UPDATED -- Mid-Atlantic Trade Event - Opinions Wanted!

[Rhotchkiss]

3-4 years ago, I hosted a trading event at my office in Maryland. About 12-15 prewar collectors came by, and we talked, hung out, showed off cards, and did some trading/deals. It was a lot of fun, and I get asked from time-to-time whether I am going to have another trade event. Andrew F (of net54) and I were talking a few weeks ago and we decided that it may be time to bring the event back. However, we want it to bigger and better than last time.

This would be an informal event for collectors to meet, show their cards, and trade/do deals. While there will certainly be transactions, this will not be a card show, where “dealers” set up and sit behind tables of cards with asking prices. Dealers are, of course, welcome, but not in their capacity as dealers trying to sell stuff to the gen pop. This is a collectors event; like the old days when you would take your shoebox/binders of cards to your buddy’s house and sit down with a group of kids and trade.


This thread solicits opinions and requests answers to the following queries:

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend?

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland?

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show?

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room)

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)?

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal.

At this point we are in the “investigation phase”. I will update this thread if/when decisions are made.

Thanks

[rhettyeakley]

Sounds like an amazing idea! I wish I lived closer!!!

[Vintagedeputy]

Love the idea!

How far would you drive/travel to attend? About 2 hours

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? I’d prefer NoVa. I’m in Richmond so that works for me.

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event I’d prefer to avoid the weekend of Chantilly

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show? How about monthly?

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) hotel meeting room

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? That amount is fine

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. pre-1980

[oldjudge]

I agree with Rhett--sounds great. Good luck guys; I'm envious.

[rjackson44]

Great idea go for it

[Andrew1975]

Ryan, I had a great time at the first event you hosted, and very much looking forward to this one. As we have been discussing, I am willing to do the leg work regarding reserving a room etc., once we decide on a date and geographic area, and have an estimate on how much space we would need.

I’m certainly open to other ideas, but I think the Tyson’s Corner area might be convenient (or at least not inconvenient) for a lot of people. There are a bunch of hotels there, so we could likely find something that would suit our needs. Also, lots of restaurants there if we wanted to bring food in.

I think sometime mid January to mid February might be good. Less outdoor activities that time of year so hopefully people wouldn’t have as many conflicts. Also, there don’t seem to be many card shows then, so might fill the void so to speak.

Just some thoughts, I am certainly open to other ideas. Should be a great time.

Andrew Finkelman

[Snapolit1]

deleted

[JimC]

Sounds like a great idea to me.

How far would you drive/travel to attend? DC/MD/NOVA fine. Would prefer NOVA.

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? NOVA

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event

Chantilly weekend would be preferred.

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show?

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) No preference

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? No that's fine

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. Prefer pre-war/1950s

[notfast]

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend? I’m on the other side of Baltimore so 1-1.5hrs would be cool

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? either works

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event I think weekend of Chantilly would get some dealers that aren’t super local.

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show?

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room)place with some beer/whiskey would be nice

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? Nope

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. Id be open to all vintage even though I only have Ty Cobb stuff

[steve B]

My comments in Blue

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

3-4 years ago, I hosted a trading event at my office in Maryland. About 12-15 prewar collectors came by, and we talked, hung out, showed off cards, and did some trading/deals. It was a lot of fun, and I get asked from time-to-time whether I am going to have another trade event. Andrew F (of net54) and I were talking a few weeks ago and we decided that it may be time to bring the event back. However, we want it to bigger and better than last time.

This would be an informal event for collectors to meet, show their cards, and trade/do deals. While there will certainly be transactions, this will not be a card show, where “dealers” set up and sit behind tables of cards with asking prices. Dealers are, of course, welcome, but not in their capacity as dealers trying to sell stuff to the gen pop. This is a collectors event; like the old days when you would take your shoebox/binders of cards to your buddy’s house and sit down with a group of kids and trade.


This thread solicits opinions and requests answers to the following queries:

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend?
I'm not sure, an hour -hour and a half from me, maybe a bit farther? Im just North of Boston, and a DC trip unless I could combine with a family vacation would be too far.

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland?
No preference, for something like that whatever works best for the organizers.

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show?
No preference, I doubt the family would tolerate both a trading day and a show during vacation. The little one rebels at two art museums in a row.

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room)
Whatever room makes the most sense for the expected numbers and the organizers. A big room with 5 people would be weird, and a small room with lots of people would be difficult.

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)?
If I could attend, a nominal entry fee would not be a problem.
I rarely sell or trade, so for me it would be a met and greet and checking out some cool cards.

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal.
Toughest question! Bringing a few cards wouldn't be a problem, with an expanded scope I'd feel like I should bring more. A 79 cutoff almost seems too modern, Unless there's a good reason. Prewar would preclude some really cool stuff as would limiting things to baseball. Maybe prewar anything and pre 79 anything except the main sets from Topps, Bowman, and maybe Fleer?

At this point we are in the “investigation phase”. I will update this thread if/when decisions are made.

Thanks

[Zan]

Thank you Ryan and Andrew for coordinating this, it sounds like an incredibly fun time!

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend? living in Brooklyn so preferred to come down when already in the area

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? NOVA would be perfect, familiar with the area

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event would very much prefer the event to take place during CSA as I would likely already be in the area for the show already

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show?

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) hotel conference room would be good, can be spread out enough for all to feel comfy

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? not whatsoever

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. pre/post war exclusively

[Johnny630]

Ryan

I'm in the central Maryland Area. I would love to come and meet some members along with looking at their cards. Unfortunately I don't have any pre war to trade/mostly just Post War but would still like to come out and see everyone. Time and place don't matter to me/I'd come. Admission is fine with me.

John

[t213]

I attended the earlier event Ryan hosted and it was great! It was great to see everyone, swap some cards and admire some awesome collections. My answers are below.
Andy Cook


1. How far would you drive/travel to attend? 2 hours

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? Prefer NOVA (I'm in NOVA), but MD is good too.

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show? Almost any weekend is good

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) small hotel conference room

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? Happy to pay my share

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. Prefer pre-1950

[Nugen]

Ryan & Andrew, thanks for putting this together.


This thread solicits opinions and requests answers to the following queries:

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend? 2 Hours

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? Nova

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event Doesn't have to be a show weekend

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show? The event would be great during a show "drought" period (Jan-Feb)

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) Whatever works but conference room would be preferred.

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? Not at all

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. All sports pre 1980

Thanks again, Tony

[ValKehl]

Ryan, it was great to run into you by chance and to chat with you on Saturday at the Chantilly Show. Having greatly enjoyed the inaugural event you held at your MD office a few years ago, I very much look forward to your proposed next event. Although I live in a distant VA suburb of DC, it matters not to me where this event is held, when it is held, what sort of venue it's held at, whether or not there is a door charge (but I think all attendees should contribute), etc. Baseball is my only interest, but there may be enough potential attendees who collect cards and stuff pertaining to other sports.
Best,
Val

[Cmount76]

I live about 6 hours away, but if the dates work out, I'll be there!


Thanks for potentially arranging this!

[jefferyepayne]

I absolutely love the idea of doing a get together like this during the hobby 'dead zone' in Jan/Feb. As long as it doesn't conflict with NFL playoffs, I'm in. Playoffs are a must-see TV event for us football guys, LOL.

jeff

[BlueSky]

Count me in.

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend? I am Maryland, north of DC. So a couple of hour drive time is no problem.

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? Either work

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event No preference here.

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show? Jan/Feb/Mar

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) No preference. But access to adult beverage would be great.

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? No

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Note- I am pretty sure that anything after 1979 will be strictly outlawed and YouTubing will be grounds for dismissal. Prefer pre-war up to the 1960s

[Jcosta19]

I come to the area for work once a month on the weekend so would definitely attend if it falls on one of those weekends.

Maryland is typically better for me on a Saturday but otherwise no preference.

I dont have a preference for venue and don't mind a small fee.

I would prefer vintage but not only prewar as I also collect late 40s and early 50s.

Look forward to details and hope I can attend.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[txaggie00]

Ryan, I think would be a great event and I'd love to come if I could coordinate with a visit to family in Chesapeake.

Anywhere close to D.C would be good for me, as I'd be flying in to either there or Norfolk and making the drive.

I think a hotel conference room would be ideal as I'd likely be staying over a night and would be happy to contribute to the cost.

No preference for timing it with the Chantilly show.

I'd only have T206 for trade so would be open to whatever collecting eras made most sense for the group.

Hoping to see this come together and I'll definitely attend if I can!

[rats60]

1. How far would you drive/travel to attend? I am about 10 hours away

2. Andrew and I live near DC, so it will be in that area. Is there a preference on Northern, VA (Tysons corner) vs somewhere around I495 in Maryland? NoVa would be better

3. Are you more or less likely to attend if we did it the weekend of one of the Chantilly shows? If so, would you be more likely to attend after the show closes or during the day while the show is going on). Chantilly is a 3 day event.

Alternatively - is there a time of year that is better than others if not done the same weekend as a Chantilly show? More likely to attend if it is around the time of Chantilly show

4. Any preference for a smaller hotel conference room, restaurant, or private office (the preference is to use a smaller hotel conference room) No preference

5. Would your decision to attend be impacted if there was a nominal door charge ($5-$10)? No

6. Would you prefer the focus stay on prewar, or just baseball, or open it up to a more broad range of collectors? Pre 1980 would be fine.

[Rhotchkiss]

Thank you all for the comments and opinions.

As Andrew and I investigate this, and also taking into consideration comments, a few things have become clear:

1. The Spring Chantilly show is over Spring Break for Andrew's kids, so that date is a non-starter.

2. Hotels are expensive and offer few (if any) amenities/benefits.

THUS, it is looking like we will be doing this, on Saturday February 18th, at Andrew's golf club in Ashburn (very close to Chantilly). The club has a 1600sf room, can set up tables however we want, a restaurant and bar that accepts credit cards, is safer (in that randoms cannot and will not just walk into a gold club), and is reasonable enough that we will not have to charge for the room -- so it will be a free event (except you pay for food and drink). I think we will open it to all eras, sports, and media types (photos etc), with a focus on prewar baseball, and we will OUTLAW anything newer than 1979 in baseball and 1985 in all other sports.

This is not in stone, but likely how it will shake out. So pencil into calendars now.

I will start a new thread if/when the event is finalized, at which point you can mark it in pen in calendars.

[Jcosta19]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Thank you all for the comments and opinions.



As Andrew and I investigate this, and also taking into consideration comments, a few things have become clear:



1. The Spring Chantilly show is over Spring Break for Andrew's kids, so that date is a non-starter.



2. Hotels are expensive and offer few (if any) amenities/benefits.



THUS, it is looking like we will be doing this, on Saturday February 20th, at Andrew's golf club in Ashburn (very close to Chantilly). The club has a 1600sf room, can set up tables however we want, a restaurant and bar that accepts credit cards, is safer (in that randoms cannot and will not just walk into a gold club), and is reasonable enough that we will not have to charge for the room -- so it will be a free event (except you pay for food and drink). I think we will open it to all eras, sports, and media types (photos etc), with a focus on prewar baseball, and we will OUTLAW anything newer than 1979 in baseball and 1985 in all other sports.



This is not in stone, but likely how it will shake out. So pencil into calendars now.



I will start a new thread if/when the event is finalized, at which point you can mark it in pen in calendars.

Just a heads up Feb 20th is a Monday, assuming this is a typo.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by Jcosta19

Just a heads up Feb 20th is a Monday, assuming this is a typo.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Thanks, I corrected it to the 18th