The man who helped bring order to the wild world of trading cards during an explosive period of growth was honored Monday in Dallas with an award named in his honor. Dr. Jim Beckett, founder of Beckett Media, was given the inaugural Dr. James Beckett Industry Summit Lifetime Achievement Award. The Summit, held in Dallas for the first time, is a gathering of national … [Read more...]
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Notes: Summit in Dallas; Stories Behind the Big Sales; Nashville Show Video
The 2018 Industry Summit opened Sunday night in Dallas. Beckett owns the Summit, which was originally the Hawaii Trade Conference with roots in the 1980s. It was resurrected in Las Vegas several years ago. Distributors, hobby shops, a couple of sports card manufacturers, the NFLPA, NBA and a few other hobby businesses are gathering for discussions, … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: Top Sellers Range From Old Reliables to New Surprises
I hope you enjoyed the annual Mikey Awards from last month as much as I enjoyed writing them. It’s truly my favorite piece I write each year and so far at least, no manufacturer has canceled my direct accounts…yet. I attended the Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealer event in Orlando and am glad to share that it was an incredible event not just because they brought Barry … [Read more...]
Notes: Topps Conference; Ted’s Letters to Mistress; NY Native’s KS Card Shop Turns 40
Topps is holding its own “Industry Conference” next month in Arizona. Few details have been released, but it’ll be held February 18-20 at Crooked Stick Resort in Scottsdale. Designed for hobby shops and other collecting-related businesses, the conference includes guest speakers, breakout panels, receptions and other events “to share ideas and help businesses … [Read more...]
Industry Summit Moving to Dallas in February
The Industry Summit, an annual gathering of hobby shops, card companies, distributors and other sports collectible businesses is leaving Las Vegas. A possible move had been discussed at last year's gathering but Thursday morning's announcement also included a change in dates. Typically held early in the spring, the 2018 Summit has been scheduled for February 25-28 at … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: Mike Has Definitive Answers (and Some Concerns)
Hello boys and girls. As always, it is an interesting time in the hobby. While hobby shop owners like myself should be elated over the return of football and the inevitable buzz and sales that go with it. Then again, that would this hobby be without a little controversy? Recently Panini announced the start of First Off The Line program where anyone with a … [Read more...]
Summit: Topps Adding 2 Baseball Products; Retiring 1
Topps has announced plans for a couple of new baseball card products in 2016 while eliminating one and apparently waving the white flag on football cards you can hold in your hand. The exclusive MLB licensee also says it will be bringing back National Baseball Card Day for the first time since 2008. Topps’ presentation kicked off the 2016 Industry Summit being held this … [Read more...]
Upper Deck Renews Autograph Contract with Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is staying with Upper Deck. At Tuesday’s Industry Summit in Las Vegas, the company announced it had “entered a long-term renewal of our exclusive agreement with Michael Jordan”. Under the new agreement, the company will continue to be the sole producer of authenticated collectibles, trading cards and memorabilia featuring Jordan's image and autograph. Upper … [Read more...]
Notebook: Brown Sues; Olbermann on Mastro; Baseball Exhibit; New Beckett Hire
Jim Brown is now suing in an attempt to get his 1964 NFL Championship ring back. The Hall of Fame running back says the ring, currently up for bid at Lelands.com, was stolen from him in the 1960's, a fact the auction company disputes. Brown is asking for the auction to be halted as well as monetary damages for defamation. Oddly, it's the second time Lelands has sold the … [Read more...]
Beckett Acquires Industry Summit
The sports collectible industry’s trade conference has a new owner. Beckett Media announced Tuesday it has acquired The Industry Summit, the annual trade event for sports collectible executives, distributors and hobby shops, from Wisconsin-based Isaacson Consulting Group, LLC. Summit founder Kevin Isaacson will continue to host the March 2015 Summit and additional events … [Read more...]
