If you haven't yet heard, the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC or National) is just around the corner. Atlantic City is taking its turn in the hosting rotation that also includes Chicago and Cleveland. Dates for this years convention are July 27-31 and tickets are available by clicking the link above.
The NSCC can be overwhelming to those that have never attended. It's difficult to even describe this event to someone that has only attended local card shows. The best way to put it is imagine going to a local carnival your whole life then one day going to Disney World instead. The NSCC is absolutely insane! If you're looking for it, there's a good chance someone will have it for sale. Representatives from the majority of card manufacturers, dealers, distributors, YouTubers, and influencers having anything to do with this industry will be there.
It's something that can't be described accurately in words and it's hard to prepare when you've never been there. Hopefully though, this will help you be prepared for whatever may come your way and enjoy the show to the best of your ability.
The NSCC can be overwhelming to those that have never attended. It's difficult to even describe this event to someone that has only attended local card shows. The best way to put it is imagine going to a local carnival your whole life then one day going to Disney World instead. The NSCC is absolutely insane! If you're looking for it, there's a good chance someone will have it for sale. Representatives from the majority of card manufacturers, dealers, distributors, YouTubers, and influencers having anything to do with this industry will be there.
It's something that can't be described accurately in words and it's hard to prepare when you've never been there. Hopefully though, this will help you be prepared for whatever may come your way and enjoy the show to the best of your ability.
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1. Wear comfortable shoes.
While I prefer Nike for just about everything, New Balance 574s are by far the most comfortable sneakers I've ever worn. And the great thing about them is they come in a high number of color combinations. |
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2. Dress comfortably.
Steps 1 and 2 go hand-in-hand. Everyone has different preferences in clothing, but the best suggestion I can make is to wear something comfortable and with pockets on your lower body. Pants. Shorts. Whatever. You're going to need pockets! |
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3. Carry a backpack.
If you plan on buying at the National, you're not going to want to carry it around by hand all day. Get a backpack to help lighten your load and keep your hands free. Plus, you'll have more room to buy more stuff! |
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4. Take a notebook.
If you're like me, it's hard enough to remember the five items you were supposed to get at the grocery store, let alone the 30 cards you need to complete your card set. Take a notebook, any notebook, and write down some things you're looking for as well as those set needs. Composition notebooks are a great, inexpensive option. But, they can be bulky. Personally, I prefer Field Notes. They're durable and they fit in your back pocket for easy access. |
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5. Take your own card supplies.
Whether you prefer Ultra Pro or BCW is irrelevant. You just want to make sure you don't pull the card of the year from a booth that doesn't also sell supplies. You don't need to carry multiple bricks of top loaders. You simply need an emergency supply. My suggestion is to get a 400ct box and fill it with a little bit of everything including top loaders, penny sleeves, team bags, and more. |
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6. Bring a Sharpie (or paint pen).
As I mentioned earlier, there's a good chance you'll bump into someone that might have some degree of celebrity status within the trading card community. You'll want to be prepared for those moments so you don't miss out on an autograph opportunity! |
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7. Protect yourself.
It's no secret that the past few years have been scary. As a world, we are more concerned about germs than ever before and with good reason. With the amount of people that will be attending this year's National (approximately 100,000 collectors attended in 2021), it never hurts to protect yourself. |
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8. Protect others.
You're attending the biggest card show of the year. That means lots of people in close quarters. Do us all a favor and have a pleasurable scent. Your neighbors will appreciate it! *the price at the link provided is 30% cheaper than Target |
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9. Take snacks.
There are so many options here that's there's no right answer that suits everyone. Pack some snacks that you'll enjoy. My suggestions are to take pre-packaged items in smaller packages and avoid things that can leak. Nothing would be worse than purchasing that grail item only to have it ruined by something leaking in your backpack. |
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10. Don't forget the power!
We live in an electronic world and you're going to need some backup. When searching for cards, comparing prices, posting on social media, etc, you're using your phone's battery. Carry a power bank to ensure that you'll have a charge all day long. Bring one with a built-in cord and that's one less thing you have to remember. |
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11. Stay safe.
Whether you take prescription medicine or just want to carry some ibuprofen with you for an emergency, pill carriers can be a great asset. They're small, lightweight, and can be beneficial if you're attending the National for multiple days. *First aid kits may be excessive to some, but aren't necessarily a bad idea to have on hand. |
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