Part seminar, part card show…and the first of its kind–at least in recent years. The Premier Collectible Conference and Exhibition has lined up some speakers and topics for discussion.

You won’t find any autograph guests at this show. And that’s just the way the organizers want it.

Sandwiched between the annual spring show and this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention, Chicago’s Stephens Convention Center is hosting what organizers believe will be a different type of gathering for sports card and memorabilia collectors, dealers and industry representatives.

The Premier Collectible Conference and Exhibtion takes place from April 16-20. Coordinators have finalized speakers and topics for the event drawn from the collectible-associated businesses and at least one big time collector.

Ryan Friedman, founder of AuctionReport.com is co-creator of the PCCE with Mastro Auctions’ president Doug Allen.

"I think attendees will be very pleased at the caliber of the speakers, the events we have planned and the topics we have chosen," Friedman stated in a news release.

The schedule for the event was developed with a emphasis on direct interaction with the conference’s attendees. "An elite group of collectors are going to be attending this event," stated Friedman. "We want to make sure we connect with them and give them the information they specifically need for their collecting pursuits." As a result, Friedman says that each keynote address and panel discussion will include dedicated time for a question and answer session.

Collectors can submit their questions in advance of the PCCE and obtain more information about the event at PCCE2008.com. "We want every collector to have the chance to be involved in the panel discussions and have the opportunity to share in the knowledge of so many great experts that will be speaking at the PCCE," Friedman said. "Some people are shy to speak up in person and some might not be able to attend, but we are giving all collectors the chance to ask important questions, in person or via our web site." Questions submitted online will be asked by moderators during the most relevant question and answer session.

Following a special public opening night on Thursday, April 17, the conference opens to the public all day on Friday, April 18 with the keynote address focusing on the PCCE’s overall theme, "Building a World-Class Collection." Allen, president and COO of Mastro Auctions will be the speaker with reknowned sports collector, Marshall Fogel.

Friday’s panel discussions will concentrate on autograph authenticity, game used authenticity and card grading.

On Saturday, April 19, Joe Orlando, president of PSA and PSA/DNA and Dave Forman of Sportscard Guaranty, will discuss, "The Importance of Third Party Grading and Authentication."

Panel discussions on Saturday will include information on the auction industry, specifically for memorabilia and graded cards.

On Sunday, April 20, Friedman will detail, "The Internet Age of Collecting and its Effects". This session will take a look at the evolution of technology in the sports memorabilia and sports card industry. A panel discussion on retailing sports cards and memorabilia will follow.

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