Thoughts on Atlantic City 2016

[MVSNYC]

A true "National" collector's event, should be rotated evenly over time...East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, South, etc...a decade of Chicago, Cleveland, Chicago, Chicago, Cleveland, Chicago, BALTIMORE, Chicago, Cleveland, ATLANTIC CITY, Chicago, etc...isn't exactly evenly rotated. There has to be great venues in other parts of the country.

I'd love to see Los Angeles, NYC, Dallas, etc. added to the mix...I am excited about AC, and happy to see that they are trying to mix it up. Will be fun.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

A true "National" collector's event, should be rotated evenly over time...East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, South, etc...a decade of Chicago, Cleveland, Chicago, Chicago, Cleveland, Chicago, BALTIMORE, Chicago, Cleveland, ATLANTIC CITY, Chicago, etc...isn't exactly evenly rotated. There has to be great venues in other parts of the country.

I'd love to see Los Angeles, NYC, Dallas, etc. added to the mix...I am excited about AC, and happy to see that they are trying to mix it up. Will be fun.

+1

Currently, it's the equivilant of having the Super Bowl in the same 3 cities over and over. It would motivate me a lot more to so to, say, Chicago, if I knew it wasn't going to go back there for another 10 years. It's like that overpriced card you really want on eBay....some day you might pull the trigger, but it's not going anywhere so no need for any urgencey.

Seattle doesn't need any more congestion, but Portland could be really cool, as well as NorCal.

[packs]

While I was still living in SF I always wondered why the National never came out there. The Cow Palace hosts a huge Tristar show every year.

[buymycards]

I plan on going. It will be a long drive from Wisconsin, but it will be worth the drive to get some fresh seafood.

[bobbyw8469]

I think I will never go to a National. If I want overpriced cards, I will just buy from the handful of Ebay sellers that have been rehashed through ever card forum message board for years. Everyone knows who they are.

[toppcat]

You can take the train from 30th St Station in Philly for $10, which is what I will probably do. I believe it lets you off right near the convention center:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g6...om.Philly.html

You can also take a SEPTA train from the airport to 30th St Station for $8.

[t206blogcom]

I'll definitely try to make AC next year.

Wish the National would come to DC, but I'm sure that's too costly. Perhaps Richmond?

[Jewish-collector]

Here is a listing of size of convention centers. So these will suffice for the size requirements. Note that Atlantic City is one of the smaller ones. Column headings are Name, Location, Exhibition space, and Total space.


McCormick Place Chicago, Illinois 2,670,000 sq ft (248,000 m2)[7]
Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida 2,100,000 sq ft (200,000 m2). 7,000,000 sq ft (650,000 m2)[8]
Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Georgia 1,500,000 sq ft (140,000 m2) 3,900,000 sq ft (360,000 m2)[9]
Las Vegas Convention Center Winchester, Nevada 2,182,167 sq ft (202,729.9 m2)[10] 3,200,000 sq ft (300,000 m2)[11]
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans, Louisiana 1,100,000 sq ft (100,000 m2) 3,100,000 sq ft (290,000 m2)
San Diego Convention Center San Diego, California 615,700 sq ft (57,200 m2) 2,600,000 sq ft (240,000 m2)[12]
Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan 722,500 sq ft (67,120 m2) 2,400,000 sq ft (220,000 m2)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, D.C. 703,000 sq ft (65,300 m2) 2,300,000 sq ft (210,000 m2)[13]
Sands Expo and Convention Center Paradise, Nevada 2,250,000 sq ft (209,000 m2)[14]
International Exposition Center (I-X Center) Cleveland, Ohio 1,000,000 sq ft (93,000 m2) 2,200,000 sq ft (200,000 m2)[15]
Colorado Convention Center Denver, Colorado 584,000 sq ft (54,300 m2) 2,200,000 sq ft (200,000 m2)
Dallas Convention Center Dallas, Texas 1,000,000 sq ft (93,000 m2) 2,000,000 sq ft (190,000 m2)
George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, Texas 853,000 sq ft (79,200 m2) 1,800,000 sq ft (170,000 m2)
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York City, New York 840,000 sq ft (78,000 m2)[16] 1,800,000 sq ft (170,000 m2)[17]
Mandalay Bay Convention Center Paradise, Nevada 1,700,000 sq ft (160,000 m2)[18]
Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio 426,000 sq ft (39,600 m2) 1,700,000 sq ft (160,000 m2)
Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, California 815,000 sq ft (75,700 m2)[19] 1,600,000 sq ft (150,000 m2)
David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 330,000 sq ft (31,000 m2) 1,450,000 sq ft (135,000 m2)
Reliant Center Houston, Texas 706,000 sq ft (65,600 m2) 1,400,000 sq ft (130,000 m2)
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, Texas 440,000 sq ft (41,000 m2) 1,300,000 sq ft (120,000 m2)
Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, Maryland 425,000 sq ft (39,500 m2) 1,225,000 sq ft (113,800 m2)
Music City Center Nashville, Tennessee 350,000 sq ft (33,000 m2) 1,200,000 sq ft (110,000 m2)
Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, Kentucky 1,200,000 sq ft (110,000 m2)
Hawai'i Convention Center Honolulu, Hawaii 1,100,000 sq ft (100,000 m2)
Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation Cleveland, Ohio 767,000 sq ft (71,300 m2) 1,002,000 sq ft (93,100 m2)[20]
Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon 255,000 sq ft (23,700 m2) 1,000,000 sq ft (93,000 m2)
Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 679,000 sq ft (63,100 m2) 1,000,000 sq ft (93,000 m2)
Miami Beach Convention Center Miami Beach, Florida 502,000 sq ft (46,600 m2) 1,000,000 sq ft (93,000 m2)
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Boston, Massachusetts 516,000 sq ft (47,900 m2) 976,000 sq ft (90,700 m2)
Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix, Arizona 312,000 sq ft (29,000 m2) 900,000 sq ft (84,000 m2)
Austin Convention Center Austin, Texas 246,092 sq ft (22,862.7 m2) 881,400 sq ft (81,880 m2)
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois 840,000 sq ft (78,000 m2)
Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, California 720,000 sq ft (67,000 m2) 867,000 sq ft (80,500 m2)
Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis, Indiana 1,300,000 sq ft (120,000 m2)
Moscone Convention Center San Francisco, California 700,000 sq ft (65,000 m2)
Tampa Convention Center Tampa, Florida 600,000 sq ft (56,000 m2)
America's Center St. Louis, Missouri 523,000 sq ft (48,600 m2)
Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, Utah 515,000 sq ft (47,800 m2) 679,000 sq ft (63,100 m2)
Atlantic City Convention Center Atlantic City, New Jersey 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m2)
Raleigh Convention Center Raleigh, North Carolina 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2) 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m2)
Bartle Hall Convention Center Kansas City, Missouri 388,000 sq ft (36,000 m2)
Reno-Sparks Convention Center Reno, Nevada 381,000 sq ft (35,400 m2)
Charlotte Convention Center Charlotte, North Carolina 280,000 sq ft (26,000 m2)
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center Jacksonville, Florida 265,000 sq ft (24,600 m2)
Wisconsin Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin 226,201 sq ft (21,014.8 m2)
Washington State Convention and Trade Center Seattle, Washington 205,700 sq ft (19,110 m2)[21]
Hynes Convention Center Boston, Massachusetts 193,000 sq ft (17,900 m2)
Roland E. Powell Convention Center Ocean City, Maryland 182,200 sq ft (16,930 m2)
Connecticut Convention Center Hartford, Connecticut 140,000 sq ft (13,000 m2) 191,500 sq ft (17,790 m2)
San Jose Convention Center San Jose, California 143,

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

A true "National" collector's event, should be rotated evenly over time...East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, South, etc...

That's fine but there are better choices than Atlantic City IMO.

[MVSNYC]

Chris, I do agree. Though I'm happy to have it on the east coast next year, and I am not one who minds that it is in AC...I do agree there has to be better choices on the east coast going forward.

[toppcat]

I expect to be there, possibly even for a fourth night this time. All in all though, the location is not ideal.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

St. Louis, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix, Denver, etc are just a few places that I can think of which might serve as good venues....bright, sunny places with baseball teams (mostly) I realize some of these places have hosted a few years back.

[conor912]

I can't help but wonder if the promoters have just gotten complacent. I mean, I know there's a ton of factors that go into where it's held, but vetting a new city and venue with new staff and convention center configurations to figure out must be a lot of work. Going back and forth between the same 3 cities seems like the easiest (and arguably laziest) way to do it as far as work for the promoters goes. If it ain't broke.....

[vthobby]

I have been to an AC show WAY back when and I just remember that Union workers controlled what went into the show and when. They had to cart it in for you and I think they expected tips?

Please someone correct me if I'm off base as this was way back in High School and I worked for a dealer that did a big AC show and that sticks in my mind as being a bit uncomfortable since we could not bring our own stuff in. Union controlled the movements.

Has this changed?

Mike

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by vtgmsc

I have been to an AC show WAY back when and I just remember that Union workers controlled what went into the show and when. They had to cart it in for you and I think they expected tips?

Please someone correct me if I'm off base as this was way back in High School and I worked for a dealer that did a big AC show and that sticks in my mind as being a bit uncomfortable since we could not bring our own stuff in. Union controlled the movements.

Has this changed?

Mike

It was this way for the 500HR show. I went to help a buddy load/unload. Was surprised they allowed us to unpack and setup the tables. I remember a lot of yelling. But I was walking dead from the night before, so it was good for me.

Something must have happened because when it came time to leave, they were there IF you needed them. Probably had something to do with the Chicken Man blowing up..

[Jobu]

I hope that Johnny V's table is next to the Topps guys, I am dying to see which one will be louder.

[ibuysportsephemera]

I can't wait. I will be there for at least 3 of the days and am looking forward to the Net54 dinner.

Jeff

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Jobu

I hope that Johnny V's table is next to the Topps guys, I am dying to see which one will be louder.

Now that was funny.

[joeadcock]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

St. Louis, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix, Denver, etc are just a few places that I can think of which might serve as good venues....bright, sunny places with baseball teams (mostly) I realize some of these places have hosted a few years back.

Hey Robert. My first National was at Atlanta, Georgia in 1992, and it was a cool show. Not a bad place to go and then can see the Braves play. Not sure why avoidance of the south.

[almostdone]

I was at a mid size show two weeks ago in Raleigh NC. A lot of the dealers there were headed to Chicago for the National as soon as it was over. In talking to them I didn't find one dealer there who is a fixture at selling at the National that plans on going to Atlantic City next year. One dealer said it will be the first one he will miss since he started setting up and selling 22 years ago. The reasons? No good flights (as mentioned), terrible family city, poor security during last one, tables way too expensive when the promoters got a "steal on the venue", expensive accommodations, etc.
I've never been to a National but would love to cast my vote to bring it down south for all us neglected collectors.
Drew

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

How far out is the National 's location decided? Do we know yet where it will be held in 2017?

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by joeadcock

Hey Robert. My first National was at Atlanta, Georgia in 1992, and it was a cool show. Not a bad place to go and then can see the Braves play. Not sure why avoidance of the south.

I would love to see it a little further south of course, just like those close to NJ are pleased about AC. I wish it were rotated in some of the cities I suggested (which would give folks in all parts of the country home field advantage every once in awhile ) from year to year or located in the same central location every year.

[BearBailey]

Will definitely be there, the National is what you make it, it stinks there is no Major League Baseball team there but otherwise if you are going for the show you will love it.

[Steve_NY]

As always, I will be close to the front door at booth 451. I have done all three of the New Jersey Nationals and have done decently at all of them. The same collectors make it to all of the Nationals for the largest selection of sports card merchandise every year. I don't expect that to change next year. I plan on making a large display of non sports and sports cards -- cards, unopened packs, boxes. empty boxes and uncut card sheets. I am on the prowl for more of the same so keep me in mind.

I plan on having a terrific show, and hope that many of the people who are considering not attending will change their mind. It is to their advantage to show up and see what we all have found during the current year. I am always on the search for new items. Don't miss out just because you have a bad feeling about A.C. If you put up a great display, you will do fine. The last 33 years of setting up at Nationals speak for themselves.

Thanks for making Chicago another great year for Mitch and me.

Steve Sabow
DynamicTwo@aol.com
914-522-3853 (Cell)