Future National Locations - Same Old Story
 

Sorry, but below is my yearly rant about National locations :)

I heard a survey was sent out from the National about where future Nationals should be held. There were a few options, but the only locations included in those options were:

Chicago
Cleveland
Atlantic City

So again, I am disheartened to hear that it’s the same old story for National locations. No western or southern locations yet again.

Board members, I implore you to please look to other locations in the future. I think the National is limiting themselves by keeping to the same three locations. The last time a national was outside those three locations was 2012 (Baltimore). That was 10 years ago! What are the reasons for keeping it same old? And please don’t say logistics or convention center size. I have heard those same arguments for years.

From my perspective the National is not run anything like it used to be when Mike Berkus (RIP) was running it.
First of all they need to get a new committee....then go from there.

.

Why would the arguments change?

If they had new and improved arguments you'd be happier?

Mike spoke at several of the Net54baseball dinners and laid out the reasoning for their venue choices. A lot of things have to be able to work. The size of the venue, the contract being some years out has to be able to be signed, unions, ingress and egress and cost, among the most important, as I remember.
They could still spread it out if they wanted to, imo.
One of my main issues is that tables are sold out for years, last time I checked. That just shouldn't happen.
.

Maybe we can get Elon Musk to buy the National and move it west. :D

Arguments have been the logistical reason to include, parking, hotel accommodations size etc. ... we have heard this for over the past 10 years now... why hasn’t there been a solution to figure this out by now. Is it the old guy in the office who says, hey bud face it it’s been this way for years, accept it. Me personally, I Hope we get away from this complacent thinking. How about finding a cool new solution, maybe hire a Logistic Consultant specializing in event location planning..idk.

You mean to Austin, right? :D

As an east coaster, I'd love to have a National in California in LA or SF or Anaheim area. Would be great to see games out there at the same time.

How could Vegas not work? Whole freakin' world has conventions in Vegas.

I used to work at a large international firm that has annual partner conference. I realize from speaking to people involved in the process that these things are a lot more complex that many people (including myself) imagine.

Many of you know from business travel that it's frequently cheaper to get a ticket to NY or Chicago than it is to get to Pittsburgh, St. Louis or Iowa City. If airline tickets are prohibitively high that could really cut into attendance.

That is a big IF.

Everyone is gonna go no matter where it is. The organizers know this and they already have the logistics of Cle/Chi/AC worked out. They have zero incentive to add more cities.

YES! Austin PLEASE!

Personally I can't think of a worse place than California in my mind, but I think Vegas is a great idea and it would really be an event. Also a fan of a Dallas show.

Even south to Tampa or the NC, SC, Virginia area.

Why should they change? The last 2 Nationals have been the busiest in terms of sales and attendance than any other previously except for 1991. I think Chicago is by far the most popular choice for dealers and collectors alike.

I keep pining for Orlando, Fl. Admitedly, I live in South Florida so am probably prejudiced, but it could easily attract collectors from the S/E as well as TX and OK. It is a hub and the amenities abound, that is if our governor hasn't put out hit contracts on Mickey, Goofy and Donald.
Chicago and Cleveland are too close in proximity, hardly serving a national collector base, while AC is a cess pool, crime, drugs and hookers and logistically tough to reach unless you are driving.
I know Mike wished to draw a cross section of the population by trying to move it around, e,g, Atlanta and wish the present Committee would have a more open mind about the next go round.

Arizona...

Call it cardpocalypse and hold it at the burning man site in the black rock desert. All flea market style.
Table discounts for yellowed toploaders.
Bonus discounts if they have dust in them that goes back to the Reagan administration.

I know it was in the 1990's but the 2 Atlanta shows were frankly speaking absolutely terrible

My favorite locations for the NSCC based on being able to attend or deal and have things within walking distance have been

Chicago/Rosemont
St. Louis
Baltimore
Anaheim

San Francisco back in 1987 was not bad on that level

Las Vegas seems to be a viable option, they're in the business of hosting conventions. SF is just a sh*t hole now.

Truer words have never been spoken.
And to honor the late Mike Berkus, I won this green E221 from him on ebay (always looking for more LOL) ....maybe 20? yrs ago. It was my first of numerous interactions with him over many years. If there weren't enough tables he would make room. He was a collector and had that mentality. I miss speaking with him. He was always so passionate. We got along great.

I was happy to get the card back after I sold it in 2015, with my collection sale.

But the counter argument will be. "It ain't broke, why fix it? You want us to sacrifice a known quantity that is amazingly successful for an unknown quantity in the hopes that it will be at least as good?"

When it's yours, then you can do what ever you want with it. They must being doing something right. You don't get to 42 by messing up.

And if that's not good enough for you, then why not step right up and start an even bigger and better one, perhaps The Continental Sports Collectors Convention! You could even rotate in Canada and Mexico too.

I would feel safer in Russia than Atlantic City

Orlando would be a good spot. Great cool nvention center and most every airline flies there…


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If I remember correctly, Baltimore (2010) was one of the best national's in years. IMO still the best to date from 2010 to present.

BTW why is Kansas City MO not on the list. Everything is centralized around the P&L district and the convention center. If I remember correctly the KC convention center is very large and wide open. Located minutes from the airport and casinos also. Guess it all breaks down to who does it the cheapest to maximize profits for the National Committee.

Maybe. Or at least hear why from the National board.

On a side note...

I propose looking to Henry Ford (yes, I know he wasn't actually the originator) and do an Assembly Line National. All dealers are on a conveyor belt mechanism that snakes around the venue, bringing their tables to you, individually. Each visitor's entrance fee is used to secure a numbered spot on this 'parade' route. Each 'stop' lasts for a short, predetermined amount of time, allowing you to look over the seller's merch and try to negotiate a deal, if you choose to do so. When the bell whistles, it's time to get the line moving again. When it completes a full circuit and is ready to start a second lap, perhaps there's an Automatic Price Reduction of 10% (actual number to be determined by a collectors committee) on everything, and so on.

Perhaps during the first go-round, no sales are allowed. It is just a way for all attendees to see everything that's available, so you can plot your own fiscal strategy.

No more leg cramps, fatigue or dehydration. Hell, bring a beach chair and really enjoy the glorious cardboard like you do at home in your computer chair!!

We now return you to our regularly scheduled programming...

Or like a Sushi Boat restaurant where you can grab anything you want and they'll ring you up at the end. I can see it now, "Did I really grab all of those pre-war delicacies?" and "why is my bill in the tens of thousands of dollars?"
_

Tampa in February. "The Winter National" Works for me. I will arrange a Net 54 event at the Mons Venus club.

Interesting. I've been going to AC for 40 years and never had an incident.

Lots of people are experts on New York City, Atlantic City and even Chicago crime who have either never been there or have been there once 17 years ago.

Orlando, please.

Definitely no crime, drugs or hookers in South Florida. No sir. Clean as a whistle.

Orlando is a long way from South Florida

I can say from experience that the most dangerous place in AC is the craps table :D

How about Nashville.

They can handle it and the city is a day's driving trip away from a pretty much half the entire nation.

Well, I (for one) am not attending "The Regional" in Atlantic City this year. Way too much of a pain to get there from the west coast, and not worth the hassle.

I like the suggestions of Orlando, Nashville, and especially Vegas. Denver would be pretty cool as well. A good hub and centrally located with tons of direct flights. Sure wish they'd throw us a bone just once per decade.

I agree, I am in Ft Myers:D

I would go for Tampa too.

Was just getting ready to suggest Nashville. They have everything needed for a big show.

If it isn't going to be held west of the Mississippi, and is only going to be in one of those three places, just stick the damned thing in Chicago permanently and be done with it. Easy air transportation hub, and the best and most convenient hotels and eateries relative to the show itself. AC is a PITA for anyone coming from more than a few hours' drive away. I mean, what are we doing there, remaking Planes, Trains and Automobiles? 'cuz that's what it feels like to work out the logistics of getting to AC.

Lmao !! Agee on you’re sentiment!!

Yes, it was! I believe the National was there two years in a row. It is unlikely that the National will return there, the rumor was that the convention center doesn't book out far enough (a year maybe?).

They sell out every table every year in the current venues. They have all of the floor layouts in place for these 3 venues as well as all other logistics. They get the Atlantic City convention center for a pittance of what the others cost. They sold out of tickets last year for the show except daily admission. Why would they change a winner for themselves. This show is their living.

I have done the National for the last 12 years and I can assure you I would vote for Chicago every year. In fact, I just did on their new dealer vote for the next 3 years. I live 14 hours from Chicago, 12 hours from Cleveland, and 10 hours from Atlantic City so obviously I am willing to drive further for the Chicago market.

They will not make a drastic change to the venues. No Dallas, no St. Louis, no Las Vegas, no Orlando. Forget about it. It will not happen.

They will not risk a loser when they currently have 3 automatic winners.

A lot of the venues named likely don't accept bookings several years in advance.

+1

Yes, Correct.....most attendance...but POST cover

I would like to see Dallas, Las Vegas, Tampa...that would be cool.

Sure I'm all for keeping the Regular Spots as Chicago and Cleveland how about every other time a new somewhat different location. Dallas...Vegas...Tampa

sorry.....POST covid

I know there have been successful events in Atlanta in the last couple of years but the NSCC was there in 92 and 99 and both those shows were frankly dreadful.

Heck. I LIVE in the DFW area and could take the train to the convention center and I don't want the show at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson (Dallas) Convention Center which is the only place big enough to hold the NSCC in the area. Not enough hotel rooms and not enough things nearby for dealers/colletors to go to after the show. They are working on re-doing the area and perhaps the updated Convention Center and Hotels can get enough people in.

And I know this may surprise you all but the people running the NSCC are aware of these comments and do look at other venues. Right now there are approximately 10-15 places which match the current requirements and most of them usually come up with some reason NOT to want us.

Don't you all think Mike Berkus, when he was with us, wanted to be in his home area of Anaheim after 2006. He would have constant talks with people in Anaheim and never got over the finish line again.

Sometimes it's how far out they wanted commitments, sometimes its how many hotel rooms.

Rich

Although there is no MLB team, Spokane WA has the logistics to hold the National. We have major events here every year: Hoopfest 3 on 3 tournament, Bloomsday race, and tons of other events. Look up how many people attend Hoopfest (24k players) and Bloomsday (30k to 40k runners). Everything is walking distance downtown, and Riverfront Park and mall is a nice distraction. The Davenport Collection of hotels is top notch. Organizers could choose to hold the show in the convention center or the arena, both of which are walking distance to local hotels. And most hotels have shuttles to and from the airport, and to and from the convention center if someone doesn't want to walk. And if you want a beach day, Coeur d'Alene is 30 minutes drive away. CDA is gorgeous in the summertime.

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Vegas Baby!

Aside from space, not sure if this was said already, but the unions involved at some of the proposed venues were supposedly making it cost prohibitive. Not sure that was an excuse though.

Vegas would be awesome!

There are many locations/venues that can't host the National for one reason or another:

Some venues are too small and/or don't have enough hotel rooms
Some venues are not convenient to airports
Some venues/cities the union stuff too expensive and/or other legal issues
Some venues charge too much for having events in their building
Some venues/cities are not good baseball and/or sports towns
Some venues don't want it scheduled too far in the future.
etc,... etc,... etc,...

After all of this analysis, it turns out Chicago (and Cleveland before the IX closed) were the only two cities that check all the boxes with the National committee and this is why they were alternating between these two. Now, since the IX reopened, Cleveland may or may not become a regular venue for the show. And, Atlantic City may or may not also be in the discussion. We shall see.

I believe Tampa would check all the boxes, with the possible exceptions of the first and last. The convention center only has 200K-300K sqft. And the Riverwalk area of downtown is amazing now.

The one item that is the most important factor is the facility cost. They are in this business to make money and that weighs head shoulders above the other factors, all of which also have a part in the decision where to hold the event.

Many of the locations mentioned are cities with first class facilities, but odds are, they want to make good money off their facility.

What? Do you work for the National committee. What a bunch of bullshit. There are places all over the country that can host a national quite nicely.

See post above...........

The venue for the 2021 National - the Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center - is 840,000 sq ft. The Spokane Convention Center is 120,000. And the Spokane Arena is even smaller (32,000 on the floor).

And, unfortunately, after you get past the Davenport hotels, there's not a ton of great options.

I don't think Spokane would be a great fit at all. I'd love it to happen, though, since I live there!

This is what they have always claimed. I don't agree with them.

I never skip a National, but I'm not going to AC, decided to go to the Philly Show in September instead..... Chicago and Cleveland are great locations. I setup at the Culture Collision show in Atlanta this year and it was very well attended by both dealers and and patrons. It was run by a new group and I think they hit a Home Run.

Could always be worse:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibi...oit%202022.jpg

A Winter National in Tampa or even Orlando would be fine with me. I'm sure that I could find some time to go in between rounds.

Chicago is the perfect location. Easy access to hotel, airport, food, entertainment etc.

It should be there annually.

Also, Baltimore will never happen again.

The area down by the stadiums, casinos, Fox Theater, etc are much improved. A lot of activity down there. That being said, I don't think Detroit could host the national.
And, yes there are also areas in Detroit as shown in your picture. Just like any other large city.

Without reading any comments
 

Without reading any previous comments, I have long believed that if the National came to West Palm Beach, FL, it might never leave.

There is a beautiful convention center in downtown West Palm, surrounded by hotels, and across the street from Ruth Chris, and a myriad of other restaurant and shopping options (Rosemary Square). That doesn't even include Clematis street, which is just a tiny bit further, and triples your options for post card-geeking enjoyment. It's also a 4 minute walk from the intracoastal, and 15-20 minute walk (5 minute drive) to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also a couple churches nearby if you're feeling religious.

It's a straight shot from Belvedere to 95 to Okeechobee, or Belvedere to Dixie to Okeechobee. You have the Brightline train that quickly can take you to Miami and back as well. Need I say more?

:-)


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/...00-h482-p-k-no

Pfffft........that's nothing. Cleveland's IX Center is over 2,2 million square feet. And there are multiple floors below ground. That along with its huge surrounding parking lot, freeway access, and literally being at the end of the Cleveland Hopkins Airport runway, pretty much makes its logistics unrivaled by any other convention center I've ever heard of. What it lacks though is all the hotels, bars, restaurants, etc. being crammed all around it, within walking distance. Some would say that is a good thing as it doesn't distract and lure attendees away to other things. Others would say it's a bad thing because some people won't attend due to all those other amenities/distractions not being within walking distance.

Truth is, there is tons to do and see in and around Cleveland and the IX Center, but you really need a car. And unlike most major cities, Cleveland doesn't have anything near the traffic congestion of other cities, like Chicago. You can easily get to where you want, just have to know where you're going. And I'm pretty sure accommodations in Cleveland are more reasonable than say Chicago. The savings can easily go towards a rental car. But for those that just want a shuttle from the airport to their hotel, and can then just walk back and forth to the National, I can understand why they don't care much for Cleveland.

I know a new group came along, as I expected, to reopen the IX Center, but to my knowledge there's been no actual confirmation of booking a specific future date for holding another National there, at least not yet, correct?

Wow looks amazing !!! I'm down for West Palm Beach Close to SGC no reason for them not to grade on-site there.

Didn't even think to mention SGC...haha!

The desire for more geographical options for the National seems like a great business opportunity for someone. someone? anyone?

Whenever this topic comes up, I like to present the (rather lengthy) posts below from a thread on this forum in 2009 from Mike Berkus. 13 years is quite some time ago, but I think what he states from an insider view are probably still the factors under consideration, and why we still have the set venue sites from that time forward.

Brian


Just a quick note to consider. I hear the same issues that are being bounced around on the thread from our National dealers and our Board of Directors, so the questions and suggestions are not new but still worthy of listening to. It would be impossible to satisfy everyone, just not possible. Families traveling to the National have totally different needs than individual collectors. We tried to work out packages in Anaheim to Disneyland, Knotts, Angel games, etc. but the groups that we did our deals with were totally disappointed with the turnout of response and do not care to work with us anymore. Response was minimal and we were advised to just let those that want to see sights, booked their tickets or times on their own. It became apparent to us that we need to concentrate on our show rather than outside venues. We do try to include all different price hotels in our block of rooms and we usually know the areas well enough to suggest food and entertainment to those that ask but few attendees ask. As for smaller cities, i.e. Knoxville, two problems exist. First, the total amount of exhibit space advertised on their website is 120,000 sq ft. This is on the first floor only, additional floors have a combination of 250,000 sq ft but broken up. We cannot house a National in that small of a facility and certainly not in broken up space and different floors. Second issue is population. We expect at least 50% of our attendance to be of a local nature, within 1 hour drive to the facility. That means that a smaller base population could mean much smaller attendance. My life would be threatened by our dealer base if I made that mistake.

Trust me on a couple of fronts. After 30 years of the National, I am somewhat familiar with the primary issues of hosting a show. The following examples are listed by priority to us, as promoters. 1) facility - must be all on 1 floor with 300,000sq ft min. 2) decorator charge - Cleveland leads in permitting dealer easy set up, that is the absolute primary reason for our repeated visits. We pay the union/decorator $45 per dealer, upfront, to turn their backs on union rules. We do not pass this charge onto the dealer and we pay it for the entire room, every booth, regardless whether the dealer uses the service or not. It is a flat fee to us and run anywhere from $23k to $28K total. Without this, dealers would pay hundreds to wait inline with their inventories and have union workers deliver the stock to each booth. 3) is local population. We would like at least 15,000 local people to join us at the show. We have a local ad and marketing budget of $50,000.00 just to encourage the sports person to either come to buy items or sell what they may have been sitting on for years. 4) local expenses to our out of towners. This includes hotel, food, parking, etc. fees that we try to keep reasonable. 5) hours of the show. We know that 2-3 days is plenty for local attendees but persons who fly in or drive a great distance want as much value for their time as possible. Also dealers need to have a full slate of hours open, to guarantee a strong financial return on their investment. We could hardly expect a VIP attendee to pay $119 for the VIP package and only have 3 days of the show, less autograph tickets, or special product sets. Also, dealers do leave early on Sunday! This is a double edge sword to us. We do not want to impose sanctions on our dealer base. We are not in the police business and the more rules we impose the more problems we all face. Our promoter team has taken it's lumps for allowing dealers to leave early. We have to close our admission booths down at least 3 hours before we are officially closed to not cheat any attendees out of their time on the show and if some booths are empty. This results in a financial loss to us with about an average of 1000 or more attendees come into the show for free. What some dealers don't realize is that many large sales have been recorded by the dealers who stay until the end. But, the bottom line of responsibility, is our job. If we put 10,000 customers on the floor at 4:40pm on Sunday, dealers would stay. We just can't find that formula to gather consumer interest after 2-3pm. We continue to try.

Well, there you have it. The instant guide for promoting a National. On one hand, there is a ton of improvement that constantly needs to be reviewed. On the other hand, we must have done one or two things right, next year in Baltimore will be our 31st annual National. We have weathered the downswing in collecting, the negative press articles, bad economies, loss of local shows and collecting base, and even the attitudes of convention centers who do not want our business. As I mentioned before, we are taking serious looks at Las Vegas, Boston, St. Louis, and anywhere on the West Coast that comes close to matching the above priorities. Baltimore is getting a very strong and positive reaction by our hobby and that is a very good sign. Sometimes it's just up to attitude that can make a difference in how succesful our show is.

Anyway, keep the passion, without it we have no hobby. Even if it's in the form of a complaint. I have grown a couple layers of thick skin over the last 30 years and can handle a lot, just as long as the National survives.

Regards,

Mike Berkus


OK, there have been some very passionate comments made and some very complimentary statements as well. I thank Jim, Rich, Leon, and others who truly care about the National and attend with a love of this hobby. Many issues concerning the show are just not known by so many people. I think that most of you, once explained, understand what can and cannot be done. All sites of the National are voted on by the dealers. No one, myself included, can select a National location without the dealers voting. Anything that happens at our show, booth fees, site selection, expenses, decorating, etc. are approved by the Board of Directors (which I am not a member), before they are put in place. Our show is owned by the dealers and everything is decided by the dealers. Once the show location is approved, my team (John Broggi, Bob Wilke, and myself) are directed to operate the show under the terms laid out by the Board of Directors. We do not make these decisions on our own. It truly matters not to me where the dealers choose our show location, I am consumed by creating the marketing, advertising, and partnerships so desperately needed by the National, to make thing work best. My role is the same regardless of the site. For those of you who think I make all these decisions, check with the Board of Directors and you will find the truth. Truth be told, I am the least political of anyone. I just want the show to survive. It is a matter of pride. No one has more fun at a National than me. I live for it.

Most dealers and collectors do not care about the details of the show. They just want it right, when they get there. They want the booth selection that they picked out ready, tables, sign, and chairs. They want the show to open on time and have no cares what the fire marshall might desire or demand. I don't blame them! They pay the freight of the show and that means I work for them. Many of the participants of the National have no idea what we have discussed so far on this thread and could care less. As Rich said " the old dealer meetings lasted until 2am". Today, our dealer meetings last 15 minutes. Things run smooth because both the Board of Directors and our promotion group are on the same track. Keep it simple and do it right. If you want a scary moment, walk into a 500,000 sq ft facility 2 days before setup and take a hard look at an huge empty area. Then, worry about filling it up with dealers, attendees, corporate sponsors, and staffing. That always gets to me before each National. No matter how many shows I have done, I always worry that this one will fail. It is what keeps me honest and working hard.

Whether it is Frank wanting Knoxville or anyone else with ideas that differ from what we are doing currently, I am always interested in hearing about it. But, once the music starts, just like a ballgame, it is too late for talking we have a show to run. Aside from seems like my complaining, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love being part of the show and hope that some of the information I have passed on is helpful to you. I know that without your participation, we would be far worse off. We need all of you to care, imput ideas, and most of all, be at the show.

Good luck to everyone for the next year and if I can be of any help, my email is (edited it out). I truly enjoy hearing from you. Hope everyone can make it to Baltimore. Most importantly, stay well, none of us are young!

Best regards,

Mike

So is LA.

Be prepared to spend all your savings on hotel rooms and nothing at the event.

Cali is a terrible option IMO. Some will disagree, but for the masses there are better options.

Not opposed to Vegas, but wouldn't be surprised if the dealers were against it. They want attendees spending money with them at the show, not in casinos all day and night losing money. Plus, not sure the costs will be very inexpensive for dealers getting in and out.

Couldn’t the same be said about Atlantic City?

I live in Richmond, Va. and spend a lot of time in Virginia Beach, Va.

Both locations have convention centers, plenty of hotels, close-by airports, major highways, minor league baseball, and many non-sports activities for the whole family.

The National needs to spread out: Richmond, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Raleigh, Tampa, Denver, etc. Hit the cities that are not Chicago, Detroit, etc.

Dont feel bad, hardly worth it

Living in Norfolk, I second that!

No offense, but I hope you are kidding. Both are way too small. The Richmond convention center is 178k sqft and Virginia Beach is 150k sqft. For comparison, Chicago is 840k, AC is 480k, and Cleveland is >1mm sqft. Baltimore is the smallest in recent history at 300k sqft and that was packed wall to wall.

Yes, to an extent, but the gambling scene there isn't as prevalent and as well liked as in Vegas anymore. Plus, it is East coast, which is more accessible for a lot of the dealers that attend. Driving/flying inventory all the way to Vegas isn't cheap I'm guessing either. They also have the boardwalk and ocean, so if anyone comes with family and friends, they have something else to occupy their time, not mainly gambling and casinos. And don't forget, Vegas is exceedingly hot that time of the year.

From what I got from those re-posted remarks in the earlier post #68, the dealers have much more say in the location selection than many would think. And assuming the dealers are pretty consistent from year to year, seems to me that to get some more serious consideration for any of these new locations everyone's touting, the trick to doing so may be to replace more East coast/Midwest US dealers with attending dealers from different parts of the country. But if you add say five such new dealers, and they're from Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, and LA, they are all over the place and very unlikely to get together to vote for one their own cities/areas as a bloc.

This show is having it’s debut event next month. It looks promising. I know the owners would ultimately like to move it around the country.

https://www.worldsofsport.com/

Yeah, these are the same morons that told us Dallas wasn't a good location for the National, LOL. Ok.

It should rotate from Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Atlanta.

Each of those are easily accessible by flight from virtually anywhere in the U.S., have facilities required for enough space to hold the event, have ample hotel space, and are destination places that people actually want to go to.

Cleveland and Atlantic City are garbage locations and the only reason they are held there is more than likely they have a concession there for labor and get the venue for "cheap."

There is no way I'm spending money to go hang out in Atlantic City for a week. I went to Cleveland for 1.5 days and regretted it completely.

Actually, I’m not.

If there’s a trade off in giving in to a smaller location which then allows the hobby to reach different people with access to things they’ve never seen, I’m all for it.

Nothing says that everything has to be in one building either. Lots of city-wide events are held in different places. The Richmond CC is right next to the downtown Marriott hotel with meeting room space and just blocks away from the AA Flying Squirrels (SF Giants) stadium and Arthur Ashe Rec Center (with 72K square feet of meeting space)….not to mention the Bon Secours (formerly Redskins) Training Center.

Tons of space available around the city that would welcome the National.

The logistics for getting to Atlantic City rules it out for me. My personal preferences are, alternating, Chicago, Nashville and Minneapolis or Kansas City. I've been to too many shows in Cleveland and will never go to A/C so considering other cities is what I would like to see in the future. I remember the great Arlington, TX shows and wouldn't object to that as a landing site also.
Disney is seriously thinking about relocating WDW with all the insanity from DiSantis so they could probably be interested.