According to a recent survey, more than 60% of American adults collect something. People collect everything from coins and stamps to sneakers and jewelry these days. But it’s trading cards that land near the top of the list of special items people in the U.S. love to collect. Out of these collectors, about 12% collect trading cards, which explains why there are so many amazing card conventions that take place each and every year.
If you are a card collector, you should look into attending as many of these trading card conventions as you can annually. It’ll help you fall in love with the hobby even more than you already have while also putting you in a position to learn more about the industry and surround yourself with other people who share your passion. If nothing else, you should try to attend at least one sports card convention or TCG convention in your area every year.
Here are several of the card conventions and events you won’t want to miss out on!
National Sports Collectors Convention
If you’re only able to make it to one of the many trading card conventions each year, you should try to make it to the National Sports Collectors Convention. Better known simply as the “National,” it’s widely regarded as the largest of all the conventions, and it typically features appearances from all the heavy hitters within the industry, as well as athletes, celebrities, and more.
This sports card convention typically takes place in either July or August, and the location of the National Sports Collectors Convention changes almost every year. It was at the Atlantic City Convention Center in New Jersey in 2022 before heading to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago in 2023, and it’ll be at the IX Center in Cleveland in 2024. But no matter where it’s held, the National always includes trading card displays, autograph sessions, panels, educational sessions, and more interactive elements.
The Great American Collectibles Show
The Great American Collectibles Show is another big sports card convention that’s usually held in either January or February every year. While it isn’t quite as large as the National Sports Collectors Convention, it’s considered to be a major event within the world of collectibles with people coming from all over the country to show off their trading cards and other memorabilia.
If you choose to attend the Great American Collectibles Show, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time out on the main floor, seeing the different trading cards that collectors are showcasing. But similar to the National Sports Collectors Convention, you’ll also be able to branch off and participate in autograph sessions, educational seminars, and other interesting events.
The Chicago Sports Spectacular
Almost every major city throughout the U.S. has its own trading card convention each year. The Chicago Sports Spectacular is one of the largest options for those who live in the Chicago area. It takes place in November most years and is currently held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. As you walk around at this sports card convention, you’ll be treated to a slightly smaller version of some of the bigger trading card conventions, like the National. Attending it might be a great way to connect with other collectors who live in your general area.
Collect-A-Con
Collect-A-Con has only been around since 2021, but it has already turned into a spectacular hub for those interested in collecting everything from sports cards and Pokemon collectibles to Magic: The Gathering cards and pop culture-related items. Collect-A-Con has made stops in Denver, Charlotte, Kansas City, Dallas, Orlando, Houston, and more, and it doesn’t appear as though its organizers are going to slow down anytime soon. They’re hard at work setting up multiple Collect-A-Con events for 2024.
Collect-A-Con isn’t the only TCG convention that will be available to you, but it’s one of the few conventions that combines a bunch of different realms that people love to collect, so it tends to appeal to a much wider audience.
Attend the Best Trading Card Conventions
If you consider yourself an avid collector of trading cards, you should try not to miss any of the trading card conventions listed here. You should also make your way out to Skybox Collectibles in Norwalk, CT where we hold special events in our brick-and-mortar trading card store. They’ll allow you to rub elbows with your fellow collectors and take part in events like our Trade Nights and Trading Card Game Tournaments. Shop for trading cards for the hottest pre-orders at competitive prices, and stay up-to-date on our events!
