AC vs Rosemont: A live stream National Trip Report

[Seven]

I will say, the sketchiness of AC outside of the main strip (well even inside the main strip, but you know what I'm talking about) aside, I feel like their are some great things to do in Atlantic City. Some top notch restaurants, shows, gambling, you're also not far from some of the very nice shore towns, if you wanted to take an extended trip after going to the National for a couple of days.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Seven

I will say, the sketchiness of AC outside of the main strip (well even inside the main strip, but you know what I'm talking about) aside, I feel like their are some great things to do in Atlantic City. Some top notch restaurants, shows, gambling, you're also not far from some of the very nice shore towns, if you wanted to take an extended trip after going to the National for a couple of days.

All true. And many people walked the relatively short distance
From their hotel to the AC Convention Center. Not the greatest walk but fine with a friend or two. Beats staying 10 miles away in some crap hotel and dealing with Uber.

[CJinPA]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

All true. And many people walked the relatively short distance
From their hotel to the AC Convention Center. Not the greatest walk but fine with a friend or two. Beats staying 10 miles away in some crap hotel and dealing with Uber.

I never got the negative comments about AC, I loved it. Got in quickly, was crowded as all get out, and had a ton of vintage and new stuff! Plenty of space to move.... best though was close to great restaurants, entertainment, and the beach towns w/ nice Airbnb's!

Personally, I'll never go to a Chicago National... been there enough on business the past 20 years so I avoid it like the plague.

How about Houston, Las Vegas, New Orleans, or Nashville? I'm sure I'm missing some cities, but some variety would be helpful.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by CJinPA

How about Houston, Las Vegas, New Orleans, or Nashville? I'm sure I'm missing some cities, but some variety would be helpful.

As you know, it's been discussed to death. In the past, it seemed like the promoters wanted the venue handed to them on a silver platter which severely decreased available options. Why bother spending any extra money when it could be pocketed? They clearly didn't want to make the show more interesting for their customers at the cost of a bit of profit. I really, really hope the JPRS guys might have some fresh thinking in this regard. They're good people, so I do have my hopes up a little. I'm sure this was talked about at the N54 dinner which I missed.

Cleveland: Not the most inviting venue, but nice open concept floor plan and tons of parking. Cost of parking has also been fair in my mind. Absolutely atrocious city, though.

Chicago: Singlehandedly the worst venue I've ever stepped foot inside. Rundown disaster of a building. This needs to end with this year's show. I love the city and many of its surrounding suburbs, but the area where the show is held is a drag. There's nothing to do for miles around, and you're extra stuck if you didn't drive to the show and aren't fond of expensive cab rides or long trips on public transit.

Atlantic City: I haven't attended a National there, but have found myself not minding the place whenever I've visited. It's close for a lot of customers and dealers. I can't properly review the venue without having been there. Maybe in the future.

[Snapolit1]

Other issue is that some cities are just flat out very expensive due to Union requirements and other issues. I would love a National once in Vegas but apparently Vegas very expensive town to hold a convention.

[CJinPA]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Other issue is that some cities are just flat out very expensive due to Union requirements and other issues. I would love a National once in Vegas but apparently Vegas very expensive town to hold a convention.

Absolutely! Stay away from Philly, Baltimore, New York and Boston - add them to the list of high expenses due to localized union costs. I get why they want the continuity and safety of setups, but the rates are astonishing! Challenges for sure for the new promoters!

[Exhibitman]

You know, right around the corner from the hotel row at the convention center in Rosemont there is a complex of restaurants and bars with a central lawn area: the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. You can walk there from the hotels.

I far prefer Chicago to AC, as do most people who are not within driving distance. Chicago is a direct flight from most any city; AC is a journey.

I saw on Larry's N54 dinner thread that AC offered the dealers $1K towards booth costs, so my guess is we will see the 2026 one there. Hopefully, the Labor Day show in Anaheim will rival it.

[CJinPA]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

As you know, it's been discussed to death. In the past, it seemed like the promoters wanted the venue handed to them on a silver platter which severely decreased available options. Why bother spending any extra money when it could be pocketed? They clearly didn't want to make the show more interesting for their customers at the cost of a bit of profit. I really, really hope the JPRS guys might have some fresh thinking in this regard. They're good people, so I do have my hopes up a little. I'm sure this was talked about at the N54 dinner which I missed.

Cleveland: Not the most inviting venue, but nice open concept floor plan and tons of parking. Cost of parking has also been fair in my mind. Absolutely atrocious city, though.

Chicago: Singlehandedly the worst venue I've ever stepped foot inside. Rundown disaster of a building. This needs to end with this year's show. I love the city and many of its surrounding suburbs, but the area where the show is held is a drag. There's nothing to do for miles around, and you're extra stuck if you didn't drive to the show and aren't fond of expensive cab rides or long trips on public transit.

Atlantic City: I haven't attended a National there, but have found myself not minding the place whenever I've visited. It's close for a lot of customers and dealers. I can't properly review the venue without having been there. Maybe in the future.

Thanks for that insight - makes sense. I'm looking forward to seeing where it's held next year. Regardless, I love the reports!!

[Jay Wolt]

Originally Posted by CJinPA

Thanks for that insight - makes sense. I'm looking forward to seeing where it's held next year. Regardless, I love the reports!!

Carl it will be in Cleveland next year
& back in Chicago in '25
-