National Headed to Chicago Again in 2026

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by Huck

Chicago hits the trifecta!

https://www.nsccshow.com/future-events

As an East Coaster it's a shame. I'm not driving to Chicago. Selfishly, I really think it'd overdue having a show in PA or MD. PA has never held it, and the amount of collectors here definitely rivals the most for any state in the US. I know we have the Philly show and Chantilly around here, but it would be nice to have the National one year over here in the heavily populated east coast. I also think holding it in Washington DC would be absolutely amazing.

[darkhorse9]

ComicCon is in San Diego every year and they seem to be doing fine. I say leave it in Chicago permanently.

Atlanta would be great geographically for me, but getting from the airport to any facility that could handle it would be a disaster. for dealers and visitors I've never known a convention that does really well in Atlanta.

[Brent G.]

I think Indianapolis should get a shot. The main reason it's host to frequent Final Fours and major events is the proximity of hotels to the stadiums/convention center. It's a helluva lot cheaper, more convenient, and overall better than Rosemont/Chicago (which I live next to). Also has the #1-rated airport in the country. I suppose the lack of an MLB team hurts its chances.

[Jewish-collector]

If they keep the National in Chicago every year, they need to move it to the McCormick Place (and figure out the union stuff if that's an issue).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCormick_Place

[jethrod3]

Originally Posted by Brent G.

I think Indianapolis should get a shot. The main reason it's host to frequent Final Fours and major events is the proximity of hotels to the stadiums/convention center. It's a helluva lot cheaper, more convenient, and overall better than Rosemont/Chicago (which I live next to). Also has the #1-rated airport in the country. I suppose the lack of an MLB team hurts its chances.

Indianapolis would be a great host city. Lots of dining close to the convention center, and well, it is the "crossroads of America!" If not Indy, then I'm glad the National is in Chicago the next 3 years. I'd estimate that 1/3 to 1/2 of the people were without Wi-Fi in Cleveland, there were NO water fountains that I could find in the IX exhibition halls, and even if you left for the show early, you would hit bad traffic even on days that you thought attendance might be lighter (Wed. and Thursday). Parking lots were chaos---there was nobody directing traffic until you got to the main road (outside of the parking lot). On the plus side, the temperature was fairly pleasant despite the mass of humanity at the show. Yeah, I know the Chicago show had issues with the temp, but all in all, I liked the Chicago shows better because things seem much more organized and less stressful to attend, at least for me.

[Gnep31]

Chicago three years in a row is very disappointing to me. I was robbed at the last convention I attended in Chicago, in front of my downtown hotel. I've been to Chicago dozens of times for sporting events, work or visiting friends, but I try to do everything I can to avoid it now.

I've been to conventions in Louisville many times working a booth for my company and it would be an incredible location for the National. The most recent event hosted 877 vendors. Of all the convention centers I've been to it is the best by far.

Cleveland would be my first choice because of location to me. It had some struggles this year, but overall I would give it a thumbs up.

[Huck]

Interesting discussion. Especially, that the National could outgrow Chicago....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEYqVBl5iGY

[conor912]

The thing I can’t understand is why they only let dealers vote on the city. It seems to me that no matter where it is, the national would have no problem selling it out. I wish that both dealers and attendees got to vote, as regardless of your reason for going, we all spend a small fortune to go. Seems only fair to me.

[Jewish-collector]

Originally Posted by Huck

Interesting discussion. Especially, that the National could outgrow Chicago....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEYqVBl5iGY

Agree. I linked this video on a different thread. The 2nd half of the discussion was really informative.

All of these venues (IX Center, Stephens Center, etc,...) would be fine if the crowd hadn't increased so much post Covid. It's outgrown all of these venues. That's why I suggested they move it to the McCormick Place in downtown Chicago.