The National Sports Collectors Convention begins Wednesday afternoon at the I-X Center in Cleveland.

This will be the 30th year for the National, it’s roots pre-dating even the arrival of Upper Deck, Donruss and Fleer. Not many shows can say that. It’s a tribute to the group that’s run the event since its inception and the dealers who have been committed to making it a success.

The show is enormous and it’s one that hard-core collectors make every effort to attend. I think a lot more could be done to make the show more meaningful for the hobby’s long-term future, though.

I seem to remember that in the early days, there were discussions and seminars, an auction and even a guest speaker or two. Most industry "national conventions" are more than just selling events. I’m sure there would be fights among the auction houses to land the contract to be the official National auctioneer but I’m wondering if they couldn’t each do something split up among the five days–maybe after the show is over for the day to not take away from the dealers who are there trying to make a buck. A couple of the auctions should be $50 minimum bid sales to attract the average Joes.

The industry surely needs more frank discussion and less endless autograph lines. Still, the National is always a phenomenal place to see the best sports cards and memorabilia in one room. It’s mind-blowing, really…a sensation that you can’t get online.

Sports Collectors Daily will be there again–offering fresh stories during the show–and bringing back more content for the days to come. If you’d like to say hi or want to chat in Cleveland, drop an email through the Contact form on the left. Hope to see you there.