Spending at the 2022 National

[Foo3112]

I attended in 2019 and again in 2021 - both in Chicago. The National is a lot of fun but I will admit that it wasn't as enjoyable in 2021 and there was a HUGE increase in new collectors, so it was a lot more packed. There were some tables that I wasn't able to see because of so many people all around but on both years, I was able to leave with what I wanted.

I will not be attending in 2022 but will attend again in 2023. Just too much happening in my life outside of cards. Not bad things, simply other things that I have planned and so gathering funds for the show is not a possibility. I knew that since I was attending in 2021 that I would not be making the AC show and I am perfectly okay with that. Plus, I will wait until Chicago as I am not a fan of the AC area, and I don't gamble at casinos.

As for people who will be attending, keep in mind that prices have been on a steady decline since even before the 2021 National so be careful because there's a good chance that whatever you pick up, you would have gotten cheaper if you would have waited a few more months. That could mean saving thousands of dollars.

The experience as a whole is fun and if you are involved in a community such as on the boards, social media or YouTube, you will definitely run into some familiar faces. Go up to people and say hi - see what they are doing after. Perhaps meeting up after for drinks and dinner. Lots of people bring their cards with them to show off their latest acquisitions.

And lastly, yes, cash is king. Safeguard it but also, I don't hear a lot of stories about people pickpocketing. Can it happen, of course. Does it happen as much as people make it seem - not really. If you carry a bag, perhaps put the cash inside and lock the zipper and of course, keep the bag with you and ON YOU at all times. It would really suck for you to put the bag down on a chair and you walk away because you were done eating or whatever and then you suddenly realize that you left your bag behind, and two minutes has passed. Theres a good chance your bag is gone - so don't get caught slipping.