I never got the negative comments about AC, I loved it. Got in quickly, was crowded as all get out, and had a ton of vintage and new stuff! Plenty of space to move.... best though was close to great restaurants, entertainment, and the beach towns w/ nice Airbnb's!

Personally, I'll never go to a Chicago National... been there enough on business the past 20 years so I avoid it like the plague.

How about Houston, Las Vegas, New Orleans, or Nashville? I'm sure I'm missing some cities, but some variety would be helpful.

As you know, it's been discussed to death. In the past, it seemed like the promoters wanted the venue handed to them on a silver platter which severely decreased available options. Why bother spending any extra money when it could be pocketed? They clearly didn't want to make the show more interesting for their customers at the cost of a bit of profit. I really, really hope the JPRS guys might have some fresh thinking in this regard. They're good people, so I do have my hopes up a little. I'm sure this was talked about at the N54 dinner which I missed.

Cleveland: Not the most inviting venue, but nice open concept floor plan and tons of parking. Cost of parking has also been fair in my mind. Absolutely atrocious city, though.

Chicago: Singlehandedly the worst venue I've ever stepped foot inside. Rundown disaster of a building. This needs to end with this year's show. I love the city and many of its surrounding suburbs, but the area where the show is held is a drag. There's nothing to do for miles around, and you're extra stuck if you didn't drive to the show and aren't fond of expensive cab rides or long trips on public transit.

Atlantic City: I haven't attended a National there, but have found myself not minding the place whenever I've visited. It's close for a lot of customers and dealers. I can't properly review the venue without having been there. Maybe in the future.

Other issue is that some cities are just flat out very expensive due to Union requirements and other issues. I would love a National once in Vegas but apparently Vegas very expensive town to hold a convention.

Thanks for that insight - makes sense. I'm looking forward to seeing where it's held next year. Regardless, I love the reports!!

Absolutely! Stay away from Philly, Baltimore, New York and Boston - add them to the list of high expenses due to localized union costs. I get why they want the continuity and safety of setups, but the rates are astonishing! Challenges for sure for the new promoters!

You know, right around the corner from the hotel row at the convention center in Rosemont there is a complex of restaurants and bars with a central lawn area: the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. You can walk there from the hotels.

I far prefer Chicago to AC, as do most people who are not within driving distance. Chicago is a direct flight from most any city; AC is a journey.

I saw on Larry's N54 dinner thread that AC offered the dealers $1K towards booth costs, so my guess is we will see the 2026 one there. Hopefully, the Labor Day show in Anaheim will rival it.

The parking lot commentary made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the entertaining updates. A pleasure to read while not being able to attend the national

Matt

Carl it will be in Cleveland next year
& back in Chicago in '25
-

There are a TON of food options within 1sq mile of the convention center….and none of them involved being harassed by a crackhead on the street.

You might be the first person I’ve seen say AC is better than Rosemont because of convenience and food options. I think the fact you stayed a good distance a way skewed you.

I saw lots of folks buying fudge. Did anyone here try it? It was expensive (wasn't everything??) so I hope it was good!

It was so hot in that area, I wouldn't be thrilled about my cards/memorabilia being picked up with melted chocolate fingers.

I thought this was some sort of euphemism, and then I looked and I actually saw someone was selling fudge. I wonder if anyone pulled the superfractor, peanut variant?

This is correct. There were PLENTY of food options. My son and I walked over to the Parkway Bank Park thing both days. We had pizza one day and awesome BBQ another day. Cooled down in the air conditioning and walked the 8 minutes back

I think Chicago is a FANTASTIC location. You can't beat a shuttle ride from the airport and then not having to leave the area. Plenty of food / trade nights etc.

AC was the worst experience I've had in the 7(?) times I've been. Renting a car in Philly, driving an hour+ thru awful traffic, boarded up casinos and shut down restaurants. We won't go back if it is ever there.

But everyone has a view I guess. Enjoyed your report.

Ha! A GREAT READ! Thanks for sharing.

I grew up in the NY Metropolitan area and AC was my parents favorite vacation spot growing up.

Today, I'm not sure if I ever want to make that trip again to AC. It's just too much of a hassle to get there and back.

Give me Rosemont or Cleveland or even Atlanta over AC any day of the week

Rich

P.S. Plenty of decent options near the Convention Center in Rosemont if you know where to look

I just gotta bump this for anyone who missed it. It’s gold, Jerry!