What was your earliest National Convention?

[Natswin2019]

My one and only national was the 2012 national when I was a teenager. Family made a whole trip out of it and everything. Was such a fun time, I imagine it's a much different experience now.

[Howe’s Hunter]

My first, and only so far.

[Piratedogcardshows]

2010 Baltimore with my son. What a trip to think about!

[Vintagedeputy]

Great replies, everyone. Thanks for sharing.

[DodgerMike22]

1991 Anaheim. My dad took me. I used my birthday money to buy a Bird/Erving/Magic RC. I was a little short on funds and good ol’ dad pitched in what I needed to get it. We had a good time. Thanks dad!

[Keith H. Thompson]

I had been to many good shows like the Shriner's Show in Wilmington, Mass, the Willow Grove Show and the old Gallagher shows at the Union Hall in NYC, but the National always (or used to be) an eye opener.

[CurtisFlood]

Never kept an accurate account of how many I set up at. It was about 20, starting around 1998. I remember the last one, 2021 the year after the show was cancelled in 2020. That was a madhouse, shows all over got better for a couple years, unlike anything I ever experienced.

I retired in November, 2023, just could not keep up any longer and needed to stay closer to home to take better care of myself on a daily basis.

I was able to set up in Chicago, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Atlantic City. My favorite venue was Cleveland for a number of reasons. All of them were good shows, but Cleveland had an advantage in cheaper lodging, more space, and ease of finding places to eat.

The shows are always better with a buddy or two, mine were Ron Estes of Coach Estes Cards and Ray Isham, a pennant guy. Great travel companions!