Is anyone excited about the National?

[parkplace33]

On another discussion board, the topic of this year’s National came up. Some who were attending were excited, but a somewhat large percentage it seemed were not. Some attendees (even a dealer) said that it didn’t have the draw of previous Nationals. One said it felt like a “chore” going this year

For anyone going, are you excited? Was this just a one off sampling, or is something different this year?

[Seven]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

On another discussion board, the topic of this year’s National came up. Some who were attending were excited, but a somewhat large percentage it seemed were not. Some attendees (even a dealer) said that it didn’t have the draw of previous Nationals. One said it felt like a “chore” going this year

For anyone going, are you excited? Was this just a one off sampling, or is something different this year?

I'm very excited. It's the first National for me. I'm looking forward to seeing a few people from the board and taking it all in.

I understand the feeling of things being a "chore." I think the commoditization of our hobby over the past couple of years, has soured some people or has simply made them feel burnt out. We're getting big time auctions, month in and month out apparently. Compound that with the Crypto/NFT nonsense and it can definitely turn people away. But people will come back, and the Hobby is strong.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by Seven

I'm very excited. It's the first National for me. I'm looking forward to seeing a few people from the board and talking it all in.

I understand the feeling of things being a "chore." I think the commoditization of our hobby over the past couple of years, has soured some people or has simply made them feel burnt out. We're getting big time auctions, month in and month out apparently. Compound that with the Crypto/NFT nonsense and it can definitely turn people away. But people will come back, and the Hobby is strong.

I'm thinking of going for the first time and agree with this. Meeting some Net54 folks would be the biggest reason I would go.

[Tony Gordon]

I am definitely excited. I look forward to it every year. I will be set up in Booth 657 with largely post-War vintage, all four major sports.

[x2drich2000]

Quite honestly, I think a big part is people want to be disappointed by AC. If you've been reading this board for awhile there is no shortness to the "AC is hard to get to" or "AC is a dump" type comments. Those who think it is a chore want to have a reason to complaint and will blame their disappointment on it being in AC instead of Chicago, Cleveland, or their backyard. If you go in wanting to have a good time, you'll figure out a way to make that happen. Those who are excited are just happy to have the show and enjoy it regardless of where it is or whatever else is going on. Personally, I'm excited anytime I get to go.

[Snapolit1]

Very excited.
I think there are folks who believe that if they keep complaining loud enough about AC it will fall off the slate somehow. Won’t happened.

Aside from the fact that NJ sellers and AHs have an oversized role in the hobby, AC is driveable for 1/3 of the nationals population. Let that sink in …..

[Mrc32]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Very excited.
I think there are folks who believe that if they keep complaining loud enough about AC it will fall off the slate somehow. Won’t happened.

Aside from the fact that NJ sellers and AHs have an oversized role in the hobby, AC is driveable for 1/3 of the nationals population. Let that sink in …..

Plus I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere the convention center gives the NSCC the room for free. Just to get people to fill the hotels.

I'm going with my son and both of us are excited - although we'd rather it was in Chicago.

[Andrew1975]

Can't wait... have been looking forward to it for a long time. I was at the last National in AC in 2016 and had a great time.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Very excited.
I think there are folks who believe that if they keep complaining loud enough about AC it will fall off the slate somehow. Won’t happened.

Aside from the fact that NJ sellers and AHs have an oversized role in the hobby, AC is driveable for 1/3 of the nationals population. Let that sink in …..

Well, AC is off the slate as the NSCC wants the event in Chicago every year. Not even interested in Cleveland or AC. Let that sink in.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

Quite honestly, I think a big part is people want to be disappointed by AC. If you've been reading this board for awhile there is no shortness to the "AC is hard to get to" or "AC is a dump" type comments. Those who think it is a chore want to have a reason to complaint and will blame their disappointment on it being in AC instead of Chicago, Cleveland, or their backyard. If you go in wanting to have a good time, you'll figure out a way to make that happen. Those who are excited are just happy to have the show and enjoy it regardless of where it is or whatever else is going on. Personally, I'm excited anytime I get to go.

I did fine when I set up there last time, but it is too far to drive and I decided to take a skip year this time. Will go to Chicago next year if my health is still good.

I'm not going to bad mouth AC, it will be a fine national and I am glad that I experienced it the previous time.

[Bkrum]

Just booked my flight today. Never flown to a show so will have to control my buying as I have to lug it back!! Only staying Weds/Thurs nights and haven’t selected a place to stay. Figured I would at one of the casinos….any thoughts?

[Fballguy]

My first and I can't wait.

[NYYFan63]

I got back into collecting five years ago and this will be my first National. I live an hour away from AC so I am hoping to be there Thursday - Saturday.


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[mrreality68]

I book this in advance a while ago and I am looking forward to it.
Meeting people from the forum, enjoy some of the to do list from the previous thread and bringing my wife so in evening we will enjoy a little gamble, the board walk and the atmosphere of some of the hotels and or shows.
AC is closer for me than Chicago so makes it doable for me. The show should rotate around 3 or 4 venues in my opinion around the country so every corner as the opportunity every 3 or 4 years ago to get people that normally may no travel as far to go and perhaps that will help create more and new collectors or investors. Even though I know it will not happen

[rjackson44]

Live in long beach island 30 min away . Ill be there walking with my pitbull 😇😇

[Johnny630]

So Excited...can't wait. It's going to be a blast. I'm just very bummed out about SGC not doing on site grading, missing for the second year in a row :-(

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by rjackson44

Live in long beach island 30 min away . Ill be there walking with my pitbull 😇😇

You mean that vicious beast from your facebook posts? Is it safe to have him out in public

[rjackson44]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

You mean that vicious beast from your facebook posts? Is it safe to have him out in public

scott lol hope to say hi octavio what booth again are you holding court

[ldrunner27]

I'll be there Wednesday and Thursday, can't wait. To me it's like going to a museum to see stuff I haven't seen before and may not see again

[rand1com]

I always look forward to the National. This year marks my 12th National as a dealer and they have all been a positive experience.

Sales are up or down mainly based on inventory and to a lesser extent location in the room but I have not been disappointed in any years.

Of course, I am not a full time dealer as I only set up at the National and the fall Boston show at the Shriner's venue.

AC is not my favorite venue due primarily to the ridiculous hotel rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Basically, the hotel cost is $500 for the week higher than Chicago or Cleveland for similar accommodations.

As to the earlier comment about the National only being in Chicago in future years, they work on a 3 year schedule and this year offered to the dealers the options of: Chicago/AC/Chicago, Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago, or Chicago/Chicago/Chicago for the next 3 years.

I have not heard the results of that poll but one of those 3 options will be in place for 2023-2025.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Randy that's great info! Will be interesting to see results. I myself, would vote for Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago but ideally would be Chicago/Dallas/Anaheim

[Yoda]

I'm excited I am not going.

[atx840]

Unfortunately I've had to cancel my trip, was really looking forward to hanging out in NYC with a few collecting friends and then heading down for the week. Living in Canada I don't have access to many shows, it's the one event I look forward to all year.

[Jewish-collector]

The National is going to end up being in Chicago every year.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by ajjohnsonsoxfan

Randy that's great info! Will be interesting to see results. I myself, would vote for Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago but ideally would be Chicago/Dallas/Anaheim

I threw away my ballot. I figure they will do what they want anyway. I would have voted Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago as well.

Dallas has a regular 600 table show now, so not as much urgency there, Surely with the population of Southern California they could have a regular show that pushes 600 tables.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

I threw away my ballot. I figure they will do what they want anyway. I would have voted Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago as well.

Dallas has a regular 600 table show now, so not as much urgency there, Surely with the population of Southern California they could have a regular show that pushes 600 tables.

I think the Dallas show is 5 or 6 times a year too. Houston has twice the population and just reduced their big show to once a year. I'd think a National in Houston would probably be cheaper and nearly as easy to get to.

[Snapolit1]

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

Originally Posted by rand1com

I always look forward to the National. This year marks


my 12th National as a dealer and they have all been a positive experience.

Sales are up or down mainly based on inventory and to a lesser extent location in the room but I have not been disappointed in any years.

Of course, I am not a full time dealer as I only set up at the National and the fall Boston show at the Shriner's venue.

AC is not my favorite venue due primarily to the ridiculous hotel rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Basically, the hotel cost is $500 for the week higher than Chicago or Cleveland for similar accommodations.

As to the earlier comment about the National only being in Chicago in future years, they work on a 3 year schedule and this year offered to the dealers the options of: Chicago/AC/Chicago, Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago, or Chicago/Chicago/Chicago for the next 3 years.

I have not heard the results of that poll but one of those 3 options will be in place for 2023-2025.

[philliesfan]

From Philly, it's a 1-1/2 hour drive, I should be there Friday and Saturday. I was thinking of finding a cheap place halfway from Philly to make the drive easier Saturday morning.

[parkplace33]

Saw this about the National in another forum

"Collectors used to have the cards in their pockets, then in bookbags, now in secured suitcases. Things have changed"

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

I don’t think it’s that out of line if I compare rates in Boston, Portland Maine, and Portsmouth New Hampshire. All vacation spots and over 200 per night on the weekend.

The National is a great time every year. I think the positive experience far outweighs the costs associated. I might be bias since I am on the east coast. I would happily travel to the west coast for the show.

Have a great time at the show everyone!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

Needed three rooms for 5 nights. Wound up renting a condo is was over $1000 cheaper.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Needed three rooms for 5 nights. Wound up renting a condo is was over $1000 cheaper.

That is the way to do it. I have been renting condos and houses for many years instead of hotels.

Next month I am going to the Shaw Classic in Colorado. I rented a nice house in a great location with a fenced yard with a grill and fire pit for the same money as staying in a dumpy Motel 6.

[Piratedogcardshows]

Always and I have a fun train trip planned to get their.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

I don't care where it is, I wish I could go this year, but I can't. Best wishes to everyone who attends.

[Lucas00]

I'm very excited!

[Snapolit1]

counting the hours ……

[A2000]

If you're a collector and you love cardboard, and you're going to attend the National, how can one not be excited?

[Hankphenom]

There's nothing like walking into a National the first day you're there. If you're dead to it, you must be dead to the hobby.

[Johnny630]

When is the earliest you can go ? Wednesday afternoon?

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

When is the earliest you can go ? Wednesday afternoon?

Tuesday is dealer set up. I've heard that's the day on the down low where lots of good stuff get's purchased/traded among dealers and those lucky enough to have a dealer's badge.

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

There's nothing like walking into a National the first day you're there. If you're dead to it, you must be dead to the hobby.

Well said!

Please send me your address. I would like to return the Walter Johnson book you gave me to read in Chantilly.

Toby

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by bigfish

Well said! Please send me your address. I would like to return the Walter Johnson book you gave me to read in Chantilly. Toby

Hi Toby,
Was it my book, or the Roger Treat book, I can't remember anything these days. In either case, you are welcome to keep it or pass it on to someone else.