The National

It is never too early to think about the largest card show of the year and this is the year you really should think about going.

Some cities are more expensive than others. Obviously Anaheim, CA is going to cost you more than Chicago. This years National Sports Collectors Convention is being held in Cleveland, OH and the 30th edition may be the cheapest to attend.

You know you have always wanted to attend a National. You’ve heard the stories from collectors online and down at your local card shop. Maybe you got to go to a National back in the 90’s? Its time to go again and here are a few tips to save a few bucks and make this trip a productive one for both the part-time dealer or the strictly collector and everyone that falls in-between.

1. Get online and book your flight.
   Cleveland is not the most expensive flight to book. In fact, if you stay flexible, you can get a great deal on a flight. Sites like Priceline and Hotwire are great for getting a bargain flight. Even if you do not live near a major airport, you may be surprised how cheap a connecting flight can be. In fact, even if you do live near a major airport, a flight with one layover can be a cheaper option. The National will be held at the I-X Center which is so close to the airport, a chain-link fence is all that separates the two.
   
   
2. Get that hotel cheap.
   The same applies to hotels as it does flights. A word of caution here: there are not many “good” hotels close to the convention center so you want to keep this in mind when using a name your own price-type site for booking.
   
   Everyone has a different definition of what “good” is, but I think we can all agree no one likes a dump.
   
   The National website for travel has information about host hotels and special convention rates. You will probably only be there a couple of nights so to some, its comfort over cost but to others, the cheaper the better. Don’t forget, rooming up can save money as well. Hey, you will be at the show most of the time anyway, right?
   
   
3. Drive to the show.
   Gas isn’t the cheapest it’s been but it isn’t as high as it once was, either. Cleveland is relatively close for east coasters. If a few of you are going as a group, splitting the gas and driving could save some money. What you are giving up is a little more time. If you are flexible and can take more time off from your “real job,” map out the route and see if driving is for you.
   
   
4. Buy your passes now.
   Save time and money and buy your passes early. Consider getting a VIP pass. A VIP pass offers autographs and more plus, you don’t have to wait in line like the “peasants” that buy day passes. They are also offering a “SuperVIP” pass. Visit their website and see what you get for your money. If you are only there for one day, a VIP pass may not be worth it.
   
   
5. Set your game plan.
   Go with purpose. Do not show up to the show and think you will just “browse.” This will be my 11th National. Trust me on this one, you need a game plan. Write down some of the things you are looking for, people you want to meet and autographs you want to get. Get an autograph signing schedule up front and plan your time. I promise, if you just show up to the National like you do your local mall show, you will get home and go “What the heck did I do for the last several days?”
   
   If you are thinking about getting cards graded on-site, get them in early. Anyone that has graded on-site at the National can tell you, the Beckett booth gets crowded fast. The National is the only show where we grade and encapsulate on-site so I don’t have to tell you that many collectors and dealers save up to grade at the show.
   
   
6. Pack your gear
   You need a “survival pack” for this monster show. A comfortable backpack will do the trick. You need a notepad to jot down booth numbers you want to visit again. (Yes, you will forget booth numbers)
   
   You need your basic card tools and supplies such as a loupe, ruler, card holders, penny sleeves and a box, like a set box. Don’t forget a bottle of water and some snacks. There are concessions for sale in the show but a candy bar or the like is a quick option for you when you are moving. I also suggest some hand sanitizer.
   
   Yes, it gets dirty out there.
   
   Pack your ‘graphing tools, too. Some sharpies, note cards and whatever else you may need. See #8 for more on this.
   
   Wear comfortable shoes! Do not wear your “cool” flip flops. Your feet will hate you.
   
   And I think I end up writing this every year I have written about attending shows…Please shower and wear deodorant. Seriously. We all have to work long hours at the show. Sure, it gets hot and we are sometimes elbow to elbow in the isles. Nothing is worse than being jammed up in a crowd looking at cards or waiting for a ‘graph and smelling someone who drove from the west coast without stopping or bathing. Please, this tip is for everyone’s enjoyment..
   
   
7. See a game.
   Hey, Cleveland has real MLB baseball! Ok, you knew that but did you know you can more than likely walk up a get a decent ticket? Take a break from the show one evening and catch a game. Friday through Sunday the Tribe is at home against Detroit.
   
   If you are flexible with your schedule, stay an extra day and catch the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame and or the Football Hall of Fame. I once saw both of these in one day. The Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH is about 45 minutes away and Rock-n-Roll is in downtown Cleveland.
   
   
8. Scope the airport
   This is for the ‘graph heads in the group and applies for both coming and going. All I will say is that some of my best in-person autographs have come from the airport, and they were free. You will be amazed who you will see in an airport like Cleveland.
   
   It is rare that I attend a card show and do not get at least one autograph at the airport. It’s easy but you have to be prepared. This is not the place to be fumbling for a pen or something for him/her to sign.
   
   

For a list of autograph guests and other details, go to: http://www.nsccshow.com For a list of services BGS will be offering at the National, check www.beckett.com/grading.

- Andy Broome, BGS Grading

Ask BGS

Q: I see you guys are doing a few shows in Texas in June. I have an order that is due June 16th. Is it possible for me to pick my graded card order up at one of these events? I will be in Texas on vacation during that month and would love to pick my cards up and have some graded, if possible.

A: Yes, this is an option and one that a lot of our customers do. There are a few ways to do this. If you have an order already into Beckett Grading, please let us know that you want to pick the card up at a certain show. If the deadline date is close to the show date, we will be happy to ship the card to the show/event for you. If the service level needs to be changed to meet the show deadline, we will be happy to upgrade your order (a small fee might happen if this is the case).

If you plan to send in an order and pick it up at a show/event, please write "PICK-UP AT (Show Name) Show" on the shipping instructions. Your order will be processed and shipped to the show. We charge a flat $20 shipping fee for all orders of 100 cards or less.

If you plan to submit 100+ cards, please contact Beckett for a shipping price. This is a great service that many of our customers use. Normal grading fees apply and are based on your service level. These prices are listed on the submission form. If you have any questions about the process, please give us a call at 972-448-9188 or shoot an email to grading@beckett.com.