My Baltimore show report

dcarr · June 14, 2009 10:08AM

This was my first time ever having a table at a show outside of my home area (Colorado).

Here are some quick things I can say about this show:

1) There were a lot of coins to look at, but I didn't see anything I was looking for (but I did get a decent buy on a few things I wasn't looking for specifically).

2) This was the most expensive show I ever set up at (table fee, parking, etc. - not even counting travel expenses or hotel).

3) From a sales perspective, this was the worst show of any kind I ever attended.
My local small-town coin club show is better.

4) Public attendance seemed very light in proportion to the number of dealers set up.
There was no external signage of any kind to let all the people walking by know that a coin show was going on.
A lot of people walked by on their way to Camden yards for Baseball games (there seemed to be a game every day I was there).
Or maybe they specifically don't want any signage due to the fact that everywhere I went in the area I was pestered by panhandlers.

Good thing I consolidated the trip to this show with other non-coin activities or the whole thing would have been a total washout.

gmherps13 · June 14, 2009 10:16AM

at least you got some exposure in different areas. that's always a good thing for business.

TomB · June 14, 2009 10:19AM

The Baltimore show has no outside signage that I am aware of to promote the show and there are times when security will ask why someone is entering the convention hall (it has happened to me) when the purpose for entry is the show. The summer Baltimore show is by far the slowest of the trio and this additional show only started relatively recently. Lastly, yes, the Orioles were playing next door each day or night.

lkenefic · June 14, 2009 10:22AM

A few blocks north and west of the convention center [towards Lexington Market] is not a very nice place to be if you're holding large sums of cash. This is probably one reason why both this show, and the March show, were not very well advertised.

RunnersDad · June 14, 2009 10:26AM

<< A few blocks north and west of the convention center [towards Lexington Market] is not a very nice place to be if you're holding large sums of cash. This is probably one reason why both this show, and the March show, were not very well advertised. >>

Makes logical sense, but then why not hold the show elsewhere in Baltimore? It has been several years since I was there, but surely they have another facility large enough to host a major coin show in a better part of town that would allow for advertising?

Goldbully · June 14, 2009 10:28AM

<< 

<< A few blocks north and west of the convention center [towards Lexington Market] is not a very nice place to be if you're holding large sums of cash. This is probably one reason why both this show, and the March show, were not very well advertised. >>

Makes logical sense, but then why not hold the show elsewhere in Baltimore? It has been several years since I was there, but surely they have another facility large enough to host a major coin show in a better part of town that would allow for advertising? >>

Not in Baltimore City!!!!

One of the most dangerouse cities in the U.S.

golfer72 · June 14, 2009 10:45AM

Sounds like this show is not viable.

rld14 · June 14, 2009 10:46AM

Baltimore is NOT a safe city which is why I didn't see any, as I expected, signs outside the show.

lkenefic · June 14, 2009 10:51AM

<< 

<< A few blocks north and west of the convention center [towards Lexington Market] is not a very nice place to be if you're holding large sums of cash. This is probably one reason why both this show, and the March show, were not very well advertised. >>

Makes logical sense, but then why not hold the show elsewhere in Baltimore? It has been several years since I was there, but surely they have another facility large enough to host a major coin show in a better part of town that would allow for advertising? >>

That's a good question... I'm fairly new to Baltimore and the only other place that I can think of would be Timonium. There may be some of the same security issues though. I think for dealers setting up, there really is no security issue. They can drive right under the convention center and set up. I'm certain security is pretty tight. Also, for most people attending the show, you can either take the Light Rail right down to Camden Yards (one block away from the Convention Center) or you can park in a lot just north off Charles St. I think where the problems start are with people not familiar with the area wanting to explore downtown Baltimore. Don't get me wrong... there are some very cool areas and they're relatively safe if you stay near the Inner Harbor... North Charles St... Little Italy... Fells Point...ect... If you wander over by the VA Medical Center or the University of Maryland Baltimore (where I work)... it's not quite so "user friendly". BTW... this is due north of Camden Yards on Paca St... a great area to avoid if you don't have to be there. Unfortunately, the grave site of Edgar Allen Poe is just across the street at Paca and Fayette and sees a number of tourists.

Sunnywood · June 14, 2009 11:13AM

A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show.

Bear · June 14, 2009 11:22AM

Seems like every person had two options:

Get mugged walking to the show

or

Get mugged in the show.

Goldbully · June 14, 2009 11:48AM

<< A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show. >>

Dead on, Sunnywood!!!!!!!!!!!!

newsman · June 14, 2009 12:09PM

<< 

<< A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show. >>

Dead on, Sunnywood!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>

Absolutely. And I wish Whitman would return to the more discreet stickers they used to use for the show instead of the nametags with pictures of coins all over them. It's like walking around downtown Baltimore with a big "rob me" sign on your chest.

YaHa · June 14, 2009 12:11PM

<< Seems like every person had two options:

Get mugged walking to the show

or

Get mugged in the show.

>>

Oh Bear, every dealer is trustworthy correct?

ColonialCoinUnion · June 14, 2009 12:14PM

<< Absolutely. And I wish Whitman would return to the more discreet stickers they used to use for the show instead of the nametags with pictures of coins all over them. It's like walking around downtown Baltimore with a big "rob me" sign on your chest. >>

Your supposed to take the nametag off when you leave the show.

intocoins · June 14, 2009 12:29PM

<< A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show.
>>

BINGO!

I have attended a few Baltimore shows in the last couple of years.

The attendance was always over-whelming.

I have never attended the later show.

I think the March show and the recent economy have something to do with it.

lkenefic · June 14, 2009 1:05PM

<< A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show. >>

Good point... The March show was packed and there wasn't any outside signage either. I think the people that are already into coins will know about the show and attend, thus there's little utility in a banner. First-timers to Baltimore just need to be cognizant of where they are and where they're going.

newsman · June 14, 2009 1:08PM

<< 

<< Absolutely. And I wish Whitman would return to the more discreet stickers they used to use for the show instead of the nametags with pictures of coins all over them. It's like walking around downtown Baltimore with a big "rob me" sign on your chest. >>

Your supposed to take the nametag off when you leave the show. >>

That doesn't work too well if you want to re-enter.

BlindedByEgo · June 14, 2009 1:11PM

<< 

<< 

<< Absolutely. And I wish Whitman would return to the more discreet stickers they used to use for the show instead of the nametags with pictures of coins all over them. It's like walking around downtown Baltimore with a big "rob me" sign on your chest. >>

Your supposed to take the nametag off when you leave the show. >>

That doesn't work too well if you want to re-enter. >>

Ummm... Put it back on?

I'm just sayin'.

oreville · June 14, 2009 1:13PM

I think the Philly show in Sept and Coinfest in October are going to be very well attended this year.

Somehow, I think Philly could supplant Baltimore as THE location on the east coast in just a couple of years.

rld14 · June 14, 2009 1:15PM

<< 

<< A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show. >>

Good point... The March show was packed and there wasn't any outside signage either. I think the people that are already into coins will know about the show and attend, thus there's little utility in a banner. First-timers to Baltimore just need to be cognizant of where they are and where they're going. >>

Good point. I doubt people would be walking by and say "Oh look, a major coin show, hey, I bet I can find that Bust Half variety I've been looking for in slabbed AU, or maybe I can finally find that 1809 dime!"

newsman · June 14, 2009 1:15PM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< Absolutely. And I wish Whitman would return to the more discreet stickers they used to use for the show instead of the nametags with pictures of coins all over them. It's like walking around downtown Baltimore with a big "rob me" sign on your chest. >>

Your supposed to take the nametag off when you leave the show. >>

That doesn't work too well if you want to re-enter. >>

Ummm... Put it back on?

I'm just sayin'. >>

A used sticker? On a hot, humid day? What am I supposed to do with it in the meantime, carry it stuck to the inside of my hand?

At least at the winter shows I can stick it to the inside of my jacket and flash the guards at the door when I come in.

airplanenut · June 14, 2009 1:21PM

Another point regarding local advertising--I've found that all the shows have pretty heavy radio advertising for local stations, and in print/TV news, as well. Locals who have any reason to show up will likely know about it if they pay attention to almost any media in the area.

coinkat · June 14, 2009 8:52PM

When you get your name tag, keep the peel off portion and when you leave, put the tag back on the peel off paper- works very well and you can use it again the next day

BillyGoatsGruff · June 14, 2009 8:56PM

<< Seems like every person had two options:

Get mugged walking to the show

or

Get mugged in the show.

>>

That's no joke, Bear.... Times are tough!

beartracks42 · June 14, 2009 11:11PM

I have been to several Baltimore shows and this is the first one that I can remember having to show the Whitman guy my Photo-ID in order to get a stick on pass to enter the show. Why would Whitman need that kind of verification?

advalorem · June 14, 2009 11:27PM

I recommend a change of venue to south-east District of Columbia. It's not a great distance from Baltimore and the bourse expense would be lower due to cheaper convention site prices.

Just an idea.....

MORGANHUNTER2 · June 14, 2009 11:46PM

<< 

<< 

<< A major national show like Baltimore doesn't need signage. The point of the show is not to attract random passers-by. Serious buyers and sellers certainly all know about the Baltimore shows. If the show was slow, it wasn't due to any lack of local signage.

I prefer the "under the radar" approach without signage, as it makes me feel MUCH SAFER walking to and from the show. When the hotel asks me the purpose of my visit to Baltimore, I always simply respond "personal." I think the Baltimore Convention Center is a perfect venue for the show. >>

Dead on, Sunnywood!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>

Absolutely. And I wish Whitman would return to the more discreet stickers they used to use for the show instead of the nametags with pictures of coins all over them. It's like walking around downtown Baltimore with a big "rob me" sign on your chest. >>

Why on earth would anyone care about a name tag while in the show? I like that idea- at least if I was a dealer I could greet you by name instead of saying the usual- "What the hell you want".
I could say it as "Hi- John Doe! What the hell you looking for today?"
See a bit more personal will make your customer feel at home..

crypto79 · June 15, 2009 12:02AM

I like Baltimore as you can get on 95 shoot up and it is right off the highway. Baltimore has plenty of bad parts but what city doesn't. It did feel a little slow to me though. I went up with about a grand and since I was looking for a few upgrades i wanted to trade in the old ones. Everybody I brought this up with acted like I was a beggar. I tried to trade a graded ef45 for a raw AU50. I paid $800 at (HA) auction and he wanted $850 for his. I offered 100$ he declined and didn't counter offer, so I asked if was thinking more like 200$ he said "more like double that". I don't understand that in collectors hands raw coins are all but unsalable, but on the flip side they act like there isn't a difference between there coin or that I wasn't talking some risk by taking a known commodity and risking some cash by upgrading to raw and then submitting. I just decided to hold and enjoy what I had and take small victories. I offered 225 for a PCGS 1945 DDR 5c MS64 on the Bay and got told to suck it. It sat in their shop for a couple of months before going to auction where it brought 140$

newsman · June 15, 2009 12:07AM

<< I recommend a change of venue to south-east District of Columbia. It's not a great distance from Baltimore and the bourse expense would be lower due to cheaper convention site prices.

Just an idea..... >>

It might be safer, too.

PonyExpress8 · June 15, 2009 12:59AM

I attended Baltimore and had a successful show. This show is typically slower as are all shows held between Memorial Day and Labor Day which has historically been the case. In the other 2 shows they open up a whole additional section so it's hard to say going in June is representative when this show is only about 60% of the other two.

While you have to be smart and be aware where you are at when out of the convention center in Baltimore, the venue and show is well run. Any big city has it's good areas and maybe 2 blocks over it's bad.

There did seem to be more panhandlers out but in these times thats not unexpected.

Bear · June 15, 2009 1:09AM

If a city can not assure security, then it should

not expect the continuation of conventions.

RedTiger · June 15, 2009 3:41AM

For the original poster's material, walk through traffic probably would be just as good or better than dedicated veteran coin collectors, so I understand his point of view. Sounds like Baltimore may have overexpanded. Before they added the third show, most Baltimore show reports indicated booming floor traffic, and increased dealer count.

dcarr · June 15, 2009 4:08AM

<< For the original poster's material, walk through traffic probably would be just as good or better than dedicated veteran coin collectors, so I understand his point of view. Sounds like Baltimore may have overexpanded. Before they added the third show, most Baltimore show reports indicated booming floor traffic, and increased dealer count. >>

Yes, I agree with that. The material I offer is impulse-buy. It isn't (at least not yet) the type of thing that people go to a show and have on their want list. People like it when they see it. But if nobody is walking by, nobody sees it.

dcarr · June 15, 2009 4:22AM

PS:

I also realize, of course, that this is the slow time of year for shows in general.
And the hit that bullion prices took during and preceeding the first part of the show didn't help.

7Jaguars · June 15, 2009 10:46AM

DC - I know this thread is not about it but my highlight of the show was visiting briefly with you and your wife and buying a couple of small items. You really have great stuff and sorry the show was a bit slow for you.

Goldbully · June 15, 2009 10:55AM

<< DC - I know this thread is not about it but my highlight of the show was visiting briefly with you and your wife and buying a couple of small items. You really have great stuff and sorry the show was a bit slow for you. >>

I too, thoroughly enjoyed my visit with Daniel and his lovely wife!!!!

Thanks for coming to Baltimore, Daniel!!

I cherish my dcarr Ameros....and especially love my brass 'Defiant Finger Tower' coin!!!

YaHa · June 15, 2009 11:00AM

I offered 225 for a PCGS 1945 DDR 5c MS64 on the Bay and ((Got told to suck it)).

It sat in their shop for a couple of months before going to auction where it brought 140$ >>

Well you answered you own question there my boy... Two more blocks across the street from the convention center you might of made a few more hundred and bought that coin... BTW: you have a filthy mouth..

roadrunner · June 15, 2009 11:03AM

Certainly the market and time of year are the driving forces on how well the show does. Baltimore summer shows in 2007 and 2008 were quite frothy as the market heated up in those years. But I walked the floor for 2 days at the summer 2006 Baltimore show and it was weak considering the coin market was still strengthening overall.

roadrunner

lkenefic · June 15, 2009 11:18AM

<< 

<< I recommend a change of venue to south-east District of Columbia. It's not a great distance from Baltimore and the bourse expense would be lower due to cheaper convention site prices.

Just an idea..... >>

It might be safer, too.

>>

South East DC??!! as in Anacostia? vaya con dios, mi amigo...

Northwest up towards Bethesda perhaps... I'm sure there are any number of larger hotels, but I like the idea of actually keeping it where it is. As others have said, there are bad parts of all cities and the convention center is a pretty good venue.

Lancastercoin · June 16, 2009 5:30PM

Dan, do you think you would have done better if you weren't in the world coin section? Or were in the "premium" section?

Stork · June 18, 2009 10:29AM

<< Dan, do you think you would have done better if you weren't in the world coin section? Or were in the "premium" section? >>

I was wondering that too...I hang out in the darkside fringes --so you were easy for me to find. Just to pile on what everyone else has said...the summer show is WAY slower for Baltimore. If you have an excuse to try again with one of the others you would probably be happier.

My Baltimore show report

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