The National in Baltimore

[Jewish-collector]

Phil,

Let me be honest with you. I spend, if not the least amount of money, then one of the least amounts of money on cards & memorabilia of anyone from this forum that goes to the National.

I treat the National weekend as a mini vacation. I save up my money for it. I usually drive and stay at one of the least expensive motels in the suburbs and usually spend about 2 days at the show. I also end up attending a rock concert one of the nights plus I hit the downtown restaurants & clubs in the particular city.

The show has so much material from vintage stuff to the shiny stuff and everything in between. Cards, memorabilia, autographs, equipment, etc,... absolutely everything. It is quite amazing to see.

Probably the most enjoyable part for me of the National experience is meeting other collectors, dealers, auction reps, etc,... It's too bad that Leon isn't having the Net54 dinner because that was honestly the best part of the entire weekend.

Attending the National is the most enjoyable & personal rewarding experiences I have in this hobby.

Alan

[Exhibitman]

It is all about spending the better part of a week talking, walking and breathing cards with people who don't think that is a strange thing to do. Financially, from a card buying perspective, it never makes sense to go there--the costs more than consume any deals you might get. I also like it because it lets me promote my book and web site.

[bbcard1]

I think I have been to three nationals. The one in AC was a bust from my perspective. I was selling a group in Atlanta and felt good about what I accomplished. I was buying in Houston and was pretty happy all in all. Just hasn't been convenient for me the past few years. I am planning on going to Baltimore because it is close. Honestly, the Chantilly show has evolved to the point that it pretty much fills my collecting needs...it's a couple hours closer, you can get in Friday for free, can't beat the site seeing in DC and get a nationals game in with any luck to boot. The two are going to hit pretty close...

My stuff on my shopping list for the National would be to upgrade my Ashland Oil Charlie Slack (Marshall) and a couple of other singles. Haven't had any luck on these recently....

[Rich Klein]

The 2002 (was it 2002?) AC National; may have been the worst National of them all.

Rich

[Jewish-collector]

The 2003 National was in AC. Why was it so bad ? Do you think Baltimore will be better ?

[jerrys]

I had a table at every National through the 2003 in AC, except for the first one in LA in 1980. If you were to poll the long-time table holders I think you would find the worse was the Houston, Texas National. The attendance was very low.

IMO the best Nationals were the 1986 Arlington, Texas, the 1991 LA and a couple of the Chicago shows.

[Rich Klein]

When it came to the National; Houston was not that bad. I think it was because it was so close to Dallas that I knew many dealers/collectors there and thus it was like a big local show to me.

To answer Alan's query; the parking for the AC National was pathetic; as several lots were unavailable. This was beyond anything the National Committee could have anticipated. In addition, flying into AC is a mess. You either had to switch planes or come into Philly or Newark and take a drive either way. The show was not condusive to long distance travel. Plus locals KNEW not to go to AC on the weekends because roads such as the Parkway get backed up and did I mention that it is as least 30 minutes "OFF" the GSP to get to the convention.

I have said this many times; but I think the National should emulate the Comic-Con in at least one way which is to select a location and just keep the National there each year. The location is Chicago and that is central to airports and roads; actually very accessible to local public transportation as well; and the facility is nice as well. Plus all the hotels within walking distance makes it easier as well.

(As an aside; I do think the Baltimore location is great and I hope this is a big success for all involved)

[goudey1933]

hi everyone...new to posting.i live an hour from baltimore so i'll be going to my first national.how negotiable are dealers in prices ?experiences..advice?
thanks,
scott

[Jewish-collector]

Scott,

Glad you will be able to attend. See you in Baltimore !!!

Alan

[David W]

I've been to 2 Nationals, Chicago 08 and Cleveland 09.

As for deals, maybe yes maybe no.

But as others have said, the experience is worth it, you can see thousands of cards and buy what you want and stick it in your pocket that day.

A few tips - I carry a "Man Purse" to put stuff in, like a camera bag.

Peruse the whole thing on day 1, buy on day 2 if you have a limited budget.

Take notes where stuff is, or you might not find it again.

But if your whole motivation for going is to buy cheaper than E Bay you might be disapointed, although my experience in the stuff I collect is that prices are reasonable enough.