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ANA World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh this month OR the FUN show in Orlando next January?
msch1man
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I've never been to one of the big, national shows and am curious which one people would go to if they had to choose just one. I know the obvious answer for many is 'Both', but if you had to choose between going to the ANA show this month in Pittsburgh or the FUN show in Orlando next January, which would you choose (and why)?
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Probably FUN. Better hotel and restaurant options, and that is an important consideration. The FUN show rarely moves from the OCCC location and dealers prefer that familiarity. The ANA WFoM would be a closer competitor if it were in Rosemont this year. That is the overwhelmingly preferred location. They did Pittsburgh a couple years back. The convention center was fine and big. But the environment/neighborhood was not as nice or accommodating. There will be a lot of dealers at this upcoming show, but the late summer momentum is much more subdued than the start of the year in Florida.
Steak or lobster? To your point, they are both great options, and there is no reason to choose only one when you can have surf & turf.
There really is no reason for a debate. If you could only do one, you choose based on location, travel schedule, etc. And that is individual to each of us.
Because one is not better than the other. They are the two best shows of the year. Every year. Far and away better than any other. And close enough to each other that any differences are mere quibbles, as opposed to meaningful reasons to pick one over the other. Period.
Yes
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I can tell you after this year. I’m just a collector but have made it to FUN the last 5 years as my wife and kids make Disney/Universal their thing. I said ok as long as we’re down there over FUN. However I’m not going to be able to go to FUN next year so fortunately ANA is a reasonable drive this year so I’m going to give it a go. I see a good number of the same dealers from FUN that I have bought from before.
Yes, the correct answer is BOTH. But, to answer the question -- if it is strictly about coins, go to FUN. If it is more about the coins AND the people, then the ANA is the place to be.
Both are great shows and I attend both but for me it is the ANA.
Both is the right answer. If you must pick one, go with the more convenient to your schedule. FUN is more of a hectic buy/sell/browse show. ANA is slower paced (longer schedule) and more time to chat and socialize with dealers and more events tied to the show like NLG Awards, Coin of the Year, and so on.
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Location may be something to consider. FUN is in an easier location, the ANA show is in the middle of a big city, harder to get to, harder to park, harder to get around.
I would choose the FUN show. It very well run, great location, and has proven to be a great show year after year.
If you can't go to both, go to whichever costs you less to attend. If you have a specific thing you want to do or see at the show, that might also make the decision for you. For example, at the ANA show you'll get to see all the 1933 $20 Saints and the latest Tyrant collection exhibit. At the FUN show, you'll get something else that's impressive.
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Pittsburgh ANA as it is an easy cross State drive for me.
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Either one is a good choice if you can only attend one of them.
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If ANA didn't have an entry fee I would certainly attend. Heh, I'm only 50 miles up the road but I refuse to pay a fee to buy coins from someone who also had to pay a fee., as with most of these shows cept the true gems like PAN. THKS!
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Wooooha! Did someone just say it's officially "TACO™" Tuesday????
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Welp. in general I agree with you, but this is not just any show. It's the single best show of the year, with the possible exception of FUN.
And, it IS free for ANA members. If you can't bring yourself to support the organization with a membership, it's not crazy for them to ask you to throw them $10 to enjoy the show.
Yes, they make money on the show, but that money goes right back into doing all the things they do to support and promote the hobby that do not make money. If you have no interest in financially supporting any of that, with a paid membership or modest show admission fee, they have no interest in letting you attend their show. Your call, but they seem to be doing just fine without you.
Since this is an ANA vs. FUN thread, you can save the $10 admission fee by flying to Orlando rather than driving 50 miles into Pittsburgh. Because FUN is free, just like PAN. Again, your call.
Both is the right answer, but if I had to choose, effffff....................................
Reality check, somehow the bills have to be paid, so there needs to be fees. Otherwise the world does not function, including coin shows. Please stop by my table if you change your mind and say hi. RGRDS.
For me it’s FUN hands down.