Today is the Day! It is the first day of the National Sports Collectors Convention, a day that many companies, dealers, and hobbyists wait for every year. There is much to expect from and after the actual show. Let me break both down and share a few tips and tricks to help you maximize your time in Cleveland!
The Actual Show
The National Sports Collectors Convention occurs today, Wednesday, July 24th, through Sunday, July 28th. For tines, you can visit NSCC.com. Here are a few quick things to do when you come to the show.
Vip Passes: You get early access 30 minutes before the public time. So when the show starts at 10 AM, VIPs can get in at 9:30 AM. Don’t take that for granted if you are looking for great deals! Also, your VIP bags tend to have some cool goodies!
Visit the Corporate Booths. They have fun activities, but be prepared! Groups like Topps, Pristine Auctions, and many more have giveaways. If you plan to attend, bring a drawstring bag or extra bag to carry those goodies. We’ve walked away with our fair share of shirts and even signed memorabilia from these booths!
Don’t Be Overwhelmed: The show floor is very large, but take your time, visit your priority dealers/corporate booths, and stick to your game plan, especially if you only attend for 1-2 days.
Grading On-Site: If you have a high-value card, check out the available grading options or take this opportunity to grade with a company you haven’t before. You can visit the grading companies' websites for their pricing and offerings.
Meet Friends & The Community: If your hobby friends are going to the show, take the time to meet up! There might be better times during the show, but find time to meet up. You won’t regret it. Our most incredible friends in the hobby we have met for the first time at the National.
The Post Show Events
Be prepared because the fun doesn’t stop when the show floor closes. There are many opportunities to buy, sell, trade, and connect with people in the hobby after the show. Joey and I believe it’s the best time for us as non-dealers to find/buy inventory and connect with friends. Here are a few events we have heard that are happening “Post-Show.”
The Official National Trade Night: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night, the National is hosting its official trade night in the lower level room of the Convention Center from 6 pm to 11 pm. These nights are always packed, have many giveaways, and are a great place to meet up with friends.
The After Show: This post-show event is hosted by a handful of groups. It will be at the Aviator from 6 pm to 1 am. Over 150 showcases of different vendors, food trucks, and giveaways will also be available.
1of1 Card Shop & The Card Capitol Trade Night: Both shops will host a Trade Night on Friday, July 26th, from 7 pm to 10 pm, at 1of1’s Card Shop in Strongsville, OH. All are welcome with giveaways, food, & drinks.
Stay Tuned to Your Socials: As many people know, trade nights pop up everywhere! Our only issue this year is that hotels are not within walking distance of the convention center. So stay tuned to your social media accounts to see where people get together for trade nights. Make a plan to go with friends and be safe!
Last Minute Tips
If there is anything you can take from me to prepare you for this week, here are a few last-minute tips and tricks.
Stay Hydrated and Eat: We can all get so caught up in the show, meeting people, and other activities that we don’t take the time to eat and drink water. Make sure to dedicate time to have good meals. Even if it means you meet up with your friend for lunch or dinner at the show.
Sleep is Important: We will be on our feet on the hard concrete floors all week. As nice as the carpeted areas help your feet, nothing is better than some good sleep! Don’t feel like you are missing out on something because sleep is essential, especially if you plan to be there all week.
Take Photos & Soak It All In: We are all part of one of the most significant industries, seeing the best sports cards, TCG cards, and memorabilia ever. Some of these items we might never see again in our lifetime. So take photos of those items with your friends and cherish the week. It will go by fast!
We hope you have the best time and hope to see you at this 44th Annual National Sports Collectors Convention!
“Happiness is a collection of joyful experiences shared with soul friends.” - Amy Leigh Mecree
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