I too attended the Chicago National. My take differs from yours. I went to the VIP lounge on several occasions to sit down and take a break. Each time it took longer to find a seat. No, the room was not filled wit tired attendees like myself. The room was filled with "traders." The tables, where I used to be able to enjoy a snack and converse with fellow collectors, were now filled with cards (seemingly all modern and slabbed).
The only "trading" I witnessed were "pocket dealers" trading their cards for American currency. If this is the new policy, it should be so described. This would enable all attendees to set-up shop in the VIP lounge and halls in the building which many were doing.
I will agree that that early in the show, it was not problematic. Days 3 ,4 and 5 were a different story. With all the "trading" that went on, I anticipate a much greater volume next year.
I too attended the Chicago National. My take differs from yours. I went to the VIP lounge on several occasions to sit down and take a break. Each time it took longer to find a seat. No, the room was not filled wit tired attendees like myself. The room was filled with "traders." The tables, where I used to be able to enjoy a snack and converse with fellow collectors, were now filled with cards (seemingly all modern and slabbed).
The only "trading" I witnessed were "pocket dealers" trading their cards for American currency. If this is the new policy, it should be so described. This would enable all attendees to set-up shop in the VIP lounge and halls in the building which many were doing.
I didn’t have quite that experience in the room. I found plenty of space to chill away from the trading tables. Finding a clean tabletop, not so much.
I will agree that that early in the show, it was not problematic. Days 3 ,4 and 5 were a different story. With all the "trading" that went on, I anticipate a much greater volume next year.
As long as the show is sold out I am all for it.