How difficult is it to organize a GOOD card show?

Sean1125

In phoenix there really isn't much, there's a church that has a show once every few months but from what I hear it really isn't that great... There is a few one day shows but I went to one and literally only 5 people showed up and completely wasted my money for a table. How difficult would it be to actually get a big center (and cost wise), how many tables should it have, how would I go about getting people for autographs. I know that not knowing anything would make it quite an endeavor, but well worth the lesson and being able to do it in the long run.

I know of several people in phoenix (that card show where 5 people "customers" showed up had about 12 "dealers" show up and set up). And those 5 were showing up for the autograph, so overall it was a pretty terrible experience and a waste of time.

Too long don't care to read version:
How hard is it to set up a quality card show?
How much time would it take (ahead) and actually getting it planned?
How do you get quality players for autographs?
What makes a show "good"?

CDsNuts

I've never set up a show myself and I wouldn't know how to go about it, but I would be cautious when getting into a new endeavor like this.

bking

I've never done a show, but I've been involved in organizing other things that require the same things: sellers, buyers and space.

IMO, your biggest challenges would be securing space - which would probably put you on the hook for the rent. I wouldn't do that until I had a firm comittment from some minimum number of sellers. Your total table receipts had better cover the room rental, advertising AND incidentals unless you're doing this as a money-losing favor to the community.

I'd put out feelers at all the shops in the area, both to gauge sellers interest and to start generating word of mouth for buyers.

In short - it's a ton of work IMO.

goraiders

Well I have been to a few shows so I think I know exactly what it takes
to run a good show,pm for details

alnavman

my understanding is you probably can get some folks to autograph but they will cost you...at one show heard that even minor stars run about 2K....

NickM

<< <i>In phoenix there really isn't much, there's a church that has a show once every few months but from what I hear it really isn't that great... There is a few one day shows but I went to one and literally only 5 people showed up and completely wasted my money for a table. How difficult would it be to actually get a big center (and cost wise), how many tables should it have, how would I go about getting people for autographs. I know that not knowing anything would make it quite an endeavor, but well worth the lesson and being able to do it in the long run.

I know of several people in phoenix (that card show where 5 people "customers" showed up had about 12 "dealers" show up and set up). And those 5 were showing up for the autograph, so overall it was a pretty terrible experience and a waste of time.

Too long don't care to read version:
How hard is it to set up a quality card show?
How much time would it take (ahead) and actually getting it planned?
How do you get quality players for autographs?
What makes a show "good"? >>



It's not hard to get space - in this economy, hotel banquet halls are often sitting unutilized. Lots of other organizations have meeting halls of varying sizes they'll rent out. How much it costs depends a lot on the venue you choose. The grand ballroom at the Hilton and the Elks Lodge meeting hall may well be orders of magnitude difference in price.

Figure 6 months advance planning minimum - you want the table space booked several months before the event, and publicity in some form for at least a couple of months. You will also need to spend a lot of time doing local publicity for the show, from lining up tables to letting potential attendees know.

There are 3 types of "quality players" - major show circuit stars (usually HOFers), local popular current players, and retired (hopefully popular) players, often those who live in the area or played for a local team.

Most of the major show circuit stars will run you 5 figures, once you take into account the transportation and other costs for them (some come with entourage). You will also need to get someone who isn't booked for another show somewhere else at the same time. Most of them are represented by one of a few agencies that book their autograph gigs.

As for current hometown players, you do it through their agent. The guys who would provide a draw will likely cost you over $1K each, and you have to do it around their sport schedule.

Retired players who aren't regulars on the show circuit may be more difficult to set things up with, as some no longer have an agent or are difficult to reach, but their price is often a lot less. But, will they draw in people? Many shows take the approach that "1 free autograph with paid admission" is the best way to go if the autograph guest didn't cost them all that much, and figure that extra admissions plus the profit from selling 8x10s, etc. of the player will make up for it.

You can also do mail order autographs on any guest for people who can't make it to the show.

As to what makes a show good, it should be easy to get to, in a readily visible location (you don't want them driving past the building because they didn't realize that was the place), with ample close-by parking (preferably free) in an area where you feel safe coming and going from your car. The venue should be well-lit. That's a dealbreaker for people.

Getting into the show should be quick and simple. If you're having door prize or raffle drawings, you need at least 2 people manning the entry booth.

Inside the show, every guest wants to see a lot of dealers with different material, yet enough people with similar items that there is competition on the prices. 12 dealers doesn't cut it for a show. Figure 30-40 minimum. More is better.

People want to pay ebay prices. That's just a fact of life. Hopefully you have lots of tables where the dealers can be competitive with ebay - this works best for dealers on stuff that's expensive to ship (memorabilia or anything else heavy) or where shipping costs and fees make it not worthwhile to sell on ebay (e.g., guys with tables of quarter boxes), though really any dealer can do it if his overhead for the show isn't too much.

People working at the show need to be on top of things and friendly.

Customers will consider it a good show if they had a good time and got stuff they wanted.

Nick

Stone193

Good question.

I know nothing about show promoting.

We know shows have dropped in popularity for various reasons.

One saying about cards - if it's truly decent - it'll find its way into a good TPG holder...

If an area is good - most likely some "Pro" would promote it.

Having said that - I would have a good suggestion - try starting small.

Find out how much the Ramada or Holiday Inn will charge for like 20 tables - see if ya can line up the people - and set a date - get as cheap advertising as possible and don't charge anything for admission and be ready to give stuff away free - drawing every hour off the tick e.g.

Canned drinks at cost and perhaps free treats of some kind?

Do that for a while and then expand - local signings if ya got a minor league team of some kind - and whatever promos ya can think off - look at the Tri-Star web for ideas.

See if ya can get the local radio station to promo the event - tell them you're donating 10% of the receipts to some charity or something.

Just some dumb thoughts?

Good luck.

Stone193

What makes a good show?

What do you like?

Me?

1. Good vendors with product they "really" want to sell - at fair prices.

2. Polite vendors - user friendly and who aim to please.

3. Free gate.

4. Signings - affordable sigs - and perhaps good prospects.

5. Drinks and other items like soft pretzels at a fair price - if I'm staying for a while - I get hungry.

6. Well lighted - comfortable climate - good AC e.g. - not stuffy and tired looking.

7. Good location - ez parking.

Stone193

Good post Nick.

I read yours - we agree on everything!

BobS

Hey, a NickM sighting. Cool.