Going to the National… your advice?
 

I am pretty sure I’m going to the National convention in Atlantic City this summer and would love some advice from others who have attended

My initial thought is to approach this like I am attending a museum of sports memorabilia, to enjoy seeing the incredible artifacts, know that I COULD buy if I see something but to not be disappointed if I don’t buy much

In terms of shopping list, I am thinking of “unique, possibly one of a kind” oddball vintage baseball items to adorn my “card cave”

I’d welcome others’ advice - as I’m guessing others would too!

(As a bonus, if anyone from the Atlantic City area has “must do” things at night, would love to hear from you, too)

Thx all

Jeff

3 Simple Pieces of Advice to Start
 

1) Waar Comfortable Shoes
2) If your budget is x and you can afford to do so bring 2-3X
3) If an item is unique to you AND fairly priced do not walk around with the 1"ll be back attitude - grab the item. That is the biggest regret I have seen over the years from people on this board. That is also based on what you see you are looking for. OTOH, if you are looking to work on your 1962 Topps set, you can walk around until you find someone you feel comfortable with.

Wear a money belt. At the National, cash is king and pickpockets abound.

Wear gym shorts underneath your jeans load it up equally on both sides with Ben Franklins, arrive late Saturday afternoon, stay for the remainder of the day along with Sunday. Cash will talk on those days….also if you missed it that’s ok, it wasn’t meant to be. It’s better to not overspend then to buy nothing and walk away with loaded shorts full of $100’s.

Just my 2 cents.

Good advice so far - especially on the if the price is fair and the item is unique, grab it.

I like to look for things other than cards - stuff that isn't so easily shipped. Seems like I always come away with one or two of those items. Programs, pictures, bobblehead type stuff.

Last year in Chicago I bought a lot of Hostess panels - not sure I've seen them at any other show. I also made a purchase of a large lot of 1949 Bowman. Not super unique items, but items not commonly available at my local card show.

If you are going to need supplies - make those your last purchase heading out the door. You should be able to find the uncommon sized plastic sheets that your Local Card Shop may not carry (always buy from your LCS if you can).

I will second the wear comfortable shoes. Eat a good breakfast before you go and have snacks and a bottle of water with you. I've yet to find a good lunch inside the show.

Make sure you want list has your cell phone number on it (I didn't when I lost mine at Cleveland one year) and take a picture of it before you go.

National
 

eat at Angelo's

Good shoes
Extra-thick foam insoles (two pairs)
Moleskin to pad the blisters
Band-aids and neosporin for the inevitable ripped fingers from flipping through holders
Aleve or Motrin in quantity
Antacids

The best thing about the National is hanging out and having dinner with Rich Klein !!!
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N95/kn95.

Lol...a real vacation!
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I'd take the same stuff to Yosemite...tho no toploaders involved.

How in the hell are you! ;)

You forgot: Neck Brace to lessen the reaction to whip lash- which will happen when you see the prices.