schooling being made virtual, with teams playing to empty stadiums, if at all, how can anyone be thinking about a baseball card show? If there is a vaccine by then,then that changes my thinking, but otherwise I hope the National is cancelled, if for nothing else than to save the idiots who might attend from themselves.

I don't know Jay. I've seen people put up with a lot of sh*t in this hobby for little pieces of cardboard and not bat an eye. Just another thing. T-I-C, kinda

No way in hell would I go for free.

[Exhibitman]

Let's all hope for a party in 2021 Chicago-style!

[MikeGarcia]

Originally Posted by basesareempty

There is a 50 table show scheduled just south of Baltimore for this Saturday. It will be the first show here since February.

Which city and can we get there whilst avoiding Baltimore and D.C. ?

..

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

Which city and can we get there whilst avoiding Baltimore and D.C. ?

..

Baltimore was a great show. I loved that I could walk, indoors, from the hotel to the show, had lots of close restaurants and bars, and could watch semi-pro baseball (it is the Orioles after all) from the deck in the hotel. Seriously, Camden Yards was a really pleasant park to sit in and watch a game, though i wasn't wild about Old Bay on my hot dog, and it was literallu across the street from everything. It was also a super-easy and very pleasant train ride down from NYC with a short cab ride from the station to the convention/hotel complex. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to that venue for a National, assuming of course that the plague is over.

[Jewish-collector]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Baltimore was a great show. I loved that I could walk, indoors, from the hotel to the show, had lots of close restaurants and bars, and could watch semi-pro baseball (it is the Orioles after all) from the deck in the hotel. Seriously, Camden Yards was a really pleasant park to sit in and watch a game, though i wasn't wild about Old Bay on my hot dog, and it was literallu across the street from everything. It was also a super-easy and very pleasant train ride down from NYC with a short cab ride from the station to the convention/hotel complex. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to that venue for a National, assuming of course that the plague is over.

The Baltimore convention center executives want to be able to tell the National committee in May or June that they want the show in their facility that summer. But the National committee needs a few years in advance for planning purposes. So, the National will never go back to Baltimore.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by basesareempty

There is a 50 table show scheduled just south of Baltimore for this Saturday. It will be the first show here since February.

Arthur Slade?

Hope you’re talking about something different because that show is extremely lacking normally.

[Steve_NY]

Originally Posted by notfast

Arthur Slade?

Hope you’re talking about something different because that show is extremely lacking normally.

If there is a show (which I doubt whether it will be approved by local and state), as an exhibitor, I would attend ONLY if everyone would be required to wear masks. If that would be mandatory, then I would set up in December in AC.

While many will NOT attend, I suspect that the attendees will see more of the items that would normally have sold on day 1 or during the setup day. More of the sales would be spread out during the week. Historically, I make most of my sales on setup day, day 1, 2 and 3. By day 4 and 5, I could literally be ready to break down, but sometimes I do okay on those days, waiting for the end of the show to drive my SUV in on Sunday.

Either way, whether there is a show or not, whether you will attend or not, STAY SAFE and wear a mask.

Steve

[Directly]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

I expect the National to be cancelled for 2020 and to resume in 2021 in Chicago, 2022 in Cleveland, etc,...

Hopefully a vaccine will be available by next year, we are looking forward attending the National in 2021 if still scheduled in Chicago?

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Directly

Hopefully a vaccine will be available by next year, we are looking forward attending the National in 2021 if still scheduled in Chicago?

Somebody will get rich off that vaccine. Not me unfortunately, but I do sleep well at night.

[cannonballsun]

There was a show in this area, I believe it was May 30th. I didn't go, but the show did happen.
There's another show scheduled. I think It might be today.
Like a lot of us, I've lost track of the day of the week. Today is Friday. The show will be tomorrow, Saturday. Once again, I'll pass.
Hopefully things will be looking better by the time the next one comes up.

[Jewish-collector]

I did hear that small Arthur Slade show south of Baltimore did happen, but it was moved from the school cafeteria (where it's normally held) to an outside flea market and there were only 10 sellers and everyone wore masks.

The best part of the National is seeing Rich K (Hi Rich) and asking him how the hell he's doing

[1952boyntoncollector]

how you going to bring old retired baseball players in person to risk their lives for 25 dollar autos..

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Good luck getting the DEALERS to attend far west shows. Many of the dealers are located in either the east coast or the mid-west and they would rather go east than west as there is a higher population of collectors there than in the west.

Then what happened? Historically, Anaheim has hosted many of the largest-attended shows ever on record. I bet San Diego, Las Vegas or a hub like Denver would do even better.

The existing ownership group has not given it their best effort. Survey the people here, and you'll probably have less than 15% say that Atlantic City is an accessible (or even acceptable) venue.

Once every 3 or 4 years West of the Mississippi is not asking a lot.

[Pre War Starter]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Then what happened? Historically, Anaheim has hosted many of the largest-attended shows ever on record. I bet San Diego, Las Vegas or a hub like Denver would do even better.

The existing ownership group has not given it their best effort. Survey the people here, and you'll probably have less than 15% say that Atlantic City is an accessible (or even acceptable) venue.

Once every 3 or 4 years West of the Mississippi is not asking a lot.

1000% agree.
Also would like to add/suggest, how many west coast dealers don’t go East currently?
Wouldn’t having a show on the West coast bring in new dealers? Ones that never make the voyage East because it’s too far.

[nineunder71]

Going forward, I would love to see the National come west, even just ONCE would be cool...

Thought about going when it was in Chicago a few years ago, but didn’t make it.

Further, I would never consider going to Atlantic City, it’s one of the most ghetto places I’ve ever been, AND I LIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE, haha. I spent two weeks there working as a first responder after Hurricane Sandy, no thanks! Strongly agree: Not easily accessible and far less Acceptable

[buymycards]

I have been hearing about a West Coast National for many years, and I always thought that it was a great idea. I continually hear about the east coast dealers not wanting to go west, but that may be OK. It would be nice to see some fresh faces at the tables from west coast dealers who don't travel to the Midwest or East Coast shows.

This year, the National had 288 dealers signed up. 39 of these dealers were from what could be considered west coast states, and I am including the 11 dealers from Texas in that total. If the National would be held out west, I'm guessing that these numbers would triple.

48 dealers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. Perhaps many of these dealers would travel west.

The biggest group of dealers is from the east coast:

New York 32, New Jersey 24, Penn 24, Florida 23, and North Carolina 21, for a total of 124. I wonder how many of these dealers would travel to Las Vegas, or LA, or San Fran? I would guess that most of them would make the trip.

I am betting that if a large enough venue could be obtained, the number of dealers could swell from the current 288 to 350, or 400, or more. Actually, the current location in Chicago could handle 400 dealers, and I'll be every spot would be sold out.

[Snapolit1]

Why not an East Coast / Midwest National every spring and a West Coast National every Fall? Hobby has never been more popular. Seems like a no brainer to me.

Originally Posted by buymycards

I have been hearing about a West Coast National for many years, and I always thought that it was a great idea. I continually hear about the east coast dealers not wanting to go west, but that may be OK. It would be nice to see some fresh faces at the tables from west coast dealers who don't travel to the Midwest or East Coast shows.

This year, the National had 288 dealers signed up. 39 of these dealers were from what could be considered west coast states, and I am including the 11 dealers from Texas in that total. If the National would be held out west, I'm guessing that these numbers would triple.

48 dealers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. Perhaps many of these dealers would travel west.

The biggest group of dealers is from the east coast:

New York 32, New Jersey 24, Penn 24, Florida 23, and North Carolina 21, for a total of 124. I wonder how many of these dealers would travel to Las Vegas, or LA, or San Fran? I would guess that most of them would make the trip.

I am betting that if a large enough venue could be obtained, the number of dealers could swell from the current 288 to 350, or 400, or more. Actually, the current location in Chicago could handle 400 dealers, and I'll be every spot would be sold out.

[rats60]

There is an Easy Coast National in New York every year. Why doesn't someone promote a West Coast National in California or Las Vegas? If it goes well then maybe dealers will ask for the National to be out west every few years.

[Sportsnutcards]

Originally Posted by buymycards

I have been hearing about a West Coast National for many years, and I always thought that it was a great idea. I continually hear about the east coast dealers not wanting to go west, but that may be OK. It would be nice to see some fresh faces at the tables from west coast dealers who don't travel to the Midwest or East Coast shows.

This year, the National had 288 dealers signed up. 39 of these dealers were from what could be considered west coast states, and I am including the 11 dealers from Texas in that total. If the National would be held out west, I'm guessing that these numbers would triple.

48 dealers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. Perhaps many of these dealers would travel west.

The biggest group of dealers is from the east coast:

New York 32, New Jersey 24, Penn 24, Florida 23, and North Carolina 21, for a total of 124. I wonder how many of these dealers would travel to Las Vegas, or LA, or San Fran? I would guess that most of them would make the trip.

I am betting that if a large enough venue could be obtained, the number of dealers could swell from the current 288 to 350, or 400, or more. Actually, the current location in Chicago could handle 400 dealers, and I'll be every spot would be sold out.

There actually is way more than 288 dealers who do the national. Many dealers share booths with others and just one name is on the booth itself for registration and priority purposes. I think last year in Chicago and this current year, there are 600 total booths sold and probably 400-450 different dealers. This seems like the average number since maybe the 2008 National, which was the last time they used the side room for regular dealers. I don’t think the show moves back west until there are other major successful shows to prove that it would be worthwhile.
-Ted

[notfast]

Originally Posted by buymycards

The biggest group of dealers is from the east coast:

New York 32, New Jersey 24, Penn 24, Florida 23, and North Carolina 21, for a total of 124. I wonder how many of these dealers would travel to Las Vegas, or LA, or San Fran? I would guess that most of them would make the trip.

The issue is that the National requires you to set up each year or lose your “tenure.” Not sure if they allow for a year of opting out but if they did not, you’d have 124 upset East Coast dealers if there was a West Coast show.

I’d be willing to bet 90% of those 124 wouldn’t even consider the West Coast...Mainly because a large portion of them have “larger” set ups they’ve been operating with for 20+ years. The logistics of traveling 3000 miles isn’t even reasonable.

[buymycards]

Originally Posted by notfast

The issue is that the National requires you to set up each year or lose your “tenure.” Not sure if they allow for a year of opting out but if they did not, you’d have 124 upset East Coast dealers if there was a West Coast show.

I’d be willing to bet 90% of those 124 wouldn’t even consider the West Coast...Mainly because a large portion of them have “larger” set ups they’ve been operating with for 20+ years. The logistics of traveling 3000 miles isn’t even reasonable.

The tenure is part of the problem. When you walk into the National, the first thing you see is a bunch of dealers with 1980's products at 1980's prices. The tenure is what keeps new dealers from being able to set up.

I want to be clear. I love the National, but it could be so much better.