My National Recap (Longest read of your life!)

messier2 · 07-30-2022, 06:57 PM

Ok, not the longest, but still. Hard to recap the week in a few sentences, so here goes.

As I type this, I look out of my hotel window to the Boardwalk, beach, sounds of seagulls, and great memories of the last few days!

This was my fourth National, my second as a full week attendee, and it was a blast! For me, this is a break from reality. A break from the grind of commuting to work everyday, stress from my job, just the everyday stuff we all deal with in what we call the game of life.

My expectations coming in were not high, but were not low either. Somewhere in the middle. I knew prices would not be cheap, not the slightest, so I was not surprised. This also was my chance to be with like-minded people and just talk cards all week. Everyone speaks the same language no matter where you are from. We all speak card, and it was awesome!

I'm going to do this recap in sections. In no particular order.

Venue

I liked the CC. It was bright, wide aisles, I could feel the AC pretty strong in some parts. But, it was never hot or uncomfortable. Yes, the WIFI/LTE sucked, but for me, it just took a bit longer. But, it was never down or anything like that. You just have to be more patient and wait it out. I liked this venue more the Rosemont. Rosemont was a better location, but this CC was better overall.

The People- Attendees/Dealers/Everyone

Like I said earlier, it's the people that make/break an event. You are surrounded by people who have the same passion as you. People who do this for fun (like me), for business, for pleasure, whatever the case. Everyone was super friendly. I did not see a "grumpy" dealer or anyone that wished they were somewhere else. The chatting while on line at PSA for me was great. Chatting about cards submitted, the hobby itself, Nat, PSA/BGS, etc. was great and makes time fly by even when the line was moving ever so slightly.

The Prices

Yes, prices were high. No secret there. I don't mind high prices as long as its negotiable. It's tough being a dealer, I get it. Long days, and crazy people coming up to you wanting full comps or above! I would be frustrated too. But, I just wish many were more flexible on pricing. Even giving a few bucks off would make a buyer feel good and complete the sale. $5 off, $10 off, $15 off, $20 off, whatever it is. At least you show the buyer that you want to make this sale and are willing to find a price where both parties are happy.

The Breakers

The breakers were there in full force. Loud and proud. Very celebrity-like as the Backyard Breaks guys were being asked for selfies all day today. All good from me, as they have created a following by ripping sports cards? Kudos to them!

AC

Well, I know there is a lot of hate on AC. But, this is AC! As I posted before, just being aware of your surroundings and you should be fine. It's not a town where you can just wander anywhere you want especially at night. But, it is what it is. I would love the National to be on the east coast every year, but there has to be a better venue for the organizer (still cheap enough with lots of hotels) so they can still make money.

The Food

The only negative personally for me was the food. It's very hard for me mentally and physically to eat the kinds of food I ate this whole week. Absolute unhealthy garbage. I can do it for a day, maybe a weekend. But, more than that and my body starts to signal to me "like what's up?!". I can't do burgers, fries, cheesesteaks, fried food everyday. I just can't! That's one of the reasons I chose to go home tomorrow. There is no healthy options anywhere and I can't do it anymore! I usually follow a strict regiment during the weekdays and I broke all the rules this week! I honestly feel I gained like 10 pounds! It's totally insane!

Well, I think I covered everything! Happy to answer any questions.

Back

To

Reality

Last sleep night and I'm out early tomorrow...no breakfast!

07-30-2022, 06:57 PM	#1
messier2 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 15,302	My National Recap (Longest read of your life!) Ok, not the longest, but still. Hard to recap the week in a few sentences, so here goes. As I type this, I look out of my hotel window to the Boardwalk, beach, sounds of seagulls, and great memories of the last few days! This was my fourth National, my second as a full week attendee, and it was a blast! For me, this is a break from reality. A break from the grind of commuting to work everyday, stress from my job, just the everyday stuff we all deal with in what we call the game of life. My expectations coming in were not high, but were not low either. Somewhere in the middle. I knew prices would not be cheap, not the slightest, so I was not surprised. This also was my chance to be with like-minded people and just talk cards all week. Everyone speaks the same language no matter where you are from. We all speak card, and it was awesome! I'm going to do this recap in sections. In no particular order. Venue I liked the CC. It was bright, wide aisles, I could feel the AC pretty strong in some parts. But, it was never hot or uncomfortable. Yes, the WIFI/LTE sucked, but for me, it just took a bit longer. But, it was never down or anything like that. You just have to be more patient and wait it out. I liked this venue more the Rosemont. Rosemont was a better location, but this CC was better overall. The People- Attendees/Dealers/Everyone Like I said earlier, it's the people that make/break an event. You are surrounded by people who have the same passion as you. People who do this for fun (like me), for business, for pleasure, whatever the case. Everyone was super friendly. I did not see a "grumpy" dealer or anyone that wished they were somewhere else. The chatting while on line at PSA for me was great. Chatting about cards submitted, the hobby itself, Nat, PSA/BGS, etc. was great and makes time fly by even when the line was moving ever so slightly. The Prices Yes, prices were high. No secret there. I don't mind high prices as long as its negotiable. It's tough being a dealer, I get it. Long days, and crazy people coming up to you wanting full comps or above! I would be frustrated too. But, I just wish many were more flexible on pricing. Even giving a few bucks off would make a buyer feel good and complete the sale. $5 off, $10 off, $15 off, $20 off, whatever it is. At least you show the buyer that you want to make this sale and are willing to find a price where both parties are happy. The Breakers The breakers were there in full force. Loud and proud. Very celebrity-like as the Backyard Breaks guys were being asked for selfies all day today. All good from me, as they have created a following by ripping sports cards? Kudos to them! AC Well, I know there is a lot of hate on AC. But, this is AC! As I posted before, just being aware of your surroundings and you should be fine. It's not a town where you can just wander anywhere you want especially at night. But, it is what it is. I would love the National to be on the east coast every year, but there has to be a better venue for the organizer (still cheap enough with lots of hotels) so they can still make money. The Food The only negative personally for me was the food. It's very hard for me mentally and physically to eat the kinds of food I ate this whole week. Absolute unhealthy garbage. I can do it for a day, maybe a weekend. But, more than that and my body starts to signal to me "like what's up?!". I can't do burgers, fries, cheesesteaks, fried food everyday. I just can't! That's one of the reasons I chose to go home tomorrow. There is no healthy options anywhere and I can't do it anymore! I usually follow a strict regiment during the weekdays and I broke all the rules this week! I honestly feel I gained like 10 pounds! It's totally insane! Well, I think I covered everything! Happy to answer any questions. Back To Reality Last sleep night and I'm out early tomorrow...no breakfast!