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DEALERS: How can the ANA improve their shows?
ThePennyLady
Posts: 4,441 ✭✭✭✭✭
As many of you know, I'm Chair of the Dealer Relations Committee and we are continually looking for suggestions on how the ANA can improve the shows, from locations to aesthetics to concessions, etc. (FYI, There is a separate committee for the Collectors so this questions is specifically being directed to Dealers). Our Committee is comprised of members from various areas of numismatics, including the auction companies, small businesses, large companies, paper money, and foreign and US coins.
Shortening the preshow was one of the thoroughly discussed topics and will be implemented next year so that the preshow is only on Monday, with the main show beginning on Tuesday. Keep in mind, some of the things that the dealers would like changed are difficult to implement without adding extra expense unless a sponsor is found, like free wifi throughout the convention center.
We are meeting during the Anaheim show, so if there are any specific ideas you have as a Dealer that you'd like to bring to the ANA's attention, please let me know. You can either post them here or send me a pm.
Thank you.
Shortening the preshow was one of the thoroughly discussed topics and will be implemented next year so that the preshow is only on Monday, with the main show beginning on Tuesday. Keep in mind, some of the things that the dealers would like changed are difficult to implement without adding extra expense unless a sponsor is found, like free wifi throughout the convention center.
We are meeting during the Anaheim show, so if there are any specific ideas you have as a Dealer that you'd like to bring to the ANA's attention, please let me know. You can either post them here or send me a pm.
Thank you.
Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
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Keep the literature tables orderly. They become a worthless mess of trash! I would ask a volunteer police the table. ONE PILE for each handout. Those people (you know who you are) who dump in the trash or cover up their competitors literature should PAY A FINE to the ANA education dept. when caught on a cell phone camera. I should LOVE to have that duty!
Look for sites with an airport big enough to accommodate planes large enough for the largest permitted carry on bags; ditto that there are a number of flights with such large planes.
Move it around every year-make sit more interesting for dealers, and more opportunity for collectors that are not able to travel large distances.
Look for sites where the airport is not too far from the show
Look for sites where the primary airport is not too far from the show. For example, the upcoming Anaheim show is almost an hour from LAX. John Wayne airport is near the show, but the cost of flights at least for one major airline is significantly more (e.g., almost 90% more into John Wayne airport as compared to LAX).
Look for interesting things for people to do outside of the show. While Anaheim using the factors listed here is a very unfavorable site, it does have Disney nearby. Rosemont, IL has an area with activities behind the hotels, as well as a casino nearby.
Ask the sponsoring auction company what sites they prefer- they provide significant $$$$ to support the show.
Eliminate the $250 dealer share fee.
Ensure hot spots from at least the major mobile phone providers work within the convention hall.
Edited to add:
Reasonable hotel rates at major hotels (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, etc.)
Mon-Tue = Preshow
Wed-Sat = ANA show -- that is still plenty long for an ANA show these days.
The coin business has changed. There is no longer a need for shows that go on for several days.
2. Hold them in locations where a majority of ANA members can drive to them.
Sorry, but that means The Midwest and (especially) the Eastern seaboard. The West coast and South membership could be served through the Spring ANA shows
3. Hold them in states where they are not hostile to our business/hobby.
CA is a lovely place, but it has a 15 day nexus rule (and tax below $1500 purchases). Not to mention the Long Beach show 3x/year right down the road, serving the same population of collectors.
1. Drastically shorten the shows.
Mon-Tue = Preshow
Wed-Sat = ANA show -- that is still plenty long for an ANA show these days.
The coin business has changed. There is no longer a need for shows that go on for several days.
2. Hold them in locations where a majority of ANA members can drive to them.
Sorry, but that means The Midwest and (especially) the Eastern seaboard. The West coast and South membership could be served
through the Spring ANA shows
3. Hold them in states where they are not hostile to our business/hobby.
CA is a lovely place, but it has a 15 day nexus rule (and tax below $1500 purchases). Not to mention the Long Beach show 3x/year right down the road, serving the same population of collectors.
I totally agree
2. Hold them in locations where a majority of ANA members can drive to them.
Sorry, but that means The Midwest and (especially) the Eastern seaboard. The West coast and South membership could be served through the Spring ANA shows
Here's the catch22 to that.....
While I understand that is where things are at right now, it is no way to grow the membership and the collector pool. By NOT trying to expand to the west coast more, and particularly, the PNW, then there is a LARGE contingency, of which I am 1, that steps further out and away.
Take some baby steps to try to reach new areas and bring people in. It will be the best chance to grow more people in more areas.
Failing to do so, people shouldn't complain about the shrinking collector base. Seriously. It is JUST about age.
I've heard the complaints about Seattle, but it is still a major area with the airport that can work and the hotel rooms that are available. The whine is about the convention center.
My guess is that it was investigated and dropped. I doubt anyone tried very hard to make it happen.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Start looking at cities like Detroit again. Cobo Hall has been completely redone. Downtown crime is rare and Michigan does not tax coin sales. The downtown Detroit area is actually booming. The last time the ANA show was held in Detroit was 1994. I recall one out-of-town dealer, now deceased, who had an issue with the state numismatic organization and ran a months long campaign to bad mouth Detroit. Detroit deserves another look.
The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi would be a much friendlier venue.
1. Drastically shorten the shows.
Mon-Tue = Preshow
Wed-Sat = ANA show -- that is still plenty long for an ANA show these days.
The coin business has changed. There is no longer a need for shows that go on for several days.
There is lots of business to take care of besides selling coins. Also supporting two major auctions also requires extra time.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Start looking at cities like Detroit again. Cobo Hall has been completely redone. Downtown crime is rare and Michigan does not tax coin sales. The downtown Detroit area is actually booming. The last time the ANA show was held in Detroit was 1994. I recall one out-of-town dealer, now deceased, who had an issue with the state numismatic organization and ran a months long campaign to bad mouth Detroit. Detroit deserves another look.
I agree with you.
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
1. Drastically shorten the shows.
Mon-Tue = Preshow
Wed-Sat = ANA show -- that is still plenty long for an ANA show these days.
The coin business has changed. There is no longer a need for shows that go on for several days.
There is lots of business to take care of besides selling coins. Also supporting two major auctions also requires extra time.
And there a lot of dealers, at least, who stay very busy just buying and selling for 3-5 days, sometimes longer.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
My recommendation is to do St Louis ANA show in honor of Eric Newman ...
Plenty of things to do ....baseball, one of the best zoo's and botanical gardens in the world, and of course the Eric Newman Numismatic portal at Washington University.
Edited to ad the World Chess Hall of fame too......
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Hold in states with no sales tax.
Arizona has no sales tax on coins. Awesome to have a big show here.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I think that the next 3 venues, Anaheim, Denver and Philly are all A-OK in my book. I have really enjoyed the shows in Denver and Philly, and Anaheim is just a world apart from the failed downtown LA show a few years back. Denver will be even better this time with the addition of the new low cost light rail from the far-out airport to downtown convention area.
The ANA is challenged by the large square footage requirements and the perception by the host cities that the coin people do not spend enough.
As a "collector/wannabe dealer", I do agree with Dave that Wednesday through Saturday is long enough for the bourse. And with a shorter bourse, hopefully most dealers will actually stay on Saturday. For the collectors, having some cool, and free, educational sessions on either the day before or day after the bourse would be welcomed. How about a free "show and tell" session hosted by a grading expert where collectors could bring their coins for some expert advice? Also, maybe an auction session or two could be held the day before the show opens as well.
==Looking for pre WW2 Commems in PCGS Rattler holders, 1851-O Three Cent Silvers in all grades
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Foodude, regarding choosing a location, the ANA is already moving around and doing the things in your post. The ANA must consider several factors before a location can even be considered, and there are many cities that don't meet the minimum criteria:
- large enough airport which is close to the convention site
- quality hotels close to the site with enough availability
- tax issues (yes California has nexus and sales tax but it has a huge collector base (both northern and southern California) and shouldn't be discarded just because of that
- whether the convention site is large enough
- union issues
- whether the convention site feels the ANA is large enough and will bring in enough money (my understanding is that the ANA would like to do a show in Seattle but it was Seattle who didn't feel the ANA would spend enough money so declined to give the ANA a proposal)
Having the WFM in Chicago for several years in a row is now over. The ANA is trying to choose a city alternating in the east one year, the west the next year (though it doesn't always work out that way, i.e. Anaheim then Denver).
As I mentioned, the preshow is being shortened to one day, and the public show is being shortened by half a day.
I also mentioned that the convention centers charge an enormous amount for wifi so the ANA would need to have a sponsor in order to provide free wifi to the dealers. If anyone has any other ideas or know someone who want's to sponsor wifi, please let us know.
The ANA already raffles off one free table and 1/2 off a table for the next show to those dealers who stay until at least 3pm on Saturday. But there will ALWAYS be dealers who need to or choose to leave early, for whatever reason. For instance, when I do east coast shows, I take the latest flight home that is available which still requires me to leave around 2-3 pm on Saturday, so unless I want to incur the expense of staying an extra night at the hotel, I must leave earlier than I prefer just so I can catch my flight.
The ANA's main mandate is education, and they provide a lot of educational seminars at their shows, as well as transporting some amazing rarities for viewing at the shows, especially at the WFM. Also, many dealers and mints from around the world travel to and set up at the WFM . And have you seen the schedule of events - from all the club meetings to educational seminars to the numerous awards receptions and banquets, etc.? I don't think they could fit in all that occurs at the WFM if it was shortened. So having the WFM one day longer than other show makes more sense so everyone can "get the most for their money," including the auction companies.
Anyway, thanks again for your input, it is very helpful.
https://thepennylady.com/
Thank you everyone for your input, it is much appreciated.
Foodude, regarding choosing a location, the ANA is already moving around and doing the things in your post. The ANA must consider several factors before a location can even be considered, and there are many cities that don't meet the minimum criteria:
- large enough airport which is close to the convention site
- quality hotels close to the site with enough availability
- tax issues (yes California has nexus and sales tax but it has a huge collector base (both northern and southern California) and shouldn't be discarded just because of that
- whether the convention site is large enough
- union issues
- whether the convention site feels the ANA is large enough and will bring in enough money (my understanding is that the ANA would like to do a show in Seattle but it was Seattle who didn't feel the ANA would spend enough money so declined to give the ANA a proposal)
My guy feeling is that, yes, 100% accurate that Seattle was approached and likely that it was felt not enough would be spent.
Saying that, I would also go out on a limb and question how hard this was pushed instead of just accepted.
The convention center is not booked ALL the time, so there is time it could be there. Every other checkbox is checked, from the list, so I still think it could be a good spot. Particularly since the area is seen as "weak" compared to the east coast and the "main mandate" is education.
Like many people/organizations, I think sometimes the easy way out is chosen.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
https://thepennylady.com/
Start looking at cities like Detroit again. Cobo Hall has been completely redone. Downtown crime is rare and Michigan does not tax coin sales. The downtown Detroit area is actually booming. The last time the ANA show was held in Detroit was 1994. I recall one out-of-town dealer, now deceased, who had an issue with the state numismatic organization and ran a months long campaign to bad mouth Detroit. Detroit deserves another look.
I have to second this. I was just in Detroit two weeks ago on business, Friday - Monday. Visited many areas of downtown / main Detroit, Corktown (?), Hamtramck, Dearborn, and even took a short drive up to Grosse Point. Spent over seven hours at Roosevelt Park on Saturday. Walked around the streets in the evening brewery-hopping with friends, enjoying night life. What I saw in person, and what I hear on the news, are VERY different things.
True, there are still many abandoned factory buildings in disrepair, but I could say the same about Atlanta (where I live). It's much more widespread in Detroit, but things have improved a lot. It's getting much better. Every store in Hamtramck is owned by a local resident, even the Mayor has a shop. The people are friendly. I saw zero crime during my stay. I heard zero bullets. Real estate is cheap, too. ANA could buy their own building, fix it up, have an overhead-free convention whenever they like, and rent it out when vacant. I'm only half kidding.
Amat Colligendo Focum
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I also mentioned that the convention centers charge an enormous amount for wifi so the ANA would need to have a sponsor in order to provide free wifi to the dealers. If anyone has any other ideas or know someone who want's to sponsor wifi, please let us know.
Considering how nearly every dealer has a tablet and smartphone, and uses them almost non-stop on the bourse, and considering how the four major telecomm companies are constantly battling to one-up each other, I would think it easy to sign AT&T or Verizon as a sponsor. Especially if the WFM is held in a city they monopolize, or where their HQ is located. Certainly worth a try. If not free WiFi for everyone, a compromise could be special login credentials for dealers only.
Of course, many savvy dealers travel with their own personal WiFi hotspot device and may not even use the free WiFi.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
Virginia Beach, Virginia would be a great location for an ANA.
1. Lack of mainline air service with adequate space in the overhead for carrying inventory. Cities that act as focus cities or hubs for more than one airline are the most desirable.
2. The convention center is "too small" by the ANA claimed standard of needing 200k sq feet of contiguous floor space.
I also mentioned that the convention centers charge an enormous amount for wifi so the ANA would need to have a sponsor in order to provide free wifi to the dealers. If anyone has any other ideas or know someone who want's to sponsor wifi, please let us know.
Considering how nearly every dealer has a tablet and smartphone, and uses them almost non-stop on the bourse, and considering how the four major telecomm companies are constantly battling to one-up each other, I would think it easy to sign AT&T or Verizon as a sponsor. Especially if the WFM is held in a city they monopolize, or where their HQ is located. Certainly worth a try. If not free WiFi for everyone, a compromise could be special login credentials for dealers only.
Of course, many savvy dealers travel with their own personal WiFi hotspot device and may not even use the free WiFi.
I have asked about this at previous coin shows.
I have been told that the convention centers use wifi service as a profit center. As I recall, a typical charge for wifi use in a convention hall is is in the $15,000 to $25,000. For the WEEK, not for the rest of one's life.
It is a giant rip-off, but that is why the ANA wants to have someone sponsor it.
Then the local collectors will still have Monday to Thursday to get to the show.
I feel that to be fair to the auction and the grading company's the ANA should stay with five day show.
With the show ending on a Thursday the dealer's and the week long collectors like myself who stay for the whole show, can travel back home on Friday and be home for the weekend.
Just remember ANA or any coin show will not make everyone happy.
Carl
Virginia Beach, Virginia would be a great location for an ANA.