Preparing For an Event!

Card shows can be intimidating and even a little anxiety-inducing. The buildings are often packed tight, with swarms of people and their belongings hustling and bustling toward their favorite vendors. With so much going on around you, you don't want to be ill-prepared. What should you bring with you to make this cumbersome journey easier? 

​Pack for Trades

Make sure you bring cards you’re willing to part with for trades—perhaps some duplicates you’ve pulled or cards that no longer fit your collection. Keep them organized in a binder so they are easy to search through. You might meet a new acquaintance who has a card you want; you don't want to be caught digging through a messy pile in a crowded aisle.

​The Power of the Backpack

Whether you have one binder or three, I always recommend bringing a backpack. Not only can you store your binders, but most events allow you to bring your own water and snacks. It helps to have a place to put your belongings when your hands are busy flipping through a vendor's inventory. Plus, vendors (understandably) frown on placing food or drinks on their tables of expensive cards!

​Level Up Your Gear

If your collection is extensive and includes graded cards, consider a dedicated graded card case. Some cases, like the ones I feature on my page, have foam inserts to keep your slabs from getting banged up. Most feature locking mechanisms and durable construction to protect your investment. Besides, how cool does it feel walking in like Agent J from Men in Black with a rugged case, knowing you mean business?

​Set Your Goals

Don't forget to set a few goals before you arrive. Some of my favorites include locating specific vendors, hunting for "white whale" cards, or—my personal favorite—giving out cards and stickers to new collectors to help them enjoy their first experience. 

​What do you bring to events that I might have missed? Let me know in the comments!