The National Friday to Sunday updates of a first timer

[UKCardGuy]

It's my first national. I thought I'd add to the threads with updates and recaps with a newbies perspective.

I arrived in Chicago late on Wed but had to work on Thursday and Friday so I finally made it to Rosemont on Fri at about 430pm. After quickly checking into the Loewes, I ran over to the convention center to get my pass and the enter the National.

I really like the Loews. The rooms are comfy and in nice condition.

It was great to meet Fred McKie there. (Thanks for taking the time to show me round a bit Fred). By arriving an jour before closing time, i avoided crowds. I got my early access pass with no problem and dropped of some cards with SGC that i had prebooked. It took me all of 5 minutes at SGC. I then explored as many of the booths that i coud in the hour I had left.

I picked up a 58-62 Hartland Tag, a nice 70T Bench and a bunch of 61T High numbers. (I only need 34 more to complete the set and I'm hoping to get those today).

After I left the show, I made my way across the street to the Net54 dinner. It great to meet sine Net54ers and listed to the presentations. (Thanks Leon for putting on the dinner.)

As I'm still on UK time, I didn't stay too late. Early to bed means ill be up bright and early for Saturday admission.

When i got back to the Loews, the lobby was rammed with people trading cards but it was all modern. It's not
my scene but it was good to see so many kids involves in the hobby.

Saturday morning, I was up at 6am and at the convention center at 730am. (Jetlag has its advantages) The dealers were all lining up outside the VIP lounge to get their spots for next years national. (Next time somebody asks me my priority, I need to remember to say 35. I was "this close" to a UKcardguy booth in 2024.)

I spoke to a few other collectors and managed to find the VIP entrance to the National. As I didn't have anything better to do, I took a seat next to a few other people there. I'm glad I did. I should be person 10 through the doors today. I suspect there will.be more than 1,000 people behind me by 930am.

I'll send some updates later with photos.