2023 National Card Show DRAMA!!

[Exhibitman]

That sounds horribly frustrating, Chris. Had I been stuck like that I'd have been using The Wall for all sorts of display stuff. Maybe spray paint it like the Berlin Wall?

I've been saying for years that management has to rethink the floor plan for these shows. That is true now more than ever with both a giant space need and so much of the hobby universe taken up by specialized areas of endeavor that many simply do not want anything to do with. I have no interest in the loud casino of breaking or the nattering nabobs of nonsense doing their livestreams and podcasts, nor am I one of the autograph pod people waiting patiently for hours to overpay for a signature from a guy whose autograph is instantly worth 20% of what they paid. IMHO, the show runners should:

1. Put the breakers, autographs and other similar stuff in one end of the place.

2. Put all the corporate booths next,

3. Put the direct services for collectors (TPGs and authenticators) next, and

4. Put all the dealers and AHs together at one end.

The priority system should be revamped to be only dealers and AHs.

This open floor plan disorganization does a disservice to each of the constituencies. It is time to recognize that the corporate areas and event areas are just wastelands that collectors have to cross. Having it all clustered will make the show much more hospitable for everyone.

I know the corporate people will protest; they think that collectors who would be into a vintage card booth would somehow be turned on by their shiny trinkets. Guess what, we aren't. All I ever think about when I see one of these corporate areas is "get out of my way." Anyone with an actual interest in this stuff can readily find it. For most of us it is just a nuisance.

Now all you kids get off my lawn.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

1. Put the breakers, autographs and other similar stuff in one end of the place.

Not that I ever wish to attend another National, but if you're going to stick autographs with breakers, I'm definitely staying home! Breakers belong with corporate.

BTW, you can tell it's been a while since I've been to a show there. I had no idea about the entertainment area you mentioned. That was definitely not there the last time I was in the vicinity. A friend told me that it's too small to handle the crowds.

[conor912]

This was my first Natty, so I have no base for comparison, and overall enjoyed myself. I have, however, been to plenty of conventions, exhibitions, and conferences to know that this one has major challenges. I would take the time to list them all in detail if I thought it would make any difference. I will say that making people sit on the dirty concrete floor to eat should be a crime.