Some National Thoughts

[Mark]

One of the most appealing aspects of the Cleveland show is that you can drive there from many other cities in a day. A bit of a drive from Boston, but most other big cities are fairly close. Maybe Pittsburgh has a convention center near some good hotels and bars?

[Steve D]

Originally Posted by Mark

One of the most appealing aspects of the Cleveland show is that you can drive there from many other cities in a day. A bit of a drive from Boston, but most other big cities are fairly close. Maybe Pittsburgh has a convention center near some good hotels and bars?

That's true, if you live east of the Mississippi River and north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Those who live elsewhere (like me) have to fly, and I for one, can't afford to spend upwards of $500 before I even get in the convention's door.


Steve

[NonSportDaniel]

I collect almost exclusively non-sports cards, with an occasional boxing focus, so my thoughts might differ from most of you on this board. I do lurk here every day as I really appreciate all of your knowledge and enjoy the topics and banter.

It is impossible for me to be anywhere during the week so I can only attend a show like the National on Saturday and Sunday. I was at the show all day Saturday and all day Sunday and found it nearly impossible to see everything that was on display for sale. The thought of cutting back the hours on those days is one that I find abhorrent. Additionally many dealers didn't even show on Sunday so several cards that I decided that I wanted after I walked the show floor (which took the entire 10-6 on Saturday) I couldn't go back and purchase on Sunday. Also, there seems to be a skewed focus on dealer to dealer time and not enough on random buyer to dealer time, at least for someone like me who can only attend on weekends.

I'm fairly young and have one in private college and one in private high school so I don't/can't spend as freely as I suspect some who post here are able (at least not today; but today my kids are my main focus, not my collecting). My budget for the National might be $700, although I fully realize that I'll probably spend more like $1000 (and did, of course). $26 per day to walk in the door for two days is like a 5.2% loss of my spending money, assuming I spend the full $1000; no small percentage in my humble opinion. I have a hard time believing that my $1000 is considered to be so small chump change by the dealers that they are indifferent if I even show up, but I suppose that everyone is entitled to their opinion and anything is possible.

I'm a midwesterner so my vote would be to keep it in Chicago, for what my vote is worth.

I enjoyed meeting Leon as well as many other dealers and collectors and look forward to 2011 as I'm not sure that Baltimore is doable for me.

[Ladder7]

Damn, I missed it! When did Cleveland lose it's 'Peepee Capital of America' status anyway?

I been there once. We had to make a beer run as our Amtrak train (enroute Great Mistakes, Ill for bootcamp) had run out of Highlife... I believe the River that runs through the city had spontaneously burst into flames at some point prior. And I thought WE had dirty water!

With our rich, ancient baseball traditions, The Hub needs to play host to the National. Then, I can finally make one. Beware however, It's rumored that Beantown is populated by overproud, pompous massholes

[David W]

I live in Indiana, so Chicago and Cleveland are close.

I went to Chicago last year, and as a guy who drives in and spends one day and leaves, Cleveland is a much better alternative. I was in Chicago last year on a Thursday, Cleveland this year on Friday.

It's much easier to drive into the Cleveland IX than Rosemont. Chicago traffic at 9:00 A.M. is just not worth it. Chicago traffic at 6:00 is just not worth it. I still remember the drive back, a bad accident on 94 south had traffic completely stopped on Thursday, I managed to get off and take an alternate route that added 50 miles to the trip, but at least I didn't spent 3 hours not moving.

I took $700 to spend, I'm guessing that I'm within range of what the majority of people walking around had to spend. I spent most of it.

My guess is way more "average joe's" show up at a National, than guys looking to spend $10K. I saw a lot more "action" at tables with bargain boxes than high end PSA graded stuff. There were a lot of set collectors scrounging through commons boxes filling out sets.

There were a lot of friendly dealers, there were a lot of un friendly dealers. I spent all my money with friendly dealers who would chit chat for a while.

[Exhibitman]

Just want to clarify one issue: my comments re Cleveland are not based on snobbery, coastal resident superiority (last time I checked Chicago wasn't on either coast) or anything other than a sincere desire for the best National experience possible. Anyone who's gone to Rosemont and to IX has to agree that the Rosemont venue is better in every respect, for the same money.

[boysblue]

How about taking the National international? Head north to Toronto.

Failing that, Baltimore is a welcome change and I think it will be an enormously successful show. Need to include an east coast location into the rotation.

Cleveland? I-X Centre does lack a certain "charm", though it is handy to the airport and a wide range of hotel choices.

[Tim Fritz]

I went to my first National last year in Chicago and will go again when it heads back in 2011. As a low-end vintage collector I looked at going to the National as visit to a museum and a card show in one.

I got to see cards and memorabilia that I've never seen in person before and spent a few hundred bucks along the way. Also got to meet and talk with fellow collectors. I was the sponge. The $100 or so I spent to get there, park and get in would be the same as going to a museum in Chicago. I thought the admission price was very fair.

One thing that I thought would be cool is to have more of an entrance area that grabs your attention. You could have music/videos playing in there maybe for people that want a break from the floor or get you juiced up to being at world class card show. I know it all adds to the bottom line, but just my 2 cents worth.

[danmckee]

Great thread!!! Cleveland I-X center has easy access to onsight bars, Chicago did not, nuff said on which location is better.

Sales wise, my 3 best shows ever were: Cleveland, Cleveland, and Cleveland.

Though this show was good for me, it wasn't one of my best 3.

I did manage to go from a priority 28 to a priority 3 and will now be at the very back of the Baltimore National with probably the best display in the show as I will be bringing out much of my personal Baltimore collection for sale.

I think someone forgot that we are exempt from all Anaheim shows since we were robbed in 1991 and counted me missing those shows against me.

I can't win

[Dan Carson]

I think the National should be held on the west coast, until cooler heads prevail!

[tbob]

I thought I read somewhere where the people who organized the great National in Arlington, Texas (Dallas) either passed away or due to bad health were no longer able to participate. Wanda Marcus and her husband maybe? I believe it was in the early 90's. I bought my first tobacco cards at that National so it holds a special place in my heart. Someone also mentioned Kansas City. There used to be a terrific show there in the 90's which rivaled the National but I haven't heard anything about it in many years.
Boston? Would be great. I'd love to go to New Orleans or Vegas also but my thought is that they are probably out of the question