I would like to see a game used convention

[gatorcollector]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

On behalf of Camarokids and myself, I would like to nominate the Happiest Place On Earth - Orlando, FL - as a potential meeting site. Many of us have pointed out in the past that our wives/significant others have no interest in our hobby. Being in Orlando would give the families plenty to do while we do our thing. I have only forum members' best interests at heart. This has nothing to do with the fact that I live 40 miles north of Orlando. Really.

[camarokids]

Re: Game Used Universe Reception/Expo at National in Cleveland

That's an awesome idea! I'm not sure though if my mom would lend her 17-year-old son her car to drive all the way up to Cleveland,lol, But if this is possible though then I'd definitely try to make it

Kyle,
I am 6-7 hours away from Atlanta and I believe would have to take I-75 to get to Cleveland. I would volunteer to pick you up and take you along w/my son and I . Just bring along some cheerleaders and your in .......Just kidding .... I don't want to become the next John Bobbitt....

Seriously though , I would be willing to carpool , I have extra room for 2 people. Leaving from St. Pete , FL . Depending on how much equipment we bring , we may need a trailer......If I had the room I would bring my entire collection.......

Buying Devil Rays bats,
David C.
dzscope@earthlink.net

[fridgefan]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

A game used convention has been done. From 1993-98 Gary Hong and Phil Wood developed and promoted the annual Nationals Sports Equipment & Vintage Memorabilia Show in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. Each show was typically Friday night and Saturday and Sunday and featured 40 tables of dealers and collectors. No cards or beanie babies were allowed! The shows were very popular; however, its a lot of work, but it can be sucessfully done! The two also published a bimonthly newsletter, Diamond Duds, the only newsletter specifically for collectors of major league baseball uniforms and equipment, from 1991-1998.

[Nathan]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

I've been reading most of this topic and am interested in what's been said.

One problem with the National is that it's a large and impersonal gathering that has (I'll come out and say it) exorbitant prices. Even if there were a table or booth set up, it would be coming and going all day with few chances to actually have any meaningful discussion.

I have attended two Detroit Expos, which focus primarily on hockey, and enjoyed both. What I have in mind in Columbus is pretty similar to my experiences there. It'd be a one- or two-day event at a central location in which collectors and dealers would be able to set up at a fairly cheap rate. There would also be various people of influence given the chance to speak throughout the day. The reason for this is because I believe that the sports outside of hockey, specifically MLB and the NFL, are plagued with numerous problems in the hobby that the NHL and hockey in general have moved past due to Barry Meisel and MeiGray ratcheting up the baseline as high as they have. Certainly constructive ideas and discussions need to emerge from something like this rather than simply a grand ol' time for people to talk and show off.

I believe this forum was a terrific step toward cleaning up a lot of the junk that we've seen, especially since the amount of junk has increased exponentially with the internet and less accountability. But it is inherently limited. I believe that a unified voice emerging from a specific centralized meeting of the minds could do wonders for further cleaning up the hobby and forcing teams and leagues to clean up the way business is currently done.

[kylehess10]

Re: Game Used Universe Reception/Expo at National in Cleveland

Hi Everyone.

In a hobby that has lost touch with good old fashioned face-to-face networking and horse trading, I absolutely love this concept. How would everyone feel about giving this idea a whirl at this year's National in Cleveland? Game Used Universe could sponsor a collector's reception and expo in a small conference room/multipurpose room at a hotel in the Cleveland area (near the convention center). The event could be held after the show closes, and could be open to all GUU members. We could have space for collectors to exhibits their favorite treasures, network, trade, and enjoy some drinks and appetizers. Personally speaking, I would be much more likely to attend the National every year if I had something like this to look forward to. This could be a "test" for future events in other parts of the country at other times of the year. Anyone interested who plans on being in Cleveland for the National this year?

Let's do this.

Rob Steinmetz

That's an awesome idea! I'm not sure though if my mom would lend her 17-year-old son her car to drive all the way up to Cleveland,lol, But if this is possible though then I'd definitely try to make it

[RobSteinmetz]

Game Used Universe Reception/Expo at National in Cleveland

Hi Everyone.

In a hobby that has lost touch with good old fashioned face-to-face networking and horse trading, I absolutely love this concept. How would everyone feel about giving this idea a whirl at this year's National in Cleveland? Game Used Universe could sponsor a collector's reception and expo in a small conference room/multipurpose room at a hotel in the Cleveland area (near the convention center). The event could be held after the show closes, and could be open to all GUU members. We could have space for collectors to exhibits their favorite treasures, network, trade, and enjoy some drinks and appetizers. Personally speaking, I would be much more likely to attend the National every year if I had something like this to look forward to. This could be a "test" for future events in other parts of the country at other times of the year. Anyone interested who plans on being in Cleveland for the National this year?

Let's do this.

Rob Steinmetz

[PK]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

Drew, thanks for the link!!!

Aug 1-5....might also have to make a pit stop and the Rock n' Roll HOF

[89ASMVPBats]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

Ken do you have a link with info on the National? I am in Rochester about 4 hour drive and may make the trip.

Matt,

Here is a link to the National's website:

http://www.nsccshow.com/

Hope that this helps,

Drew

[suave1477]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

Roger I agree with you a 100%

thats what I said to begin with.

[RKGIBSON]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

My thoughts are a large meeting room, for a day, at a motel or a meeting hall. Having it in a medium size city would probably make the cost less.

Personally, I want to see some of the great jerseys, in person, that are shown here. Putting a face with the names here seem like something that would help. A discussion on the way we, as a group, can have the greatest impact on the game used market.

Roger

[PK]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

Well as far as cost to a get together at a bar or lounge of some sort, is really not that costly contrary to what others say but everyone has there own opinion.

Personally before turning this into a whole organized expo first evovling around Hockey items and hopefully one day going towards baseball doesn't give me goose bumps.

I personally would just like it to start off as a small gathering amongst friends / members of this forum.

Before we decide to be the next International Car Show.

Suave, I know a bar/lounge is not that expensive, hence why I daid that might work. What I did say was expensive was the air fare, hotel, car and food and just having the guys hang out with no dealers might be a hard sell.

Props to Chris for offering up his booth at the National as a gathering point for collectors, I hope many people can take advantage of his generosity, including myself. I just was thinking that NY would be an easier destination then Cleveland.

Kyle and others, please accept my apology if I offended you , I ment no harm. Some things are easier said then done and planning a trade show/expo/convention is one of them.

[ChrisCavalier]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

PK - I believe Kyle has said he just turned 17, so beer should be out of the question.

I understand what Kyle was saying, since I remember being a 17 year old collector and on a student's budget. Don't be too hard on the guy. He seems to me to be an enthusiastic collector and adds a great deal of input on the forum. I wish there were more young collectors with his attitude toward baseball & collecting these days. We should all encourage our young collectors to be more involved. Plus it looks like he's on his way to having an awesome collection.

Hello Jimmie,

Thanks for making this post. I think that is a very astute observation and I agree that Kyle meant no harm. I also think his knowledge and fervor for the hobby is great to see and I really enjoy reading his posts.

Sincerely,
Chris

[hiramman]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

PK - I believe Kyle has said he just turned 17, so beer should be out of the question.

I understand what Kyle was saying, since I remember being a 17 year old collector and on a student's budget. Don't be too hard on the guy. He seems to me to be an enthusiastic collector and adds a great deal of input on the forum. I wish there were more young collectors with his attitude toward baseball & collecting these days. We should all encourage our young collectors to be more involved. Plus it looks like he's on his way to having an awesome collection.

I know where Barry is coming from. Putting on shows of any kind of that magnitude is really unbelievable these days. I can't imagine the headaches involved.

I'm here in the Atlanta area, too and we just don't have any big shows anymore. The days of the big shows of the 80's & early 90's have come and gone and those were probably a bit before Kyle's time.

Just my two cents.

[ChrisCavalier]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

I personally would just like it to start off as a small gathering amongst friends / members of this forum.

Before we decide to be the next International Car Show.

Hello Everyone,

I have been traveling this week but am also trying to keep up to date on the forum threads. After reading all the posts on this thread, I would like to offer the ability to use the Game Used Universe booth at the National (we will be set up in the corporate section) as a place where members can come at any time to get to know one another and share experiences/information in person. GUU could keep a log of when members come by as well as when they might be able to come back to the booth if other members would like to meet them in person. We can also discuss getting together outside the show if people would like to meet in a more casual setting.

In addition, I believe some of the GUU experts will be there throughout the convention and we can share information and discuss the possibilities of putting a formal show together if there is enough interest. If a show would be beneficial to the members of this site, GUU would be happy to look into the possibility of hosting it.

What do you guys think? I will be back at my computer later tonight and would be happy to answer any questions at that time if this idea seems appealing.

Sincerely,
Chris Cavalier

[earlywynnfan]

Re: I would like to see a game used convention

No links yet, I'm sure they'll be out soon.

Ken