Does anybody have more info on this show. So far I know that Frozen Pond is doing a 1967 Leafs reunion and it will be at the Toronto Convention Center. Floor plan looks huge for a new show that will be about a month before Expo. Does anyone know who is running it, is it a one time thing, if any of the bigger dealers have commited, if the date is conflicting with other shows? For the guys that were set up at Expo, what was the overall view on this new show and if you plan on setting up or attending? Any input would be appreciated. Jim.
This message has been edited by hockey_jim on Nov 14, 2006 11:38 AM
I looked at the site but it doesn't really say much. i think this is the same weekend as the Vancouver show. If it is, I can't see any of the bigger dealers booking for this show with the expo a couple weeks later. The floor plan is very ambitous for a first time venture like this. I can tell you that the venue is not cheap to rent. Jim.
They handed out flyers at the Expo. The tribute dinner with money going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation looks really good.
Although it is a small thing I like his show hours much better than the Expo. Friday 4 to 9 and Saturday and Sunday starting at 11. Hopefully it is a good show that can only improve the quality of the Expo.
This show looks very interesting. It is a higher class venue than the International Centre yet a single booth with 2 tables ( 1 - 8ft and 1 6ft ) is $375, less than the Expo. While the Expo has the luxury of it's history on it's side, I feel this show has many things going for it that the Expo does not. It is situated in the hub of the city right beside Union station. This facilitates local subway riders as well as out of towners as Union is a stop on the VIA line. Also, because this show seems to be centered around 1967 Leafs Alumni, I would imagine that it will be very well advertised and represented in the media unlike the Expo. I will definately attend and although I have never set up at a major show, this may be a good place to start.
Rob. I have the same thoughts. The location is great, especially since I only live a couple blocks away. It has very high walkby traffic and easily accesible by transit. If it is marketed properly to the public, there is no reason the turnout shouldn't be very strong. But they do clash with Vancouver so the bigger dealers will be going there and I'm not sure they can fill this floorplan a couple weeks before expo. Although I don't really do shows anymore, I will set up at this show for sure if i find out it is going to be a regular thing because there are a ton of great spots available. If it is one time, I'm not sure. Also, whenever I have set up at a show, other than expo, with so many autograph guests, dealer sales have been weak. Jim.
From what I've seen on the website, it appears that FrozenPond is handling all autograph appearances as well as the silent auction at the dinner. I would imagine that this may keep AJCARDS away from this event. It also would be hard to believe that Len would make the trip only to return 6 weeks later for the Expo. I would like to see the venue at 70% and who is attending before I was to commit, especially being a first timer.
Anyone interested in sharing a booth? I really would not want to run a table alone, more for security reasons than anything else.
Rob..
Note: The Saturday night of this event has the Buffalo Sabre's in town to play the Leafs...
This message has been edited by rob-star on Nov 15, 2006 2:24 PM
Rob. If I book, I would rather do it sooner than later, just to get a nice spot. We can book right beside each other because i am quite the wanderer and I'm sure I can find you a decent guy to share a booth with if no one else shows interest. Jim.
I am definately interested. I would still like to know that there will be other like minded dealers at the show. It would be dissapointing if it was 50% pokemon, 40% modern, 5% vintage and 5% ice cream and sausage vendor's.
Yes, the SAUSAGE guy was at the Toronto EXPO.....
Jim.
I am 15 min's from downtown in Mississauga. QEW and HWY 10..
I think every show is 80% new cards and crap(a sausage vendor at a card show is brutal though), but if even 20% is say 60's and older it shopuld be ok. I think there is room for 140-150 booths so 20-30 vintage dealers is not bad. Jim.
Other than 1 table at the front of the show was AJ Cards even at the Expo? Having set up at quite a few Expos I have never been very impressed with the organization and the cost. I have a list of things I think could be improved and hopefully this new show will be well organized for both collectors and dealers.
ok guys, changing the topic a little...
I am in Houston, Texas but my wife has her best girlfriend in Toronto, so if I mention about going to the Maple Leafs place she would say yes no matter how much, how difficult, or how many vacation days she has.
So please let me know (not necessarily now) if it's better to attend a big Toronto spring cards show or in October-November. I remember you already had that kind of discussion but I'm specific about 2007.
To visit Canada - $1000
To attend a vintage hockey card show and buy some real stuff - $2000
To see you all - priceless
Hey Gang! interesting read on here!..First I want to thank Jim for bringing this site to my attention, and I appreciate the positive response thus far.
Our show doesn't conflict with any other major shows, other than Chicago I believe. Montreal is the week before and Vancouver the week after so it would make for a busy show month for travelling dealers.
We have 132 booths only for this show (not including corporate) which I dont believe is many to put together. Len Pottie has booked as well as many smaller dealers taking single tables currently we sit at almost 1/3 booked, not bad in my books.
Our plan is simple. We want our dealers to be successful, we want the customers to be happy with value (VIP $59 weekend package) as well as most autographs will be going out to the public between $10 - $20...instead of higher inflated prices.
We expect to have at least 25 autograph guests for the event throughout the weekend. A signing lineup will be avialble in the near future.
We intend to run 2 shows a year with our next target date of a late summer show similar to the National. Frozen Pond will be exclusive in supplying guests for all our events. Hersh and I are on the same page for these events and it's about value to our vendors and value to the fans.
We wanted to bring it up a notch in terms of venues for our event..yes it costs more but as they say...presentation is everything. This downtown location will open up a whole new world of fans to us that dont drive and now can commute easily via TTC transit or Go train as well as drive.
Any further questions please post and I'll respond
If anyone would like info on the show costs, available floor plan or any other questions, please email me at sal@salshows.com
Sal. Thanks for coming on. I figured alot of people were interested and we were all speculating so might as well go straight to the source. I have always thought that Toronto needs a profesionally run show(and those that have setup at expo know what I mean) it may be big, but the dealers are treated like crap. The first time I did the US show circuit, NY, Chicago, National, it really opened my eyes to how bad expo was run.
Elmar and anyone else that has been considering visiting Toronto for a show. Although the expo venue is convenient when you are flying in and only interested in the show and a hotel, this venue is in a great part of the city. Especially if you are bringing a spouse or the whole family with you and making a mini vacation out of it. There is a ton of stuff to do so the family will not bother you if you spend hours at the show and there is a great selection of restaurants, shopping, theatres, sporting events etc. for after the show, all within walking distance. The expo venue is right beside the airport and if you want to see any other part of the city, you either need to rent a car or take expensive cab rides to the downtown area.
Don't put the SAUSAGE guy down he is still around unlike sportscards dealers who are droping like flys. Maybe its time for a new show in town. I hope this Toronto Convention Center show works out.
