A couple of major sports memorabilia auctions take place during the National Sports Collectors Convention next month, but there will be a high roller event for collectors of modern trading cards as well. Panini America has announced plans to invite 50 of its best customers to a VIP-type reception on Saturday night, August 4. Here’s what 
the company revealed Wednesday:
Collectors who purchase at least $6,500 worth of select Panini America products on the show floor through select retailers will gain access to a by-invitation-only private reception Saturday night that will include Hall of Fame special guests, Black Boxes, free autographs and the chance to bid on rare Panini America experiences.
Five retailers will offer “Panini Bucks” to collectors/dealers who buy the company’s cards through them: Dave & Adam’s Card World, Blowout Cards, Pittsburgh Wholesale, Atlanta Sports Cards and Marty’s Sports Cards. Purchases must be made at the show at the Baltimore Convention Center.
“The National Sports Collectors Convention is one of the most important weeks on a calendar for us that is overflowing with marquee events,” said Jason Howarth, Panini America Vice President of Marketing. “It’s no secret that we pull out all the stops for the National every year so that attendees know that no one cares as much for them and this industry as we do. We prove it year in and year out with our wrapper-redemption program and our unparalleled willingness to interact with our customers.”
Here’s a list of the products that will have to make up the $6,500 worth of purchases:
Baseball
- 2011 Limited
- 2011 Prime Cuts
- 2011 Contenders
NBA
- 2011-12 Gold Standard
- 2011-12 Limited
- 2011-12 Past & Present
NFL
- 2012 Elite
- 2012 Prestige
- 2011 Totally Certified
- 2011 Playbook
- 2011 Prime Signatures
NHL
- 2011-12 Elite
- 2011-12 Contenders
- 2011-12 Rookie Anthology
Once you spend your money, you can take your Panini Bucks to the company’s booth in exchange for an invitation to Saturday evening’s VIP event, which will also include case wars battles with 2011-12 Elite Hockey and 2011-12 Limited Basketball “for a chance to win exclusive Panini America experiences”.
No word yet on which current or former athletes will be doing the autographing for the big spenders yet.
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