Is anyone excited about the National?

[rand1com]

I always look forward to the National. This year marks my 12th National as a dealer and they have all been a positive experience.

Sales are up or down mainly based on inventory and to a lesser extent location in the room but I have not been disappointed in any years.

Of course, I am not a full time dealer as I only set up at the National and the fall Boston show at the Shriner's venue.

AC is not my favorite venue due primarily to the ridiculous hotel rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Basically, the hotel cost is $500 for the week higher than Chicago or Cleveland for similar accommodations.

As to the earlier comment about the National only being in Chicago in future years, they work on a 3 year schedule and this year offered to the dealers the options of: Chicago/AC/Chicago, Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago, or Chicago/Chicago/Chicago for the next 3 years.

I have not heard the results of that poll but one of those 3 options will be in place for 2023-2025.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Randy that's great info! Will be interesting to see results. I myself, would vote for Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago but ideally would be Chicago/Dallas/Anaheim

[Yoda]

I'm excited I am not going.

[atx840]

Unfortunately I've had to cancel my trip, was really looking forward to hanging out in NYC with a few collecting friends and then heading down for the week. Living in Canada I don't have access to many shows, it's the one event I look forward to all year.

[Jewish-collector]

The National is going to end up being in Chicago every year.

[uyu906]

I am excited to be there for 2 days! AC is the most convenient site for me other than when it was held in Baltimore. Bringing my son also - it will be his second time at a National - his first was at the last National held in AC.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

The National is going to end up being in Chicago every year.

Somewhat near the middle of the country isn't the worst idea ever.

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Somewhat near the middle of the country isn't the worst idea ever.

I wouldn't be shocked if they eventually bring Cleveland back into the mix. A new group came along to take over leasing the IX Center from the City of Cleveland, and is already back to operating it for various shows that were held there before the pandemic hit. They did take out the ferris wheel though. My understanding is it may have had to do with insurance issues.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by ajjohnsonsoxfan

Randy that's great info! Will be interesting to see results. I myself, would vote for Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago but ideally would be Chicago/Dallas/Anaheim

I threw away my ballot. I figure they will do what they want anyway. I would have voted Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago as well.

Dallas has a regular 600 table show now, so not as much urgency there, Surely with the population of Southern California they could have a regular show that pushes 600 tables.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by CurtisFlood

I threw away my ballot. I figure they will do what they want anyway. I would have voted Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago as well.

Dallas has a regular 600 table show now, so not as much urgency there, Surely with the population of Southern California they could have a regular show that pushes 600 tables.

I think the Dallas show is 5 or 6 times a year too. Houston has twice the population and just reduced their big show to once a year. I'd think a National in Houston would probably be cheaper and nearly as easy to get to.

[mrreality68]

I guess it also depends on what your plans and/or wants are. I decided to go with the hotel for the boardwalk, the gambling , the shows after the convention each day. My wife is going with me so it is a mini escape and time away from the kids

[parkerj33]

I for one, am excited to go and meet with many online friends.

[Jewish-collector]

Just like 2016 did, this National will bring lots of collectors from the east coast, some from the middle of the country, and few from the west coast.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Fballguy

I think the Dallas show is 5 or 6 times a year too. Houston has twice the population and just reduced their big show to once a year. I'd think a National in Houston would probably be cheaper and nearly as easy to get to.

The dealers do get a chance to vote on going to Houston and frankly although it's driving distance for me, who in the heck wants to go to Houston during the middle of the summer.

Rich

[Yoda]

If Houston is being considered then why not Orlando, FL or West Palm Beach, which has a beautiful new convention Center, loads of fine hotel and restaurants and easy access.

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

The dealers do get a chance to vote on going to Houston and frankly although it's driving distance for me, who in the heck wants to go to Houston during the middle of the summer.

Rich

Yeah...This Summer has been especially miserable. But Houston hosts every other thing, so why not the National? It's not like you go to the National to sit outside.

[Snapolit1]

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

Originally Posted by rand1com

I always look forward to the National. This year marks


my 12th National as a dealer and they have all been a positive experience.

Sales are up or down mainly based on inventory and to a lesser extent location in the room but I have not been disappointed in any years.

Of course, I am not a full time dealer as I only set up at the National and the fall Boston show at the Shriner's venue.

AC is not my favorite venue due primarily to the ridiculous hotel rates on Friday and Saturday nights. Basically, the hotel cost is $500 for the week higher than Chicago or Cleveland for similar accommodations.

As to the earlier comment about the National only being in Chicago in future years, they work on a 3 year schedule and this year offered to the dealers the options of: Chicago/AC/Chicago, Chicago/Cleveland/Chicago, or Chicago/Chicago/Chicago for the next 3 years.

I have not heard the results of that poll but one of those 3 options will be in place for 2023-2025.

[philliesfan]

From Philly, it's a 1-1/2 hour drive, I should be there Friday and Saturday. I was thinking of finding a cheap place halfway from Philly to make the drive easier Saturday morning.

[parkplace33]

Saw this about the National in another forum

"Collectors used to have the cards in their pockets, then in bookbags, now in secured suitcases. Things have changed"

[bigfish]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

I don’t think it’s that out of line if I compare rates in Boston, Portland Maine, and Portsmouth New Hampshire. All vacation spots and over 200 per night on the weekend.

The National is a great time every year. I think the positive experience far outweighs the costs associated. I might be bias since I am on the east coast. I would happily travel to the west coast for the show.

Have a great time at the show everyone!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

AC hotel rooms on weekends in summer are def overpriced. Have to book six months in advance to get a $200 room at a decent place. That has to be a drag for people in business trying to turn a profit.

Needed three rooms for 5 nights. Wound up renting a condo is was over $1000 cheaper.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Needed three rooms for 5 nights. Wound up renting a condo is was over $1000 cheaper.

That is the way to do it. I have been renting condos and houses for many years instead of hotels.

Next month I am going to the Shaw Classic in Colorado. I rented a nice house in a great location with a fenced yard with a grill and fire pit for the same money as staying in a dumpy Motel 6.