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!

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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.

2019 Leaf In The Game Used Sports Set To Arrive In Time For The National

Earlier this week I was excited to announce that Leaf In The Game Used Sports is making it’s return in 2019.  Like I mentioned in my previous post, the 2018 version of this product was just loaded with one low-numbered hit after another.  I never had a bad box.

Leaf has released the official sales sheet for 2019 Leaf In The Game Used Sports.  As is the case with a lot of sales sheets, some of these autographs and patches could change between now and the time it actually comes out.

The configuration looks similar to last year – (12) boxes per case, and (5) hits per box.  July 31, 2019 is the set release date.  I’m sure it will be one of the eligible products that you can use for Leaf’s wrapper redemption program during the National Sports Collector’s Convention.