Some National Thoughts

[mberkus]

Hi, been reading all the posts and as you all probably figured out, there are as many opinions as collectors. Anyway, here is an update, we signed a 3 show deal in Chicago (2011, 2013, 2015). This was instituted basically because we were threatened by a local promotor to take over the Rosemont location and prevent us from running any future shows. Sad, but we did prevail. This was attempted by the Sportfest group 8 years ago as well. Seems like none of the smaller regional shows are happy just running their own event, they try very hard to kill the National. So far it's the National 3 Obsolete Shows 0. I am sure another group will try again.

So, we have Balt 2010, Chicago 2011, Cleveland 2012, Chicago 2013, 2014 is open, 2015 is Chicago. We are looking at Atlantic City, Las Vegas, I will try Anaheim again, Dallas, St. Louis, and Boston.

As for Toronto, lots of rules and regulations about going back and forth. I heard horror stories from dealers taking inventories across the border. Plus, not sure about facilities or taxes?

KC has not produced a sucessful show in years, not sure why but it seems that many of the cities that had very popular annual shows have died off for the same reason....eBay? When we started the National, Detroit, St.Louis, Indianapolis, KC, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philly, Mpls, Long Island, Pittsburg, San Francisco, Seattle, Arizona, North Carolina, and NJ had tons of shows and all solid. TriStar and Naxcom tried to reinstate the local regional theme and to the best of my knowledge, just found very little interest.

Well, just remember, you don't attend the National for the food, bathrooms, parking, hotels, sightseeing, or weather. As long as the dealers are buying and selling the best of the best, it becomes a great mecca for all of us serious collectors.

Check out the ESPN coverage of the show, very positive.

Thanks again for caring, without the emotion, we have nothing.

Regards,

Mike Berkus