Thinking about hosting a show...your thoughts?

Guru

Hey everyone! I've been given the "green light" to host a card show using our gym at the church I go to. It seats 200-300 people. You can fit about 40-50 6 ft tables in there.

Do you think it's worth it?

How much would you charge per table?

It would be in Indianapolis, so would any of you be interested in being a part of it if I decided to go through?

Probably wouldn't be till September.

Your thoughts?

larryallen73

I have no clue to your questions but I wish you good luck with your endeavor. Sounds fun.

Davemri

If you get enough "card dealers" to show up it could be worth it. There is/used to be a show every month or so at the Holiday Inn on Shadeland but the last time I went (probably 3 years ago) it was infested with Nascar collectibles....

As far as how much to charge......It depends....Is the church charging you rent? I would say the cheaper for the dealers the better.

I live just outside Indy, so I may be of some help. If I were you, I'd try to get a set amount of commitments from dealers and see what kind of response you get. I'd bet you won't get much, but you never know. I'd love to see a successful show in the area

What church are you talking about?


Dave

Mickey71

Good Luck. I think the biggest thing is advertisement. Make sure you do that part early. I've heard of shows advertising the week before. See if PSA will do on-site grading (just kidding).

KbKards

I think you have to figure out what your expenses will be before figuring out what to charge somebody for a table. Expenses will include the tables you're asking how much to charge for. Will you be advertising the show? Charging admission? Check to see what other real show promoters are doing for shows and what they're charging. They might be having a hard time filling their shows and that's with a long time running them.

jeffcbay

How much is your church charging you for the use of their gym? I would start the table pricing based on what you're being charged for the gym.

Also, is the money going to the church or are you keeping it? Either way, I think you may need certain tax forms or some sort of charity license. Our resident lawyers may know more about that one.

Another big thing I would look for is any other card shows that may be happening in that area, to avoid any local competition. I'd also do some research on similar shows to compare what they charge for tables.

You may want to find a way to contact a local sports celebrity to see if they would be interested in a public signing. Our local show here in the Canton, Ohio area always has some local sports semi-celebrity. That will help the draw.

You'll also have to worry about advertising. The more free, the better.

I used to help run a local car show every year, and this is similar. It takes a lot more planning than you may think, but it's really fun! Good luck!

itzagoner

get in touch with Peyton Manning and tell him they'll be filming a TV commercial there that day, i'm sure he'll come running.....then, tell all your dealers that Peyton will be there to sign autographs, but may be inclined to leave after about 1 or 2 minutes, so you better get there early.

jeffcbay

Another thing to think about would be hiring a security guard.

billwaltonsbeard

Sounds like a good idea.

Try getting a special guest to appear. For a small show like this, your budget would allow a semi-celebrity from the 70s or 80s, such as Willie Aames, Tom Wopat, Dudley from Diff'rent Strokes, or that guy who talked really fast and did the MicroMachines toy car commercials.

Or since the show is being held in a church, maybe you can see if Stryper is available for a post show concert.

onefasttalon

Turd...
Ya, that show over on Shadeland isn't much to speak of anymore... hasn't been very good for a while. There's a show in Fishers Sat the 19th at the Legion in Fishers.

PM me if you don't have and WANT details. Morgoth and I set up that that show, so if you DO show up say "Hi." We'll be the first two tables on the right as you walk in.

I think what would help you, is to talk to another show promoter and see if he'll help out. The guy that runs the Legion show's name is Jeff... he's a great guy and I'm willing to bet he can help get you some info that will help get you on track. Also, he can get you contact info for several dealers that you didn't know existed in the area to see if they'd be interested in your show. I betcha you'd be surprised how many of us (nuts) there are in the Indy area!

Davemri

Here is the upcoming schedule for indiana shows. Make some fliers, go to some shows, talk to some dealers to gauge interest.



Jun 18-20 - Mishawaka University Park Mall, , F-Sa 10-9 Su 11-6, 50T - John Cole 618-548-3933 scole@ussonet.net

Jun 19 - Indianapolis Fishers American Legion Post , 9091 E. 126th Street, 8-2, 40T - Jeff Meyrose 317-504-8110 indyballcards@aol.com

Jul 9-11 - Evansville Washington Square Mall, South Green River Road, F 2-8 Sa 9-8 Su 11-5, 40T - Patrick Hocking 812-304-6088

Jul 10 - Indianapolis Laquinta Inn Motel, 5120 Victory Dr. Exit 52 I-465, 8-2, 20T - Les Gosser 270-566-2708 lgosser@duo-county.com

Jul 10 - Indianapolis Ramada Inn East, 6990 21st St. & I-70 East, 9-3, 30T - Randy Clark 317-895-8404 ranark@aol.com

Jul 11 - Ft Wayne Coliseum Holiday Inn, 4111 paul shaffer dr, 9-3, 30T - brian mayne 260 824-4576 or 260 824-487 mcscardscomics@adamswells.com

Guru

I think what I might do is set up at the Fishers show in August so I can get a feel for what people in the area are looking for. I've heard this is a tough town to sell baseball in with the Colts and everything. Last show I did was when I was Louisville at the Slugger Museum. Great times because my Dad was there to help, but I only made like $30. Fun nonetheless.

Onefasttalon and Morgoth, I'll chat it up with you guys when August gets closer. Thanks!

Guru a.k.a. Turd

Aric

What side of town is your church located? I used to live in Indy and there was always a void of shows on the west or south sides. Everything was always on the east or more recently north in Fishers. You may do well by appealing to the growing westside, Avon area.

clayshooter22

The key to most shows is not the tables or fee but attendance by collectors, and their wallets. If you only focus on dealers then the show may be well attended...by dealers. Get the collectors to show up...and the rest will take care of itself.

Guru

We are centrally located on 86th and Meridian just down the street from 465. About 10 - 15 mins from anywhere in town.

Aric

<< <i>We are centrally located on 86th and Meridian just down the street from 465. About 10 - 15 mins from anywhere in town. >>



Okay, I know exactly where you're at and if I'm thinking of the right church, its HUGE.

As far as promotions, I'm sure this has been done before, but try getting a small advertising banner at a couple local little leagues. Maybe get some people to donate some modern base and give grab bags away to kids under 14. You could advertise free cards for all kids. Get the kids interested and they bring their dads

Guru

I wonder if I offered a class on basic "card collecting" and gave out grab bags, like you say, if that might appeal to some of the kids who will inturn bring their Dads?

TomGshotput

How much is your time worth?

How much time will it cost?

What other expenses will you incur (are you paying anything to use the gym)?

What other revenue sources will there be (entry fee, snacks, etc.)?

How many tables will you be able to sell?

What do other similar events charge for a table?

Answer those questions and you will know exactly how much to charge for a table

My intuition says $75, but that could be way off