Three years ago, you could have told me that the National Sports Collectors convention was the place to be every summer, and I would have laughed in your face. How could my antiquated view of a card show be such an attractive environment to go to every year? Well, I was wrong. So wrong, in fact, that after going last year, I am borderline depressed that I cant make it this year. The National conveniently falls directly on my Wife’s birthday, and this year, it just isnt going to work.

That being said, there are still a million reasons that you, yes you, reading this post, should go and spend as much time in Baltimore this year as you possibly can. If you arent going this year, plan on going to Chicago next year. It is worth the expense and the trouble. Here is why.

Giveaways

Each year, the card companies do their impression of a toy company at Comic Con. They give away tons of swag over the course of the show to collectors that buy their products and open at their enormous booths. These giveaways have been that of lore, especially with a huge focus on guys like Bryce Harper, Andrew Luck, and company. The 2009 Strasburg heritage Topps giveaway card was so popular that there were reported fights in line. I love it.

Here are some of the more expensive ones still selling for big bucks:

2009 Topps Heritage Stephen Strasburg National Card Show Giveaway /999

2011 Panini Wrapper Redemption Julio Jones Sketch Card 1/1

2009 Panini National Card Show Blake Griffin RC Auto

2011 Leaf Metal Cam Newton Heisman Giveaway Superfractor 1/1

This year, both Panini and Topps have big plans, with Panini trying to take as much of the spot light as possible. In addition to their ever popular wrapper redemption packs with all sorts of fun stuff, they will be rewarding the biggest breakers of the show with a VIP night. Almost in self effacing fashion, they are also offering a redemption trade up program, which allows collectors to trade in unfufilled redemptions for special prizes. Although I dont think something like this should be limited to just the national, or should be necessary in the first place, it is a great idea. Upper deck is similarly offering a program like this too.

Topps should still be competing for a massive crowd, offering a special Gypsy Queen set that includes guys like Bryce Harper, Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and others not found in the normal set. I am dying to get my hands on these cards, as I loved the Gypsy Queen design this year.

Autographs

The National’s autograph stage every year is ridiculous. So many top tier signers in one weekend, that it is close to impossible to figure out which are more worth it than others. THe only issue is usually price, but that is not exclusive to this show. If you want a chance to meet guys like Montana, Cal Ripken, Gordie Howe or even Mike Tyson, you can do it all in one day coming up in Baltimore. They will pretty much sign whatever you want for a price, and for the autograph chasers out there, you know how tough that can be.

Collector interaction

Im sure there are a lot of you out there who love hanging out with other collectors and shooting the shit. Its just a fun thing to do. Well, this is the place to do it, as there are literally thousands. Catch up with your Twitter Buddies or Message Board Friends, meet new people, anything. There is at least one collector of everything at the show, and people love to tell you their story. That was a complete blast for me, as putting a face to a name is always a worthwhile exchange.

Company Interaction

Every possible producer of sports collectibles will have a booth at this show. Therefore, you can go and hobknob with the big wigs from your favorite (or least favorite) companies to give your feedback. Topps hosts a community forum, which was interesting last year, and both Topps and Panini have their entire teams out roaming the floor. The amount of cool info I was able to get at the show last year, just from talking to the guys was incredible, and I encourage you to do the same.

Auctions

Im not saying to go and bid on a Babe Ruth game used jersey, but to be able to see and gaze upon that level of collectible is beyond worth the price of admission. Last year, I was able to see everything under the sun, including items from the elite titans of every single sport. It was an unparalleled experience.

I wish I had the time to sit here and go through every reason to be there, but you just have to go and experience it for yourself to grasp the full notion of what the National is all about. Table after table of cool cards, signed pieces, and weird little doodads from the world of sports is only the beginning, as you can see. Go check it out.