I'd rather spend a $1000 on cards from dealers than an exorbitant amount on just going to a show. It's getting to expensive to go to these shows! Keep those costs down so I can spend money on cards! We don't all have Wilson money! Rosemont is fine! We don't need sushi at a card show!!!!!
Fanatics Fest was selling an experience. If you want to buy cards it is going to be tough to be at eBay. If you want to go to Disney World for sports fans your going to find the budget to go to fanatics fest.
I understand both arguments. Logistically having strong wifi connection is super important for checking comps, while short to no lines for the bathroom, air conditioning and good food options around the area are all very reasonable asks. But i agree keeping costs down is paramount. Its starting to mimic the Vegas model which would be a serious mistake. Vegas used to have the best buffets at the cheapest prices cuz they wanted the money to be spent on the tables. Then they idiotically made room and food ridiculously expensive. If the National and other big card shows do this, they’ll shoot themselves in the foot
@@RyanRice-n3wfanatics isn’t trying to be the national. They made it very clear from the start. They’re trying to be the comic con of sports. Cards is just a part of it. Cards is Not even 25% of fanatics fest. If ppl wanted a typical card show that weekend. 5hey could of traveled a few miles and went to the East Coast National
This. Geoff seems to want the show somewhere in FL/Orlando. Get good wifi and bathrooms and complaining will be at a minimum. Spend money where it makes sense. I’ll go to a T swift concert if I want to spend lots of money on a show
I still think Rosemont is better for the National than Mccormick downtown. Rosemont is right by airport, tons of hotels, its a good center. It isnt worth the extra expense for organizers and increased costs for dealers and attendees that would come with downtown Chicago. Everyting would be double. Yes dont do a craphole like Cleveland. Rosemont is the perfect venue, affordable, enough space.
A few of the things that will need to be evolved/solved for if you were to integrate the cards with the experiences: 1) The way dealers set up their displays to showcase the cards and boxes would need to be on the same level or near the same level of where the League based Fan experiences are - we can’t have Joe’s cards scrolling his phone while lounging in a chair and ignoring people checking out their cases of poorly organized cards. You need a customer obsessed dealer next to these experiences. 2) Most Dealers have multiple sports and are not singularly focused - something to think through, on how you highlight the league you’re near and the cards you display. 3) With the price to set up, dollar boxes and introductory priced products were difficult to find - that’s something to absolutely solve for. 4) Kid focused - one complaint I’m hearing from Dealers at both the National and Fanatics Fest is that they’re sick of being pestered by kids doing the trade up challenge - that’s not a great look for the hobby - so as an industry the mindset needs to be more embracing of the ways that kids are getting into the hobby. Just some thoughts - probably a million more, but I was thinking aligning and integrating the cards based on sport would be a great way to level it up, so was happy to hear Geoff say it on the show. Thanks!
For Fanatics Fest I feel like they should have 3 sections. Have the first section when you enter the show floor for the exclusive product drops, the second section is the card show portion and finally you get to the Experience part of the show. That way in order to get to the main attraction you have to pass through the other 2 sections first and then at the end of the day before leaving the last thing they see is the card show again.
I've only been to one National, and that was in 1987 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Different time, for sure. Was looking forward to taking my son (who is the same age now that I was in '87) to Fanatics Fest in Orlando. I guess we'll have to wait on that since Fanatics just canceled it. We'll check out some cheaper shows around Orlando instead.
You don't need to turn the sports national into a carnival. Both shows hold their own in the target audience they are appealing to. Let Fanatics create new customers with the family atmosphere, and the national will raise them into becoming seasoned collectors. The national does have to step up their game on venues, trading areas, and better all-around service.
I was able to attend on Sunday. An hour long train ride from Long Island. Took my 3 teenagers and oldests best friend. They had a really good time participating in all the activities that were available. The WWE venue was madness. What they need to do is move the autographs and photo ops to a different level. There just wasn’t enough room for the lines for some of the guests. I had a really good time. Didn’t really spend much of it on the card section. Most of my money went for autographs.
The way they could use the down stairs space is move all the auto and photo ops to that level. That’s how NYCC does that would give more room on the show floor for dealers and corporate booths.
Fanatics Fest growth will be limited if they insist on staying mid to late August because of kids going back to school. You don't select mid to late August if you are focusing on kids.
Fanatics fest should be set up like a typical mall. Flagship experiences at the end of each wing. Place the card show in the middle and require the flow of traffic to go through the card section to get from experience to experience. You can still have your suggested card zones by simply having the tables tailored towards which wing they are closest to.
I’ve already decided not to attend next year’s National. The hotel options nearby have either sold out already or they’ve become too expensive (I saw one near the center at $500+ a night- you can get them cheaper in NYC), and staying further out means spending a lot on Uber and losing time. Plus, I did better at Fanatic’s Fest this year, so it just makes more sense financially. Both are going to be great Events for sure but unless the National makes it easier by having solid hotel options near by, it won’t make sense anymore (at least for me)
Hey Jeff let’s start a movement better food at card shows I run a restaurant I would be willing to give amazing quality food at a great price for this great hobby let’s do this @The Geoff Wilson Show
I was gonna say we will look back at fanatic events once they sell the license….but I don’t think that will happen anyyyy time soon after seeing that event, Travis Scott? Kevin Durant and Edwards? Tom Brady? If there was ever a way to pull fans in that’s one way. If they want to bring in more card buyers though they should have the celebrities mention check the card booths out at the show, or have everybody who has a booth have redemptions for buyers so there could be a bit more inclination to buy
Problem with fanatics fest next year may be less celebrities and at very least less access to them if the crowd attendance expands ….but I’ve been to a couple of fanfests in major league sports and it’s pure fun ….make the space and WiFi better for national and you’ll have a nice balance
Funny how the National was at the McCormick Center in the early 90's, now they are settling for Rosemont. Grew up in Chicago, actually pulled a 86 Fleer Jordan from a single pack in 92-93ish at the McCormick Center. Rosemont is nice for out of towners with all the hotels but it's a pimple on the McCormick Centers a**. IMO, the National should go to Vegas, I'm sick of hearing "its not good for kids". Every time I'm in Vegas I see kids everywhere. There area a ton of things for kids to do in Vegas outside the show too. JMO, thx for all the great content, with I could have made it to Fanatics Fest. Cheers
The 2 conventions are very different from each other. The National is a massive card show. Fanatics Fest seemed less than a card show. Fanatics can get the leagues because they have all the league licenses.
1. The card experience looked more enjoyable. The national experience was transactional. venders table crowded and buyers feeling pressured to hurry up and move one. Fanatics seemed to be way more chill. 2. pumping new blood into the hobby of collecting is the most important thing. This did that.
There must be an exit clause in the national contract with Chicago. If there's clear growth next year, then they should look in to cancelling from the 2nd or 3rd year of the contract. They have to think big. I'm sure some of the big tier venues would love to come to the table and somehow do a deal where switching venue is financially viable.
One way to grow would be to include Star Wars cards into the event. You can bring in a couple stars to sign autographs. They all attend cons and would be available to participate. They can partner with Lucasfilm for cross promotion.
I know Geoff isn't gonna say it in these terms to stay politically neutral, but the fact is the National is run by old school dealers from the Northeast who don't have the culture aspirations that he, myself and many of us in a younger generation desire for the hobby. That isn't going to change, best chance is that Fanatics continues to grow the hobby and Fanatics Fest supersedes the National in terms of the average hobbyist choosing to attend it. Most of us won't/can't be able to go to both. More cards (from what I saw) will be needed at Fanatics Fest for it to truly "take over" the place of the National.
I wasn’t able to make it to Fanatics Fest, but from what I’m seeing and watching videos, I’m thinking really seriously about not doing the National for the next 3 years, and give Fanatics Fest a chance ??..It’s a shame that the National don’t want to spend money for really nice facilities!!, why don’t the be considerate to the whole family, wife, kids, etc….let there be something for the entire family to do ?? I think it’s time the National stop worrying about the ole mighty dollar !!!..and make a change VERY SOON !!!!!
The National is going to be at a very large facility for the next 3 years. The downside of that however, it's not going to be in, any other cities for the next 3 years either.
You totally missed my point Let me clarify. ! What I mean is, the National doesn’t mind taking your money, but in return they do not care how you feel about the location, if so they would allow you to vote just like the dealers do !!, but what they do care about is how much money they can make !!!..in other words GREED at it’s finest !!!..and oh !, by the way! The National has the money to put it wherever they want !!!..it’s all about them , not you or me !
I'd be curious what Fanatics revenue is proportionally from sports cards to revenue generated from other sports merchandise etc.?? The sports book I would have to assume is where majority of revenue comes from. So when you think about future and growth and where Fanatics puts attention and $$ you always best look at where revenue is generated.
Geoff are you going to Burbank? If you aren’t I think you will regret it, it is the perfect show for you and like you said it is in the top 5 biggest every year!! Bring the kids to Disney land too!
It sounds like to me as someone who has never been to a big card show is that the national is for the older collector and the other event is for the younger collector
As someone that has never been to National it seems people like Geoff are trying to solve a problem that isn’t there . All I hear about is how ridiculously crowded the card show is and he acts like they need to do these things to attract more people and make it more expensive. I’m sure there’s tons of dealers at the National that wouldn’t set up if the cost to get there and set up got to crazy
I think the National needs to change ASAP, because Fanatics will take the pluses and minuses from this last Fan Fest and WANT TO IMPROVE vs satisfying the "good boy club" mentality of the National.
I go to a card show for cards not the extra stuff. I want to see hundreds and hundreds of tables of the best dealers in the world not a few hundred sellers and the horse and pony show.
An this is how you can tell geoff hasn't experienced being poor and have a limited or no budget to enjoy the things you love. When your concerned about food , how classy a place can be , chicken finger and fries etc. that tell you som much about a persons life. The 70's the 80's the 90's show had maintain the hobby and thats one of the most important thing about the hobby where it comes from. Yes there's bad places and bad experiences. But the hobby is not about what to expect from it Its about what it gives us.
Bigger and shinier doesnt always mean better. The National is specifically for cards (and collectibles) and fanatics fest is aimed at a general audience. The National isn’t a company who’s trying to sell jerseys, shoes, “swag”, etc. also. Fanatics needs t$4 “excitement” to draw people in. The nationals does not:
Makes no sense. If it’s cheaper to set up at the national or go to the national, why would I set up or go to fanatics fest? They need to be two separate events. Fanatics would have to compete with pricing with the national.
The National can't be Fanatics Fest, and that's OK. But, The National could incorporate sports elements, technology and innovation to move the idea of a card show out of 1993.
Fanatics company valuation is what $31 billion? What is NSCC value? Fanatics will always blow NSCC out the water with their “quality” of host locations. To me Fanatics Fest is more for the “corporate” side of the hobby and the National is for the hobbyist.
Went to fanatics fest. It’s the definition of highs and lows. Went to go see lil Wayne and Tom Brady at center stage show. They let all the press and random people block the stage the entire time and block the general public’s view. Photo ops were a complete joke and poorly handled. It was a cool show but it was flawed
Who even started to compare the national and fanatics fest? 2 completely different events. Just keep the national as it is and establish a new event. Seems as fanatics fest is not primarily about cards.
I can tell you’re trying walking a tight line to always pumping fanatics and their events because your business depends on them but the price point the entry price the tables costing three times as much that has a big difference and you keep bringing up the Wi-Fi well when there’s 10,000 people in that building and there’s 60,000 at the national they’re gonna eat up the Wi-Fi no matter how good it is and then like Ryan said the prices to get to New York stay in New York everything in New York is so damn expensive sometimes you’re out of touch about price points you have to think about that to an average person hundreds and thousands are a lot of money
Fanatics is trying to sell all the sports. Selling packs, not cards The National is for the collector to buy cards and fill sets, not take slap shots. the dealers are in charge of the National, they are trying to make money. these two shows are apples to oranges.
So double the entry fee, double the table fee, New York the most expensive city in the country, fanatics losing money all makes sense so Jeff can have authentic sushi. Give me a break. We need to quit making this hobby for the elite of society. When I was a kid you could buy a pack of topps for 10 cents at a smoke shop. When I owned a shop in the 90s you could buy packs for 50 cents or a $1. We have messed up. This hobby is for the elite. People lining up to buy boxes at the Fanatics booth for hundreds of dollars and later sell them to dealers to pay for their tickets. Fanaticsfest is just another show for the elite. Panini doing something cool. You can buy Score Halloween Football packs at walmart and target. A great idea to give football card packs out instead of candy. Its a shame Panini could afford to keep the licenses. Now you have to be even more elite to play with Fanatics.
Would hate to buy a card I want on eBay over flying out to New York, getting a hotel and paying more money to go to the show before you even put a PENNY into a card...
I think you’re comparing apples to oranges. Does the National have to change in order to reap the benefits of Fanatics expending their marketing money to 5x-10x the hobby? Will Fanatics Fest stop you from attending the National and conducting business and creating content? If you answered No to either of these questions than it’s a moot point to make the National “better” and emulate FF.
Hate that these old dinosaur dealers from The National are reluctant to change the same old show from the 1980's. Also, how they refuse to even consider coming West to Anaheim or Vegas where the real money is. Fanatics will end up blowing them away as they improve even more.
Geoff needs to pump his brakes. You have disposable income because of your wife. Most of the National are hard-core collectors who don't eat sushi and like to be able to afford a show. Your take on the hobby is ridiculous. It's cardboard
I'd rather spend a $1000 on cards from dealers than an exorbitant amount on just going to a show. It's getting to expensive to go to these shows! Keep those costs down so I can spend money on cards! We don't all have Wilson money! Rosemont is fine! We don't need sushi at a card show!!!!!
Fanatics Fest was selling an experience. If you want to buy cards it is going to be tough to be at eBay. If you want to go to Disney World for sports fans your going to find the budget to go to fanatics fest.
@testit1902
I understand that. Keep Fanatics Fest Fanatics Fest and keep the National the National. Not complicated.
I understand both arguments. Logistically having strong wifi connection is super important for checking comps, while short to no lines for the bathroom, air conditioning and good food options around the area are all very reasonable asks.
But i agree keeping costs down is paramount. Its starting to mimic the Vegas model which would be a serious mistake.
Vegas used to have the best buffets at the cheapest prices cuz they wanted the money to be spent on the tables. Then they idiotically made room and food ridiculously expensive. If the National and other big card shows do this, they’ll shoot themselves in the foot
@@RyanRice-n3wfanatics isn’t trying to be the national. They made it very clear from the start. They’re trying to be the comic con of sports. Cards is just a part of it. Cards is Not even 25% of fanatics fest. If ppl wanted a typical card show that weekend. 5hey could of traveled a few miles and went to the East Coast National
This. Geoff seems to want the show somewhere in FL/Orlando. Get good wifi and bathrooms and complaining will be at a minimum. Spend money where it makes sense. I’ll go to a T swift concert if I want to spend lots of money on a show
Really great idea from Geoff integrating the activities with the relevant cards tables, that will definitely bring in new collectors.
I still think Rosemont is better for the National than Mccormick downtown. Rosemont is right by airport, tons of hotels, its a good center. It isnt worth the extra expense for organizers and increased costs for dealers and attendees that would come with downtown Chicago. Everyting would be double. Yes dont do a craphole like Cleveland. Rosemont is the perfect venue, affordable, enough space.
Geoff is 💯 percent right here. It would be great if the cards were between the attractions, going from one experience to the next.
Didn’t expect Geoff to speak bad about fanatics and upset Rubin. I don’t trust Geoff’s perspective
My personal preference would be for Fanatics and the National to combine and be at the Javitz center or somewhere comparable
A few of the things that will need to be evolved/solved for if you were to integrate the cards with the experiences: 1) The way dealers set up their displays to showcase the cards and boxes would need to be on the same level or near the same level of where the League based Fan experiences are - we can’t have Joe’s cards scrolling his phone while lounging in a chair and ignoring people checking out their cases of poorly organized cards. You need a customer obsessed dealer next to these experiences. 2) Most Dealers have multiple sports and are not singularly focused - something to think through, on how you highlight the league you’re near and the cards you display. 3) With the price to set up, dollar boxes and introductory priced products were difficult to find - that’s something to absolutely solve for. 4) Kid focused - one complaint I’m hearing from Dealers at both the National and Fanatics Fest is that they’re sick of being pestered by kids doing the trade up challenge - that’s not a great look for the hobby - so as an industry the mindset needs to be more embracing of the ways that kids are getting into the hobby. Just some thoughts - probably a million more, but I was thinking aligning and integrating the cards based on sport would be a great way to level it up, so was happy to hear Geoff say it on the show. Thanks!
For Fanatics Fest I feel like they should have 3 sections. Have the first section when you enter the show floor for the exclusive product drops, the second section is the card show portion and finally you get to the Experience part of the show. That way in order to get to the main attraction you have to pass through the other 2 sections first and then at the end of the day before leaving the last thing they see is the card show again.
Downtown Chicago would be a total bummer. Rosemont is way more convenient and easier in and out.
would love to hear more about whats going on with fanatics and the license situation for nfl/nba
They get it in 2026 for both
I've only been to one National, and that was in 1987 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Different time, for sure. Was looking forward to taking my son (who is the same age now that I was in '87) to Fanatics Fest in Orlando. I guess we'll have to wait on that since Fanatics just canceled it. We'll check out some cheaper shows around Orlando instead.
You don't need to turn the sports national into a carnival. Both shows hold their own in the target audience they are appealing to. Let Fanatics create new customers with the family atmosphere, and the national will raise them into becoming seasoned collectors. The national does have to step up their game on venues, trading areas, and better all-around service.
I was able to attend on Sunday. An hour long train ride from Long Island. Took my 3 teenagers and oldests best friend. They had a really good time participating in all the activities that were available. The WWE venue was madness. What they need to do is move the autographs and photo ops to a different level. There just wasn’t enough room for the lines for some of the guests. I had a really good time. Didn’t really spend much of it on the card section. Most of my money went for autographs.
And don’t forget the East coast National card show in white plains ( 34 miles away) was the same weekend
Ya Jeff was going say that !! Smart idea after the experience, Ayy here’s some cards for that experience 👌🏽
The way they could use the down stairs space is move all the auto and photo ops to that level. That’s how NYCC does that would give more room on the show floor for dealers and corporate booths.
As long as it’s in NY City it will always be to expensive for the average card collector.
Fanatics Fest growth will be limited if they insist on staying mid to late August because of kids going back to school. You don't select mid to late August if you are focusing on kids.
Fanatics fest should be set up like a typical mall. Flagship experiences at the end of each wing. Place the card show in the middle and require the flow of traffic to go through the card section to get from experience to experience. You can still have your suggested card zones by simply having the tables tailored towards which wing they are closest to.
I’ve already decided not to attend next year’s National. The hotel options nearby have either sold out already or they’ve become too expensive (I saw one near the center at $500+ a night- you can get them cheaper in NYC), and staying further out means spending a lot on Uber and losing time. Plus, I did better at Fanatic’s Fest this year, so it just makes more sense financially. Both are going to be great Events for sure but unless the National makes it easier by having solid hotel options near by, it won’t make sense anymore (at least for me)
Hey Jeff let’s start a movement better food at card shows I run a restaurant I would be willing to give amazing quality food at a great price for this great hobby let’s do this @The Geoff Wilson Show
I was gonna say we will look back at fanatic events once they sell the license….but I don’t think that will happen anyyyy time soon after seeing that event, Travis Scott? Kevin Durant and Edwards? Tom Brady? If there was ever a way to pull fans in that’s one way. If they want to bring in more card buyers though they should have the celebrities mention check the card booths out at the show, or have everybody who has a booth have redemptions for buyers so there could be a bit more inclination to buy
Problem with fanatics fest next year may be less celebrities and at very least less access to them if the crowd attendance expands ….but I’ve been to a couple of fanfests in major league sports and it’s pure fun ….make the space and WiFi better for national and you’ll have a nice balance
Rubin is personal friends with a lot of them so they will always be there. Look up the "white party "
Funny how the National was at the McCormick Center in the early 90's, now they are settling for Rosemont. Grew up in Chicago, actually pulled a 86 Fleer Jordan from a single pack in 92-93ish at the McCormick Center. Rosemont is nice for out of towners with all the hotels but it's a pimple on the McCormick Centers a**. IMO, the National should go to Vegas, I'm sick of hearing "its not good for kids". Every time I'm in Vegas I see kids everywhere. There area a ton of things for kids to do in Vegas outside the show too. JMO, thx for all the great content, with I could have made it to Fanatics Fest. Cheers
The 2 conventions are very different from each other. The National is a massive card show. Fanatics Fest seemed less than a card show. Fanatics can get the leagues because they have all the league licenses.
1. The card experience looked more enjoyable. The national experience was transactional. venders table crowded and buyers feeling pressured to hurry up and move one. Fanatics seemed to be way more chill. 2. pumping new blood into the hobby of collecting is the most important thing. This did that.
Yes they need to go to the McCormick place. State of the art venue.
Easy summary from salty!
The national is a card show
Fanatics fest is a experience with cards involved
FanaticsFest was actually a smaller show in the Javitz Center. New York comic con uses every inch of that place and it’s madness
There must be an exit clause in the national contract with Chicago. If there's clear growth next year, then they should look in to cancelling from the 2nd or 3rd year of the contract. They have to think big. I'm sure some of the big tier venues would love to come to the table and somehow do a deal where switching venue is financially viable.
One way to grow would be to include Star Wars cards into the event. You can bring in a couple stars to sign autographs. They all attend cons and would be available to participate. They can partner with Lucasfilm for cross promotion.
I had a great time, you guys were awesome
Great conversation
I know Geoff isn't gonna say it in these terms to stay politically neutral, but the fact is the National is run by old school dealers from the Northeast who don't have the culture aspirations that he, myself and many of us in a younger generation desire for the hobby. That isn't going to change, best chance is that Fanatics continues to grow the hobby and Fanatics Fest supersedes the National in terms of the average hobbyist choosing to attend it. Most of us won't/can't be able to go to both. More cards (from what I saw) will be needed at Fanatics Fest for it to truly "take over" the place of the National.
He is excited, but the national is FOR CARDS/MEMORABILIA !
Fanatics fest is a sports experience with cards involved
Second! Go crocodiles 🐊
I wasn’t able to make it to Fanatics Fest, but from what I’m seeing and watching videos,
I’m thinking really seriously about not doing the National for the next 3 years, and give Fanatics Fest a chance ??..It’s a shame that the National don’t want to spend money for really nice facilities!!, why don’t the be considerate to the whole family, wife, kids, etc….let there be something for the entire family to do ??
I think it’s time the National stop worrying about the ole mighty dollar !!!..and make a change
VERY SOON !!!!!
The National is going to be at a very large facility for the next 3 years. The downside of that however, it's not going to be in, any other cities for the next 3 years either.
As a card show, Fanatics fest was meh. Seriously the card show in west Chester the same weekend was better than than fanatics.
I’d like to see you pay for the venue + security etc and then not worry about the ole mighty dollar.
You totally missed my point
Let me clarify. !
What I mean is, the National doesn’t mind taking your money, but in return they do not care how you feel about the location, if so they would allow you to vote just like the dealers do !!, but what they do care about is how much money they can make !!!..in other words GREED at it’s finest !!!..and oh !, by the way!
The National has the money to put it wherever they want !!!..it’s all about them , not you or me !
I'd be curious what Fanatics revenue is proportionally from sports cards to revenue generated from other sports merchandise etc.?? The sports book I would have to assume is where majority of revenue comes from. So when you think about future and growth and where Fanatics puts attention and $$ you always best look at where revenue is generated.
Multiple times through this video Jeff proved that no one should leave him in charge of anything related to sports cards or events.
Geoff are you going to Burbank? If you aren’t I think you will regret it, it is the perfect show for you and like you said it is in the top 5 biggest every year!! Bring the kids to Disney land too!
My industry has Vision Expo at Javits every year, great venue. Still think the national should look at GWCC in ATL for future home
It sounds like to me as someone who has never been to a big card show is that the national is for the older collector and the other event is for the younger collector
i heard your card shop was a class F
One is a card show and the other isn’t.
Exactly
I love the old school style and places. Rather put the money towards cards instead of sushi. If I want a family fancy vacation, I go to Myrtle Beach.
As someone that has never been to National it seems people like Geoff are trying to solve a problem that isn’t there . All I hear about is how ridiculously crowded the card show is and he acts like they need to do these things to attract more people and make it more expensive. I’m sure there’s tons of dealers at the National that wouldn’t set up if the cost to get there and set up got to crazy
With Me!?? It's all about the vibes❤
Fanatics end goal= take over The National and change the collecting experience. The National now has to step up their game!
I think the National needs to change ASAP, because Fanatics will take the pluses and minuses from this last Fan Fest and WANT TO IMPROVE vs satisfying the "good boy club" mentality of the National.
As someone that hosts events the higher cost of the venue would be passed onto the vendors
I go to a card show for cards not the extra stuff. I want to see hundreds and hundreds of tables of the best dealers in the world not a few hundred sellers and the horse and pony show.
An this is how you can tell geoff hasn't experienced being poor and have a limited or no budget to enjoy the things you love.
When your concerned about food , how classy a place can be , chicken finger and fries etc. that tell you som much about a persons life.
The 70's the 80's the 90's show had maintain the hobby and thats one of the most important thing about the hobby where it comes from.
Yes there's bad places and bad experiences.
But the hobby is not about what to expect from it
Its about what it gives us.
Bigger and shinier doesnt always mean better. The National is specifically for cards (and collectibles) and fanatics fest is aimed at a general audience. The National isn’t a company who’s trying to sell jerseys, shoes, “swag”, etc. also. Fanatics needs t$4 “excitement” to draw people in. The nationals does not:
I would be interested to know from the dealers, what % of traffic was from new people in the hobby
When I saw CC2 at his table, it was empty and he was twiddling his thumbs.
Makes no sense. If it’s cheaper to set up at the national or go to the national, why would I set up or go to fanatics fest? They need to be two separate events. Fanatics would have to compete with pricing with the national.
The National can't be Fanatics Fest, and that's OK. But, The National could incorporate sports elements, technology and innovation to move the idea of a card show out of 1993.
First! Go Gators 🐊
Ayyyy indeed Go Gators! 🐊
Bulldogs eat gator meat for dinner.
@@evanfraser64 nooooo lol alright SEC I see you ✊
Why would collectors want Sushi at a card show? Im confused
Fanatics company valuation is what $31 billion? What is NSCC value? Fanatics will always blow NSCC out the water with their “quality” of host locations. To me Fanatics Fest is more for the “corporate” side of the hobby and the National is for the hobbyist.
Your comparing IX center Sq. Foot to Javits Center is stupid since it's 3× bigger than Cleveland. So I hope you had more space.
Did you guys get to buy all the best cards before the fans got a change like at the national?
Fanatics is its own revenue stream. Also it has partnering with all the sports leagues it does business with
How many $1 bins got raided before the public opening?
Went to fanatics fest. It’s the definition of highs and lows. Went to go see lil Wayne and Tom Brady at center stage show. They let all the press and random people block the stage the entire time and block the general public’s view. Photo ops were a complete joke and poorly handled. It was a cool show but it was flawed
What was attendance at national 2024?
Sounds like the beginning of the end for the nationals
Who even started to compare the national and fanatics fest? 2 completely different events. Just keep the national as it is and establish a new event. Seems as fanatics fest is not primarily about cards.
When you say you need to get more people then something is wrong with the show.
Made so much money scanning cards from my hotel room at the National. That's the better show for me.
At the end of the day, we just want a Card Show to buy sell and trade… we don’t need it to be Card a con
I rather pay more to get into a place with good food and air conditioning. Not $100 hotdogs and sweaty people.
What about Burbank card show for the west coast/
Love you guys, but this was a tough listen. National has 44 years under their belts Fanatics has one, and the National is a dead, second rate event?
I can tell you’re trying walking a tight line to always pumping fanatics and their events because your business depends on them but the price point the entry price the tables costing three times as much that has a big difference and you keep bringing up the Wi-Fi well when there’s 10,000 people in that building and there’s 60,000 at the national they’re gonna eat up the Wi-Fi no matter how good it is and then like Ryan said the prices to get to New York stay in New York everything in New York is so damn expensive sometimes you’re out of touch about price points you have to think about that to an average person hundreds and thousands are a lot of money
Fanatics is trying to sell all the sports. Selling packs, not cards The National is for the collector to buy cards and fill sets, not take slap shots. the dealers are in charge of the National, they are trying to make money. these two shows are apples to oranges.
So double the entry fee, double the table fee, New York the most expensive city in the country, fanatics losing money all makes sense so Jeff can have authentic sushi. Give me a break. We need to quit making this hobby for the elite of society. When I was a kid you could buy a pack of topps for 10 cents at a smoke shop. When I owned a shop in the 90s you could buy packs for 50 cents or a $1. We have messed up. This hobby is for the elite. People lining up to buy boxes at the Fanatics booth for hundreds of dollars and later sell them to dealers to pay for their tickets. Fanaticsfest is just another show for the elite. Panini doing something cool. You can buy Score Halloween Football packs at walmart and target. A great idea to give football card packs out instead of candy. Its a shame Panini could afford to keep the licenses. Now you have to be even more elite to play with Fanatics.
Would hate to buy a card I want on eBay over flying out to New York, getting a hotel and paying more money to go to the show before you even put a PENNY into a card...
I think you’re comparing apples to oranges. Does the National have to change in order to reap the benefits of Fanatics expending their marketing money to 5x-10x the hobby? Will Fanatics Fest stop you from attending the National and conducting business and creating content? If you answered No to either of these questions than it’s a moot point to make the National “better” and emulate FF.
3rd go Reptiles
Hate that these old dinosaur dealers from The National are reluctant to change the same old show from the 1980's. Also, how they refuse to even consider coming West to Anaheim or Vegas where the real money is. Fanatics will end up blowing them away as they improve even more.
2 hobby guys
4th go lizards
Wilson is misleading as usual , Cleveland was very good and will be better next time if they go back! The truth….
Geoff needs to pump his brakes. You have disposable income because of your wife. Most of the National are hard-core collectors who don't eat sushi and like to be able to afford a show. Your take on the hobby is ridiculous. It's cardboard
Sell out to fanatics. Call up marx cards
2 of the most annoying voices in the hobby together 🤦
dont stay in NYC just go to NJ right through the Lincoln tunnel and stay in NJ its a lot cheaper and youre really close by.
New Jersey is a waste land. Everything is far away
No way he said good food options and led with Starbucks 🫤