Long beach expo question

spyglassdesign

I understand that the Long Beach Expo is essentially the largest coin show on the west coast. I went to the private show in Vegas and had a great time and learned a lot. This one is a little farther from me... and am wondering primarily if it's big enough to get a hotel (ie everything can't be seen in one day)?

I would be going mostly for the experience with a small possibility of a pickup or 2 and a submission to PCGS or two. And maybe learn a thing or two like I did last time.

What's your thoughts? Flights from Vegas to Long beach via southwest are very cheap right now (as low as $45/seat). and driving is a 6 hour ordeal.

Dave99B

It's a great show, and I know you'll love it! I fly down from Seattle and spend two full days at the show when I attend. I always attend Thursday and Friday. You could do it in one day, but I prefer to take my time, and make multiple passes. It's well worth the money IMO. Lots of eye candy down here.

Have a blast,
Dave

krueger

LB show going on since 1964. Every 4 months . I try not to miss it.
I average 50 dealers per hour. 300 dealers approx. So 6 hours on the Bourse minimum.
I am there almost always 10 + hours on the Bourse over 2 1/2 days. Early bird usually not worth it.
Good luck

spyglassdesign

@krueger wow 300... Yeah that's definitely not a 1 day deal! Unless you literally just walk past most of them like at a fair lol

coinbuf

The first time I went I spent 10-12 hours total over two days. I learned which tables/dealers I could avoid that first time, now I would only spend 3-5 hours at most walking the bourse at LB. Very easy one day show for me, including the travel from AZ. It will be less expensive to drive once you include the cab/uber fees into your travel expenses.

spyglassdesign

@coinbuf yeah for 2 people it would be about $300 to fly, about $140 to drive for me. But then that's 6 hours each way. So hotel at least 1 night, maybe 2...

Im not certain I will make this one but I appreciate the feedback. If I don't make this one I'll definitely try to make the next one!

COCollector

I've been to the Long Beach Expo 4 times in the past 5 years. Biggest Show I've ever attended, and I like it.

Tip: Unless you have to be among the first to enter at 10:00 Thurs morning (Day 1), arrive at noon and you won't have to wait in a long line to get in.

Mr_Spud

I live about 1/2 hour away from the Long Beach convention center and usually go at least one day. Thursday is best if you want to try and do it in one day. If you are focused on looking for just a few coins you can do it in one day, but if you want to browse and check out everything then you need 2 days. Thursday is the best day, Friday is 2nd best, Saturday isn’t very good because the dealers start packing up and leaving early.

alefzero

Technically, you could do it all in a day. I know people who do that and I did that in the 1980s and early 1990s. The reasons I wouldn't, and they might not apply to you, is (1) I find the best part of big shows is a social component and (2) worrying about beating traffic or making a flight can make the bourse too stressful. Having an overnight in an hotel and a more leisurely perusal of the bourse is more enjoyable. Also, meeting people and doing lunches/dinners to discuss coins is a big attraction.

If you go, Thursdays are often the best. If you want to do an overnight, Thursday/Friday is a good bet. Saturdays are very limited. Some dealers take off Friday night after the last auction, though not nearly as many as in the past. But it can be a good day for buyers to get deals. Anything sold doesn't need to get hauled back until the next show. Some have bought from other dealers, the public, Goldberg and Heritage auctions more than they brought in.

illini420

You could do it all in one day, but you'll feel rushed all day most likely. Two days would be better to take your time and to also enjoy the collector exhibits on display and to also check out the auction lot viewing.

Also, if you are a PCGS Set Registry member, they typically send out free early bird passes via email that'll get you in on Wednesday during dealer set up and also get in you in a little early on Thursday/Friday. You get this even if you just register one PCGS coin in one set that you publish.

See you at the show!

Mike
Michael Kittle Rare Coins
Long Beach Table #636

spyglassdesign

@illini420 Yeah I got the email today, that's what prompted the questions

I hope I can swing it!

mvs7

@illini420 said:
Also, if you are a PCGS Set Registry member, they typically send out free early bird passes via email that'll get you in on Wednesday during dealer set up and also get in you in a little early on Thursday/Friday. You get this even if you just register one PCGS coin in one set that you publish.

Pro tip: even if you do not need to go in as an Early Bird, get the free pass as Mike describes above, then use it to walk right past the long line that's forming every day to enter at noon, say at 11:50am or so.

spyglassdesign

@mvs7 already printed in case I do decide to make it over there 😁

BryceM

I've been to LB a half-dozen times probably. I like making it a 2-day trip. I usually last 3 or 4 hours at most until I need to get out and do something else. Being able to come back the next day for a few hours is nice. I also try to spend a couple hours viewing auction lots - both to find coins to bid on, and also to do a little self-directed GTG. Have a great time!

ricko

Show reports please. Long Beach is usually quite an active show with lots going on. Cheers, RickO

spyglassdesign

@ricko said:
Show reports please. Long Beach is usually quite an active show with lots going on. Cheers, RickO

If I make it I definitely will!