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Posted By: warshawlaw

I've been to a LOT of major shows around the country, and there is nothing like the National. If you are going to go to the trouble of traveling to the show, make sure to buy the VIP package. Obviously, we don't care about the junk promos, but getting on to the floor without the massive lines and an hour early is well worth it. Since I am a SoCal, I went to the National in Anaheim all 3 times since 1990. I did the first two with regular tickets and it was sheer hell (especially that infamous 1991 show). I did the 2000 National on the VIP pass and it was great. I cruised into the show with literally no waiting.

If the economy rebounds AND the airlines clean up their act, I may do the National this year. Otherwise, I will probably content myself with the half-dozen moderate (200-300 table) shows that I can reach by car over a weekend on the West Coast.