Three last-minute tips for the National
By Susan Lulgjuraj | Beckett Sports Card Monthly Editor
The National.
With just two words just about every card collector knows exactly what you’re talking about.
In two days, the National Sports Collectors Convention will kick off in Baltimore with a sneak peek. But the real fun starts on Thursday when the doors open to the public and thousands of collectors and dealers show up to the biggest card show of the year.
Of course, through all the excitement and the counting down of minutes, you might forget a few things.
So here are three last-minute tips for the NSCC. After all, we don’t want you to forget your toothbrush.
1. Pack lightly – This was one of my biggest problems the first year I went to the National. As a person who can over pack at times, I didn’t leave much room to bring anything home. Good thing I drove because I was able to just throw extra bags in the car, but is you’re flying make sure you leave plenty of space in your bag for the trip home (As a side note, if you can bring a small storage box for your cards, it’s a good way to protect the singles you buy).
You could always ship your cards home from the show, but that’s extra money you could have spent on cards!
2. Dress appropriately – To steal from the Sportsguy, this doesn’t mean wear your best Hawaiian shirt. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Imagine you’re going to spend three to four days on your feet for about eight hours. You want to hit as many tables as possible without worrying clothing mishaps.
3. Get your want lists up to date – You have two days left. Get. It. Done.
Got any other last-minute tips to help fellow collectors?
Susan Lulgjuraj is an editor for Beckett Sports Card Monthly. You can email Susan here with ideas, comments or questions. Follow her on Twitter here.
Take a backpack and notepad to write down booth numbers…Have Fun!!
Yes go with the basic knowledge of card values in your want list so you dont get there and pay a ridiculous price for something!
There should be a dress code for the NSCC. Everyone should be REQUIRED to wear a Hawaiian shirt.
1. If you are socially awkward and can only converse with people on message boards, stay home. Otherwise, we will laugh at you mercilessly when you walk by our booth.
2. Bring cash to avoid PayPal or credit card fees. Cash is king at the National.
3. Stay away from the booths run by the various low-rent card forums. They bring nothing to the table.
anyone know if you can bring in sealed water bottles and small snacks?
Well, since you can get water for $1 outside the convention center, I would think yes.
I’d lean toward probably since there will be snack bars on the show floor.
cool, thanks
I’ve been to several conventions and conferences at the Baltimore Convention Center and they always had allowed backpacks and drinks/snacks. I plan on bringing some tomorrow. CANT WAIT!!