Fanatics Creating Their Own Shows, How Does This Effect The Future of The Hobby?

Exhibitman · #1 07-17-2023, 06:26 PM

I read the story on the Fanatics plan and it doesn't really sound like much of a card show. More like Comicon, frankly, with a big component of sales of Fanatics products and services and the collector-dealer trading floor as an afterthought at best. They retained IMG, which does the Mint Collective in Las Vegas, to run it. I had little interest in that and don't see much to be interested in at the Fanatics planned events either.

We really have entered an era of divergence between vintage collecting and the modern 'experience' and Fanatics' stuff doesn't seemed geared towards vintage collectors. Makes business sense, I guess, since Fanatics can't create more vintage cards but it can create and market the next Biggest Best Ever Thing at will.

Lorewalker · #2 07-17-2023, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I read the story on the Fanatics plan and it doesn't really sound like much of a card show. More like Comicon, frankly, with a big component of sales of Fanatics products and services and the collector-dealer trading floor as an afterthought at best. They retained IMG, which does the Mint Collective in Las Vegas, to run it. I had little interest in that and don't see much to be interested in at the Fanatics planned events either.

We really have entered an era of divergence between vintage collecting and the modern 'experience' and Fanatics' stuff doesn't seemed geared towards vintage collectors. Makes business sense, I guess, since Fanatics can't create more vintage cards but it can create and market the next Biggest Best Ever Thing at will.

No clue what they are doing. I just know they are throwing billions into the industry but your analysis above, if accurate, is why this will not impact smaller local shows. They sound like they are catering to another part of the industry.

bigfanNY · #3 07-17-2023, 07:52 PM

I am decidedly on the side of folks collecting anything sports related will definitely benifit vintage down the road. More collecting memories now for 8 to 18 year olds means a healthy hobby when they are in their peak earning years.
So far my only gripe with Fanatics is that they restrict their athletes from signing tickets. As for big corporate shows with top athletes signing it sounds like a great way to introduce my grandkids to collecting. In a few years I can definitely see them asking to go to Comicon to meet Captin America ( Chris Evans is going to be at NY this year fee around $260). I hope they ask to go to the Fanatics Experience to meet their favorite players as well.

Exhibitman · #4 07-18-2023, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigfanNY

I am decidedly on the side of folks collecting anything sports related will definitely benifit vintage down the road. More collecting memories now for 8 to 18 year olds means a healthy hobby when they are in their peak earning years.

I completely agree. New cards have always been the gateway drug to older cards. If you have that collector gene and you see the old stuff, you will get addicted. My point was more on the lines of my not seeing much of interest to me at a Comicon-style event. Though I have to cop to attending a few Star Trek conventions back in the day, even stood in line for an hour to meet James Doohan and made a fanboy ass of myself.

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