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The National Sports Collectors Convention: A History

By: Frank James Howard

It was in 1980 when a hodge podge group of sports memorabilia collectors assembled at a hotel in Los Angeles for what later became known as the inaugural National Sports Collectors Convention. That gathering transformed into the annual gathering that is now the number one event for the entire sports card and memorabilia industry. In hopes of increasing attendance at the event the founders of the Convention agreed that it should take place at an assortment of cities so that sports card collectors from all over could take part in it. In its young years, the National occurred in Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and the New York metro area.

The National Sports Collectors Convention has since increased in size, becoming a mammoth event that can only be accommodated by a handful of cities in the nation. However, that hasn't prevented the event from attracting guests from every corner 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. The National is where every sports collector wants to be because of the support of the major card companies, card rating services, auction houses, and pro sports licensors.

The happened in early August in Ohio, at the Cleveland's International Exposition Center. Reviews of the event were positive from guests, licensors, manufacturers, and exhibitors. The 31th National is in the process of being arranged for 2010, when sports collectors will unite in Baltimore, Maryland for the popular convention.

The National's autograph guests are legendary. In previous years, the National has brought in an unparalleled list of superstars to sign autographs at the shows. 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 luminaries. Several years ago the Autograph Pavilion has added personalities from the entertainment world. Non athletes who have attended The National include KISS, Ruth Buzzi, Erin Moran, David Faustino, Jon Provost, Cindy Williams, Jerry Ferrara and Kevin Dillon.

The National Sports Collectors Convention is the largest sports collectors event with the best tradition, the most impressive autograph guests, the widest variety of dealers, and the most impressive variety of sports collectibles, all in one place.The National is where every collector, dealer, distributor, and manufacturer will be in 2010 to take part in the biggest sports card and memorabilia event of the year.

Article Source: http://sports-articles.net

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