Fanatics Fan Fest coming in August

[tmoore_25]

I wouldn't consider myself an expert on anything sports related, but I believe there is plenty of room for both the National and Fan Fest in the hobby. It feels like Fan Fest is geared more towards the younger crowd who want a more interactive experience. The National, for me, is for the more mature crowd who truly only has an interest in card collecting. I'm 46 and don't consider myself old (hopefully), but there are collectors who were much older than me, who bring their lists and chairs and just want to have conversations about cards and work to build their sets. They don't have much interest in the WWE or UFC, and I don't think will have much interest in Fan Fest.

What will happen though is the sports hobby, in general, will grow. Young and old will have a place in the hobby that they can enjoy and participate in and that is good for Fanatics overall.

[speedyjg13]

Originally Posted by ricebellypanda

They will have Fanatics Fest LA. Heard FL(Orlando?) as well.

I was there from 930 to close. Had a great time talking and meeting people, playing those basketball/baseball/UFC things. The VIP swag was AWFUL though. It was just embarrassing what you get from there.

Tomorrow I will try to make it to the WWE line to do the entrance. Good times for the family

I'd go to the LA one if that ever happens.

[hammerva]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

I live 20 minutes from Chantilly and 20 minutes from DC

If Fanatics Fest came to DC the same weekend as the Chantilly card show, I am going to Chantilly

First of all of Fanatics Fest came to DC it would suck because the biggest convention center like place is about 20% the size of the Javits. So it would be the equivalent of a traveling road show

And I think if you are a collector, you are going to both if your budget can take it. From looking at the videos so far, it seems like a lot of fun but not something I would spend a bunch of money on. Especially in the hobby area. And it isn't because I am some vintage guy but more that right now if I would 3 digits on the price I just stare and move on

[hammerva]

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

Card HQ's did a sneak peek of Fantatics Fest. The place looks amazing and definitely worthy of bringing your family and friends. The bar, wow, pretty cool, I'm sure a few drinking breaks already started.

I did see that Jay-Z brought back the 40/40 Club for this show which is good that it was at here because about 90% of the people in this hobby wouldn't have allowed near the building most less in the club. And I am including myself

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by hammerva

First of all of Fanatics Fest came to DC it would suck because the biggest convention center like place is about 20% the size of the Javits. So it would be the equivalent of a traveling road show

And I think if you are a collector, you are going to both if your budget can take it. From looking at the videos so far, it seems like a lot of fun but not something I would spend a bunch of money on. Especially in the hobby area. And it isn't because I am some vintage guy but more that right now if I would 3 digits on the price I just stare and move on

I’m at the Walter E Washington convention center all the time

It has 703,000 sq ft of exhibition space

Javits has 850,000 sq ft of exhibition space

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by jfan2024

Absolutely this. National folk (who imo tend to be older including the dealers) need to stop pearl clutching to their dollar boxes and finishing their 1974 Topps sets and wake up to what is happening. There's a hotter chick in town now with a rich daddy to boot, show needs to adapt and get with the program. If you like what the National used to be, go to your local county and state/regional shows b/c based on what I saw today, Fanatics has arrived

It's not pearl clutching to recognize there are two types of collectors, catered to by two types of shows, that can exist side by side. It's pearl clutching to think the one you like better will kill the other because everyone must think like you.

These "experiences" might get huge. That won't change the fact that the card show format of a room full of sellers and buyers will always have a place.

[hammerva]

Originally Posted by tmoore_25

What will happen though is the sports hobby, in general, will grow. Young and old will have a place in the hobby that they can enjoy and participate in and that is good for Fanatics overall.

Yeah I think people who are acting like the Fan Fest will replace the National is either occupying some form of class warfare or expects massive changes in the future which at least for now isn't necessary. The Fan Fest from what I see is tied to two groups of people: the people into the sports experience with the (booths, interactive places, merch ) and people with a ton of disposable income. You can go to the National for a day with $200 and get plenty of good stuff for you. It feels like if you went to the hobby side of Fan Fest with $200 you are either getting 2 or 3 things only or just shunned like "look at these poors".

[messier2]

I’m up and ready for day 2! Who else is going?

[POKTRITON]

Originally Posted by messier2

I’m up and ready for day 2! Who else is going?

I'm heading back for day 2, today will be more insane than yesterday.

[solt0131]

Absolutely zero chance this affects the National. As long as everyone is making money doing these shows, they will continue to grow and get bigger. This is just the beginning of an era that can make this hobby bigger and better than ever before…..just watch.

[premium1981]

These two shows are different, and have different purposes. They can, and will, both continue to exist. BUT.....If fanatics wanted to kill the national they absolutely could. All that takes is money, which they obviously have. Start buying off people to attend their own show with a contract that says they can no longer do the national. Start with all the big boys like Blowout, D&A, PSA, etc. Then do the big individuals and influencers. If someone doesn't play ball, they cut them off. Every single one would do what Fanatics said. Then the "regular" dealers would have no choice to switch over because the national would slowly die off. That isn't going to happen, but to think Fanatics couldn't kill them off is not accurate.

[PoPCulture]

I remember in 2006, after the first New York Comic Con, one of my friends saying how great it was that it was well attended because it would finally allow him to get SDCC passes the following year. He thought people would go to one or the other but not both and that it would stop the instant sell-outs for SDCC. 18 yeas later he still has never gotten passes to SDCC. There is definitely room in a hobby this size for multiple large shows/conventions. Especially considering The National and Fanatics Fest are to completely different animals. 1 is a card show and the other is comparable to a Comic Con.

The success of this event should come as great news to all of the “Why isn’t the National ever in Vegas, LA, Florida, Nashville, etc. I feel that, just like Star Wars Celebration, it will move around the country.

[premium1981]

Originally Posted by solt0131

This is just the beginning of an era that can make this hobby bigger and better than ever before…..just watch.

This is accurate. They are expanding and marketing like has never been done before. The comparisons to times of past, or saying this or that isn't going to change is just silly. I can't stand the majority of what they have done, but it is what it is. The world is changing, and the hobby is on a rocket ship attempting to catch up. The hobby and industry as a whole is decades behind the rest of the world. It was just a matter of time, and that time appears to be here. We are indeed growing bigger than ever before. Hopefully better, but that is still to be determined.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by premium1981

These two shows are different, and have different purposes. They can, and will, both continue to exist. BUT.....If fanatics wanted to kill the national they absolutely could. All that takes is money, which they obviously have. Start buying off people to attend their own show with a contract that says they can no longer do the national. Start with all the big boys like Blowout, D&A, PSA, etc. Then do the big individuals and influencers. If someone doesn't play ball, they cut them off. Every single one would do what Fanatics said. Then the "regular" dealers would have no choice to switch over because the national would slowly die off. That isn't going to happen, but to think Fanatics couldn't kill them off is not accurate.

The "big boys" could leave the national and it wouldn't change much. Those are already the things similar to Fan Fest. The "regular" dealers are what we are talking about that makes the national what it is and why it won't die. There will always be a market for a traditional show full of "regular" dealers. Fanatics can't kill that, no matter how much money they throw at it.

You have to remember that expanding the hobby by adding people who like the new experiences doesn't actually reduce the number of traditional hobbyists. The pie grows, but the group that is big enough to support a show like the national are still here, going nowhere.

[hammerva]

Originally Posted by premium1981

These two shows are different, and have different purposes. They can, and will, both continue to exist. BUT.....If fanatics wanted to kill the national they absolutely could. All that takes is money, which they obviously have. Start buying off people to attend their own show with a contract that says they can no longer do the national. Start with all the big boys like Blowout, D&A, PSA, etc. Then do the big individuals and influencers. If someone doesn't play ball, they cut them off. Every single one would do what Fanatics said. Then the "regular" dealers would have no choice to switch over because the national would slowly die off. That isn't going to happen, but to think Fanatics couldn't kill them off is not accurate.

The problem with this buying people off logic is that

1. Are you changing your strategy to appeal to all groups of collectors or are you still planning on appeal to the group of collectors with lots of disposable income?
2. if you aren't changing your strategy, are you only pulling dealers that fit your narrative or expecting them to change to fit? I mean sure you can pull people like Santiago Sports whose idea of value boxes is stuff between $10 - $50 but there are 4 or 5 dealers around them who didn't adopt this strategy.

Seems like lot of these "Fan Fest will ruin or destroy the National" don't have a very realistic view about the constant uncertainty of our economy.

I think the true test of what a Fanatic Fan Fest will look like if they do work with Burbank and do a west coast version. The version that I am seeing of the Fan Fest on the hobby side of the fest doesn't really jive with his philosophy. Who is going to have to adjust?

[Giroux]

Is there a lot of buying and selling of cards going on?

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Giroux

Is there a lot of buying and selling of cards going on?

Judging from IG, yes.

[hammerva]

It is very interesting from looking at the NEO video this morning the following things:

1. The CardsHQ buying station is almost empty. Given that at the National they had to shut down because so many people trying to sell that is interesting.
2. The trade activity is almost nonexistent. They showed the rest/concession area and it is only really being used for well resting and eating your food or drinking. As someone who complained about that alot last month in Cleveland, I am not that mad about it
3. A decent number of tables with empty cases. Are they showing up on Saturday? Seems like a waste of money to set up as a dealer and start in the middle

As Neo Cards kind of mentioned in his video, if you a dealer I am not sure this is going to be as financially successful as a national. Sure it is probably easier not having to deal with the "the comps say" people and maybe you can make your money off selling less if you have higher quality items. But this is another reason why the "the Fan Fest will end the National" is a long time coming if it even happens

[Bob Ross]

I’m in NYC for a quick painter’s forum this weekend. Worth swinging by FF today or tomorrow?

[messier2]

Originally Posted by Bob Ross

I’m in NYC for a quick painter’s forum this weekend. Worth swinging by FF today or tomorrow?

Yes, both days!

[tonedef2oo8]

I went yesterday. It was completely unorganized. I was able to walk in with no ticket (was going to buy when at the door). When I made it to security they check my bag and that was it I was let in. I laughed it off as luck. Then while in the autograph area It was insane we debated leaving, I was standing thinking if we should stay next thing I know I’m pushed to Brunson from the Knick’s table and he signs a picture and I’m pushed away. Take note I did not purchase a Brunson ticket and shortly after he signed for us he literally stood up said he felt unsafe and left.

What a mess I’d be pissed if I paid for tickets and people who paid nothing was able to get in for free and get free signatures.

[PuddleMonkey]

After watching this youtube it looks to me like it's an overgrown Dave & Busters with a touch of carnival for a different kind of kid. I can guarantee none of these clowns are collecting harder than me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsXTJfMqoL8

[yoyosh]

I am genuinely shocked at some of the autograph pricing.

Why would anyone pay 2-3x current auction prices to have *fill in the blank* sign their item?
Sunk cost for a minimal interaction with the celeb?
I guess maybe some are getting signatures on an item that has personal significance?

Why pay $200 for an Iverson auto on a RC when you can buy one already slabbed for under $100? Same for LT, Rice, Ripken, Penny etc etc

[mikejones]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

After watching this youtube it looks to me like it's an overgrown Dave & Busters with a touch of carnival for a different kind of kid. I can guarantee none of these clowns are collecting harder than me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsXTJfMqoL8

Mr. MINT does though. Just saying.

[Chris P]

Originally Posted by yoyosh

I am genuinely shocked at some of the autograph pricing.

Why would anyone pay 2-3x current auction prices to have *fill in the blank* sign their item?
Sunk cost for a minimal interaction with the celeb?
I guess maybe some are getting signatures on an item that has personal significance?

Why pay $200 for an Iverson auto on a RC when you can buy one already slabbed for under $100? Same for LT, Rice, Ripken, Penny etc etc

Aren't all autograph pricing at shows and signings overpriced?