Is anyone excited about the National?

[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.

[JackR]

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

My son and I started going to the National in the late 1990’s when he was 7 or 8. We’ve gone almost every year since then, and he’s 30 now. Each show has been a blast — and we’re psyched for Atlantic City — but we agree with the gentleman who prefers Chicago.

[Jewish-collector]

I'm probably not going this year. Like I've been saying for awhile now, the novelty of attending the National is over. It's really just a large social meetup nowadays. And, the ones on here who say you want to meet other Net54 members, that will really be difficult with so many people at the show, unless you arrange beforehand to meet.
beer chug.gif

[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.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

My first time setting up independently so I am WAY excited. Please come by, say "hi" register for the auction and grab a T-shirt!

[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.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

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.

What's that info from?

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by exhibitman

what's that info from?

nscc

[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.