The National Sports Collectors Convention: A History

By: Frank James Howard

Almost 30 years ago a of collectors met at a Los Angeles area hotel for what would become the First National Sports Collectors Convention. That assembly transformed into the annual gathering that is now the number one event for the entire sports card and memorabilia industry. In an attempt to draw more collectors to the event, the founders of The National Convention decided that it should take place at various places so that collectors from all corners of the continent could take part. In its young years, the National Sports Collectors Convention took place in Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and the New York metro area.

The National Sports Collectors Convention has since experienced a considerable amount of growth, becoming a massive event that can only be accommodated by a small number of places in the country. However, the event still draws guests from all corners of the sports collectibles hobby. It is the only event where the majority of the people in the hobby come together to meet in one place. It is where every sports collector wants to be , largely due to all of the support from major trading card companies, card graders, autograph authenticators, sports auctioneers, and pro sports licensors.

The happened in Cleveland, at the Cleveland's International Exposition Center. Reviews of the event were positive from gatherers, licensors, manufacturers, and exhibitors. The 31th National is already being arranged for 2010, when sports collectors will come together in Baltimore, Maryland for the show.

The National Convetion's list of autograph guests are legendary. Over the last 30 years the National has presented an unprecedented list of A-level sports talent to sign autographs. Past autograph signers include Wayne Gretzky, Cal Ripken Jr., Wilt Chamberlain, Joe Namath, Shaquille O'Neal, Mickey Mantle, Ferguson Jenkins, Joe Dimaggio, Magic Johnson , as well as a seemingly endless procession of other great athletes. Over the last decade the National's Autograph Pavillion has added personalities from the entertainment world to the show. Non athlete autograph signers who have attended the show include Penny Marshall, Erin Moran, David Faustino, Jon Provost, Cindy Williams, Jerry Ferrara and even the rock group KISS.

The National is the largest sports collectors event with the best tradition, the most famous autograph guests, the widest array of sports card dealers, and the largest inventory of sports cards and memorabilia, all in one place. People have taken to saying, "If you can't find what you're looking for at the National, it probably doesn't exist!" The National is where every collector, distributor, licensor, manufacturer, and dealer will be in 2010 to take part in the most important sports card and memorabilia event of the year.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

The Cardboard Connection features articles and reviews for collectors of Sports Memorabilia and Sports Cards. It is updated on a daily basis and covers all the major professional sports.

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