The National in Baltimore

[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.

[Jewish-collector]

In one of the threads, there were questions about recommendations for hotels near the convention center. I came across a list recently. Hope it helps.

Hilton Hotel - 401 W Pratt St - attached to convention center
Sheraton Inner Harbor - 300 S. Charles St - attached to convention center
Marriott Camden Yards - 110 S Eutaw St - one block from convention center
Holiday Inn Inner Harbor - 301 W Lombard St - one block to convention center
Days Inn Inner Harbor - 100 Hopkins Pl -one block from convention center
Renaissance Harborplace - 202 E Pratt St - two blocks from convention center
Quality Inn Downtown - 110 St Paul St - five blocks from convention center
Holiday Inn Express - 1701 Russell St -2 miles from convention center(shuttle)
Embassy Suites BWI Airport - 1300 Concourse Dr - 8 miles (airport light rail)

[Clark7781]

Originally Posted by David W

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

OK, can't resist! What movie?

"It's not a man purse, it's a satchel. Indiana Jones wore a satchel."

[manningmurphyfan]

Originally Posted by Clark7781

OK, can't resist! What movie?

"It's not a man purse, it's a satchel. Indiana Jones wore a satchel."

Hangover.

[4815162342]

How much does PSA and SGC charge to grade or reholder cards at the National?

[cwazzy]

This will be my first Nationals experiene and I can't wait! I won't have much money to spend once I get there but I really don't care if I don't buy a thing. As long as I get to meet some new people with similar interests and see amazing cards that I would normally never get a chance to see in person I'll be happy. Plus this will be my first guy's weekend in 7+ years. I'm sure I'll miss my wife and kids while I'm gone but it will be nice to have some "me time".

[4815162342]

Me too Chris!

[Jewish-collector]

Chris,

I go to the National every year and never have much money to spend, either. However, the most personally rewarding experience of the show is meeting other collectors. Hope to see you there !!!

Alan