Thoughts on Atlantic City 2016

[Runscott]

If it were in Alpine, Texas my guess is that people who lived near Alpine, Texas would be very happy and would tell us what a great time we would have. And we probably would. But there are better places to have a National than Alpine, Texas and there are better places to have it than Atlantic City. Unfortunately, politics and money drive everything in the United States, so look forward to more nationals in Atlantic City and Cleveland and none in places that seemingly make great sense...other than Chicago...because of money and politics.

[ibuysportsephemera]

Originally Posted by Runscott

If it were in Alpine, Texas my guess is that people who lived near Alpine, Texas would be very happy and would tell us what a great time we would have. And we probably would. But there are better places to have a National than Alpine, Texas and there are better places to have it than Atlantic City. Unfortunately, politics and money drive everything in the United States, so look forward to more nationals in Atlantic City and Cleveland and none in places that seemingly make great sense...other than Chicago...because of money and politics.

I agree with you Scott...But I am pretty darn happy that I can drive 3.5 hours to go to a National! My only other National was in Baltimore (because I could drive to it).

Jeff

[packs]

Is NYC just too expensive for a National? Has it ever been in the city? Barclays Center seems like a pretty good venue outside of basketball season.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ibuysportsephemera

I agree with you Scott...But I am pretty darn happy that I can drive 3.5 hours to go to a National! My only other National was in Baltimore (because I could drive to it).

Jeff

Baltimore would be fantastic for me as well, having children living in D.C.

I'm glad you are getting to go - I think any National is better than not being able to go at all because of logistics. I really had a great time in Cleveland, just because I got to see so many hobby friends - if you aren't a dealer who needs to make money, or a buyer who has some crazy idea that there are no deals to be had at these shows (which is completely erroneous, even if the show IS in Alpine), or someone who just generally refuses to have fun, then you will have fun in Atlantic City.

I might actually make it, just because the dates (Aug 3-8) are good, but probably as a collector/partier rather than a dealer.

[Jayworld]

The last National I attended was #11, in Arlington (Dallas-Ft. Worth). I remember it being a great show as far as looking, although most dealers would not come off any prices back then. Of course, I imagine that I am in the minority here, as spending several hundred dollars for plane fair, hotel(s), etc. is just not feasible for me. I have a hobby fund; and to finance the hobby, I sell things out of my hobby, etc. (usually duplicates, items I no longer want, need, etc.). So, unless a National comes back to Texas or within driving distance, I won't be able to go.

Having said all this, I'm sure those that do go will have a great time. Because of the 2016 location, would you think that the promoters, etc. (purely conjecture on my part) believe that most attendees, or most serious hobbyists, are located on the East Coast?

[mrvster]

the negative "nellies"

A/C will be what you make it! if everyone thinks it's going to be "beat" , then everyone will stay home.......AC is fine.....you don't even have to leave the boardwalk! your whole family can just stay right on , basically, the boardwalk....the gambling, beach/ocean, food, shows are ridiculously fun.....tell your kids to get boogie boards and do a little surfing......great fishing.....

there are so many buffets you'll gain a few pounds! lol

just don't venture on the outskirts of town.....

[basesareempty]

Hawai'i Convention Center Honolulu, Hawaii 1,100,000 sq ft (100,000 m2)

This gets my vote. If were going to do West Coast, lets go wayyyy West!!!

[bcornell]

Originally Posted by mrvster

A/C will be what you make it! if everyone thinks it's going to be "beat" , then everyone will stay home.......AC is fine.....you don't even have to leave the boardwalk! your whole family can just stay right on , basically, the boardwalk....the gambling, beach/ocean, food, shows are ridiculously fun.....tell your kids to get boogie boards and do a little surfing......great fishing.....

You're not getting it. The point is that AC is a terrible location for anyone who isn't in NY or PA. I have 2 options coming from the Bay Area: 1) take 3 flights (LAX-DET-AC) over about 10 hours or 2) hope that Mark M. is willing to have me go cross country in his car.

[BeanTown]

Originally Posted by bcornell

You're not getting it. The point is that AC is a terrible location for anyone who isn't in NY or PA. I have 2 options coming from the Bay Area: 1) take 3 flights (LAX-DET-AC) over about 10 hours or 2) hope that Mark M. is willing to have me go cross country in his car.

Berkus and his crew have screwed up this event so badly that I would love to see anyone else take over.

Option 3... Fly straight thru to Atlanta and lets roadtrip there!

[Exhibitman]

One could take the train to AC. Per the AC web site:

"The NJTransit Rail Terminal is conveniently located within the Convention Center and connects Atlantic City to Philadelphia at 30th Street Station and Amtrak's Northeast corridor lines. For more information, call 1-800-ACTRAIN, or visit their website at www.njtransit.com."

Per NJ Transit:

"NJ TRANSIT offers discounted round-trip excursion fares between New York, Newark, Jersey City and Atlantic City for $39.00. Round-trip tickets must be purchased at New York (Port Authority Bus Terminal), Newark Penn Station, Journal Square in Jersey City or Atlantic City Bus Terminal."

I will probably fly into NY a bit early to visit with family and friends then take the train or the bus into AC. A PITA, sure, but if I can leave from NYC on a direct ride to AC, not as bad as it otherwise might seem.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

One could take the train to AC. Per the AC web site:

"The NJTransit Rail Terminal is conveniently located within the Convention Center and connects Atlantic City to Philadelphia at 30th Street Station and Amtrak's Northeast corridor lines. For more information, call 1-800-ACTRAIN, or visit their website at www.njtransit.com."

Per NJ Transit:

"NJ TRANSIT offers discounted round-trip excursion fares between New York, Newark, Jersey City and Atlantic City for $39.00. Round-trip tickets must be purchased at New York (Port Authority Bus Terminal), Newark Penn Station, Journal Square in Jersey City or Atlantic City Bus Terminal."

I will probably fly into NY a bit early to visit with family and friends then take the train or the bus into AC. A PITA, sure, but if I can leave from NYC on a direct ride to AC, not as bad as it otherwise might seem.

Adam, it's almost direct. Amtrak to Philly, connection on NJ Transit to AC I believe but very navigable no matter.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Jayworld

The last National I attended was #11, in Arlington (Dallas-Ft. Worth). I remember it being a great show as far as looking, although most dealers would not come off any prices back then. Of course, I imagine that I am in the minority here, as spending several hundred dollars for plane fair, hotel(s), etc. is just not feasible for me. I have a hobby fund; and to finance the hobby, I sell things out of my hobby, etc. (usually duplicates, items I no longer want, need, etc.). So, unless a National comes back to Texas or within driving distance, I won't be able to go.

Having said all this, I'm sure those that do go will have a great time. Because of the 2016 location, would you think that the promoters, etc. (purely conjecture on my part) believe that most attendees, or most serious hobbyists, are located on the East Coast?

Jay:

Come to one of my shows (at a time when we don't have an autograph guest in the room) and I'll talk to you about this. Trust me, there is a lot of variables. Besides, I have not seen you for many months.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by Jayworld

The last National I attended was #11, in Arlington (Dallas-Ft. Worth). I remember it being a great show as far as looking, although most dealers would not come off any prices back then. Of course, I imagine that I am in the minority here, as spending several hundred dollars for plane fair, hotel(s), etc. is just not feasible for me. I have a hobby fund; and to finance the hobby, I sell things out of my hobby, etc. (usually duplicates, items I no longer want, need, etc.). So, unless a National comes back to Texas or within driving distance, I won't be able to go.

Having said all this, I'm sure those that do go will have a great time. Because of the 2016 location, would you think that the promoters, etc. (purely conjecture on my part) believe that most attendees, or most serious hobbyists, are located on the East Coast?

I am in the same boat...

[ibuysportsephemera]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I might actually make it, just because the dates (Aug 3-8) are good, but probably as a collector/partier rather than a dealer.

Scott..I do hope you make it, so we can hoist a couple together.

I have been thinking about why I haven't attended more Nationals. I have been in the hobby since the mid 80's. I think it is because almost every year I go to a few Brimfields, Renninger Weekends, Paper Shows, many of the Shows in Westchester, etc. I really didn't feel it was necessary to make it to the National to find the things I am interested in.

Since joining Net54, the incentive is to meet all of the screen names in person. So I look forward to meeting those of you that I haven't met yet, in Atlantic City.

Jeff

[judsonhamlin]

Can I nominate the Irish Pub on St. James for the Net54 Dinner? It's open 24-7 365 days (except for part of Christmas Day), and while it isn't Michelin rated, the food is serviceable and the beer is cheap.

[Jewish-collector]

We will need to figure out a good place for a group dinner in Atlantic City.

[detroitbaseball]

MVSNYC, pariah1107 & Jewish-collector - Thanks guys.

I have never been to the National although I am hoping to go to the 2017 Chicago.

I would think that the National would be held a little more equally throughout the country/nation considering that it is called the National.

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by judsonhamlin

Can I nominate the Irish Pub on St. James for the Net54 Dinner? It's open 24-7 365 days (except for part of Christmas Day), and while it isn't Michelin rated, the food is serviceable and the beer is cheap.

Spent many a night there before the casinos were allowed to be open 24hrs! Unless they somehow expanded, is there room for a gathering that large?

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ibuysportsephemera

Scott..I do hope you make it, so we can hoist a couple together.

I have been thinking about why I haven't attended more Nationals. I have been in the hobby since the mid 80's. I think it is because almost every year I go to a few Brimfields, Renninger Weekends, Paper Shows, many of the Shows in Westchester, etc. I really didn't feel it was necessary to make it to the National to find the things I am interested in.

Since joining Net54, the incentive is to meet all of the screen names in person. So I look forward to meeting those of you that I haven't met yet, in Atlantic City.

Jeff

I went to my first National to buy stuff (and I found lots), but the unexpected biggest plus was meeting so many of my virtual hobby friends. Now I barely even look at cards at the Nationals, other than as museum pieces, but I do end up buying lots of other stuff. As a dealer, it's especially great to have Net 54 members walk up to your table just to meet you - given all the venom the outspoken members are so often subjected to, it's great to get such positive reinforcement.

Cleveland was great in that many of the bigger names in the hobby (auction house personnel, writers, etc) were wandering around more than usual, so I actually was able to meet more people than in Chicago. Also fun to have Al and Ryan right around the corner to reduce boredom