Genuine question, what is with the National staying in Chicago

[LEHR]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

For me, at least, the most significant aspect of the National is that everyone goes. It is a great social week for me, a party to celebrate collecting with all the other at-heart ten-year-old boys and girls, a place to have hours-long conversations about cards like we did when we were kids. I dunno about most people but my wife and daughter have no interest at all in discussing which 1933 Goudey Ruth pose is the best one.

This.

I went to the National in 2023 and was at the show from Wednesday through Friday. I spent around $2k on on flights, hotel, Ubers, and food/drink before I ever purchased a card, and it was well worth it just for the social aspect of it. I made one new buddy at that show and we still talk almost every week. This was only my 3rd National since 2002 as work or family vacation obligations typically get in the way; but I'll spend the money to go to any National I can, even if I had no cash for cards.

[Mrc32]

I've never understood why the national doesn't invite every damn food truck in the city to set up outside. There were a couple food trucks inside at Cleveland last year (which is an AWFUL location) and those people made a killing.

I hope they do that for Chicago.

FWIW - As someone who flys in, I think chicago is a great location and honestly a great venue (other than the AC issue and the wifi issue a couple years back)