Future National Sports Collectors Convention Sites Announced

Per an e-mail from the National Sports Collectors Convention, here is a list of the next three locations they plan to hold the show:

• 2023 Chicago (Rosemont)  July 26-30, 2023
• 2024 Cleveland IX Center July 24-28, 2024
• 2025 Chicago (Rosemont) July 30-August 3, 2025

I’m glad to see that Atlantic City is off the list, and Cleveland is back on. Cleveland has always been my favorite location. Its possible I might even try to get back there in 2024.

Good Luck Attending The 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention

Good luck to everyone attending the National Sports Collectors Convention this year in Atlantic City, NJ. It runs from July 27-31.

There are a lot of card shows held all over the country all year long, but in my opinion the National Sports Collectors Convention is the best. Others will argue with that thought and that’s ok. Its always had a little bit of everything for collectors. Looking for that $0.50 base card to complete a set? Need to get an item autographed? Interested in looking at museum quality cards and memorabilia? Want to voice your opinion on a topic directly to a card manufacturer or other business involved in the industry? These are all things you can do.

I will not be attending the show this year. In 2016 I went when it was held in Atlantic City, but I just decided I didn’t want to go through the travel process. Lets not forget the price of everything is through the roof as well. The Atlantic City Convention Center didn’t impress me very much either. I wasted a lot of power in my wheelchair going from the parking garage up to the area where the show was being held. Cleveland, OH will always be my favorite venue. Now that the I-X Center is back open for business, I hope the National Sports Collectors Convention considers placing them back in the rotation. The second you walk into the I-X Center the show is right there in front of you.

Content will not be in short supply. Each night I look forward to seeing what went on that specific day. Just don’t believe everything some of these “influencers” who have popped up over the last few years are telling you. They may make it look as if they’re living a high and mighty lifestyle, but so many of them are in debt up to their eyeballs just to keep their show going. Others will use undisclosed non-sports card related income to make it look as if flipping cards is their only job. Some will even arrange fake deals just for video views. A lot of manipulation can and does go on.

Cash is king. So take plenty of it. Dealers accept all types of payment methods, but cash is almost always preferred.

Topps usually holds a Q&A meeting after show hours one of the days. If you have a VIP or Media Pass I would recommend signing up for it ASAP. Typically only (150) spots are available. From my experience Media Pass holders can get in to the show well before VIPs. During this Q&A session you can learn a lot about what Topps has planned for the future. You can also voice your opinion on certain issues. At the conclusion Topps hands out a special card to everyone who attended.

If you’re looking to buy boxes and participate in some of the manufacturer’s wrapper redemption programs, I’d suggest checking out Marty’s Sports Card Exchange. I’ve always found his prices to be very decent. His booth can be located in the corporate area.

The five days will go quickly, but take time to soak it all in. Safe travels. Have fun. Good luck.

Card of the Day: Ken Goldin – Goldin Auctions – 2021 National Sports Collectors Convention Auto

BREAKING: 2020 National Sports Collectors Convention Postponed Due To Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Update: THE 2020 National Sports Collectors Convention HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

The National Sports Collectors Convention issued the following press release today:

(Edison, NJ) – The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) announced today its Board of Directors has voted to postpone the 41st National, scheduled to start Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, a result of health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world’s largest sports and entertainment collectible show’s premier annual event has been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, December 12th through Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic situation with our partners along with city and state officials.  It has become clear postponement is the appropriate course of action.” said John Broggi, NSCC Show Promoter.  “We have tentative plans to hold the National December 12-16, 2020, at the Atlantic City Convention Center, given state and federal guidelines indicate it is safe to hold our event.”

Open to the public, the Atlantic City Convention Center will be transformed into a collector’s paradise utilizing over 400,000 square feet, including 650 high profile exhibitors from around the country who will be buying, selling, and trading sought after sports and entertainment collectibles.

“It was a very difficult decision to postpone the 41st National but we feel it is the right decision given the number of critical unanswered questions and uncertainty concerning the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, said Dan Berkus, NSCC Show Promoter.  “We are currently working with Atlantic City officials and our NSCC team will be coordinating with exhibitors, attendees, and signing guests to ensure a smooth transition to the new December 12-16, 2020 dates.”

Exhibitors currently registered for the 2020 National will receive information pertinent to their participation and how to proceed going forward.  In addition, exhibitors and attendees can visit http://www.NSCCShow.com, and our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@NSCCShow) social media platforms for current news and up-dates concerning the National Sports Collectors Convention show dates, December 12 – 16, 2020, at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

We thank you for your support and patience as we all work through these unprecedented times.  Our thoughts go out to those directly affected.

Well… this should be no surprise.  Honestly, I don’t think it will even happen in December.  People will still be recuperating from the coronavirus both physically and financially.  Given that its December the weather could be a potential factor.  Plus its the holiday season.  Lets not forget right now the Atlantic City Convention Center is being used as a field hospital for non-coronavirus patients.  I just don’t see it happening this year.  Wait until 2021.

I’ve attended seven Nationals.  Four in Cleveland.  Two in Baltimore.  One in Atlantic City.  I wasn’t impressed with the Atlantic City Convention Center.  I wasted so much power in my wheelchair just getting from the parking garage up to the room where the National was being held.  Cleveland will always be my favorite location.  As soon as you walk in the door of the I-X Center in Cleveland the National is right there.

Promos obtained through wrapper redemption programs are a huge part of the whole National experience.  I’m not a fan of Panini, but they are the only manufacturer so far to show-off what their wrapper redemption base set for 2020 will look like.  Take a good look folks.  This could very well be the most of any National promos you see this year.

Here’s What Your 2019 National VIP Badges Look Like

I wonder if they’ve ever given any thought to randomly including autographs, relics, or vintage cards in these badges?  Honestly, people would probably complain “certain” people were getting the special cards.  Less than two weeks to go until the greatest show in the world celebrates it’s 40th anniversary.

Topps, Leaf, Upper Deck, and Panini all have VIP sets.  Don’t forget to check out my tips on how to get your name on the list to attend the Topps Q&A.

Good luck to everyone going!

Panini’s 2019 National VIP Set (Something To Look At While Waiting In Their Customer Service Line)

I’m not a big fan of Panini.  Its been years since I’ve opened any of their products.  I think they’re sloppy, careless, and abuse their exclusive licenses to the max.  With all of that said, people continue to buy their stuff and complain.

Panini’s customer support (or lack there of) is so poor its almost impossible to get a hold of someone to talk to.  During the National Sports Collectors Convention its a common sight to see people lined-up at the Panini booth waiting to talk to a customer support representative.  I’ve seen people stand there all day.  Its sad.  Collectors don’t want to spend all of their time at the National waiting to talk to Panini’s customer support.  That time should be used for walking around, looking at all the cool stuff, getting autographs, picking-up singles, and opening boxes.  Its not like you’re going to be satisfied after talking to the Panini employee anyway.

While you’re waiting in that long line at the Panini booth, VIPs should redeem the coupon found in their package of goodies.  That coupon is good for a 10-card set that features Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, Daniel Jones, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and R.J. Barrett.  The tenth card is still a mystery, and will be unveiled closer to the start of the 2019 National.  I’m fairly positive it’ll be of Zion Williamson.

Upper Deck’s 2019 National 5-Card VIP Set

VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention will find a 5-card set within their welcome package.  This set includes Prominent Cuts cards of Tiger Woods, Ben Simmons, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, and Deandre Ayton.

Topps Readies 5-Card Set For 2019 National VIPs

VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention will receive a 5-card set thanks to Topps.  The set includes Frank Thomas, Ryne Sandberg, Carlton Fisk, Kris Bryant, and Ernie Banks.  Interested in attending the Topps Q&A during the NSCC?  Be sure to check out my tips on how to get your name on that exclusive list.

Leaf’s 4-Card Set For 2019 National VIPs

Leaf Trading Cards has a 4-card set for VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention.  The set includes Kyler Murray, Stephen Curry, Harrison Ford, and Wander Franco.

Q&A – How Do I Attend The Topps Q&A During The National Sports Collectors Convention?

Question:  How do I attend the Topps Q&A during the National Sports Collectors Convention?

Answer:  The Topps Q&A meeting is one of the best events that you can take part in while attending the National Sports Collectors Convention.  The NSCC usually starts on a Wednesday, and Topps typically holds their Q&A meeting that following Friday.  The Q&A takes place after the NSCC has closed for the day, and is held either at the convention center or a hotel near by.  It depends on where the NSCC is taking place, and what’s available.

In order to attend the Topps Q&A you must sign-up for it at the Topps booth.  The event is limited to about (150) spots.  Its a wise idea to get to the Topps booth ASAP, because those spots fill up very quickly.  Badges for the NSCC usually can start to be picked up at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. that first day.  The VIP Party starts at 2:30 p.m.  At 3:30 p.m. the show opens for VIPs.  General Admission gets in at 4:00 p.m.  If you’re a VIP, as soon as the show opens at 3:30 p.m. I’d run to the Topps booth and get my name on that list.

During the Topps Q&A you are encouraged to ask Topps employees anything you want pertaining to the hobby.  In between questions they tend to giveaway lots of prizes.  Everyone who attends usually receives a special gift on the way out when its over.  This gift is specially made for the Topps Q&A, and can only be obtained there.  In 2018, everyone left with a Francisco Lindor autograph #’ed/50.

The 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention takes place 7/31-8/4 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.  I think its safe to say Q&A attendees will leave with a special Chicago-related card.