Advice: 1st Time Stamp Show

Hello Everyone,

I've seen the post that Russ made regarding the Denver Show in May and I am looking for some advice. I've never been to a stamp show and it looks like a 99.7% chance that I can attend. I have some questions though and I would like any advice that I can get ahead of time.

Questions:

#1) Is it better to stay in the Hotel that the convention is at or seek better rates elsewhere and commute?

#2) What to expect???? Will there be a bunch of Vendors on the floor selling stamps etc or will people just be showing off their stamps??

#3) I read something that said there would be daily "classes" to attend??? Do these cost money or are they free to attend after paying for admittance??? Do you usually have to sign up ahead of time and how do I get a schedule for these???

#4) How much is the admittance? I couldn't find it on the link. Can I join some Stamp Group ahead of time to receive a discount? Is there different rates? Example:
*Buyer/Seller rate or Spectator/LookyLoo rate(Hubby)?
*One rate for all 3 days total or do you have to pay for admittance for each individual day?

#5) There was something mentioned about contest's. Is that something that anyone would recommend doing or has done in the past and found it enjoyable?

#6) It's a 3 day event. Is there any way to find out how many booth's there will be or (in-other-words) does this need to be a three day event or could I cover most of it in a day or 1 1/2 days? I take care of my Mom so I need to know how much time I may be there so I can plan in advance for someone to stay with her or possibly even bring Mom along.

I have more questions but I'm going to crash for the night. I will start with question #7 tomorrow. In the mean time thanks in advance for any answers or advise regarding #'s 1-6.

Sincerely,
Lucky

All of that info should be on the show's web site. Some of what you want are facts but others are personal preferences. For example the "official" hotel is convenient but hotwire.com might get you a 3 star for half the price.

I attended my first stamp show in London this fall. I just showed up and took it from there, but for my next show I will plan a little better. I will have a list of stamps that I am looking for with value and other information I might need. Last time I just went around browsing at the different dealers, and even though I did find many stamps for my collections, I did end up with a bit to much in the category "looks interesting, I'll just buy it". It could be a good idea to check out the dealers before you go, if there are anybody which specialize in your area of interest it would be nice to be aware of the dealer and not risking finding him 5 minutes before you have to go.

Hi Lucky, we just went to the Charleston show and it paid to stay 10 minutes..about 7 miles from the convention center...some people pay for convenience and could walk to the show....Your first show...enjoy the atmosphere...talk to the dealers ..unless they are very busy the usually love to talk...look at exhibits that collectors have displayed...you will probably say..how could someone put something like that together...i say it all the time..its called $$$$$..but there is something for even us humble ones at the shows !

Go to this link for the show http://www.rockymountainstampshow.com/
There is a tab for a list of Dealers. You may want to go to contacts and email someone and see if you can get a printed materials mailed to your ie. show program. I suggest setting a spending limit, narrow down the collecting areas you want to purchase for, have a checklist with Scott #'s, bring your tongs, and browse all the dealers if possible. Go to the Specialty Society tables for information and sometimes free stuff. Chat with the APS people. You may have to sign up in advance for some of the seminars or classes such as "Stamp Camp". Definitely look at any philatelic displays, you will not be disappointed. If there is a certain dealer you seem to like be sure to get their contact information. Have fun and explore! I enjoy the discount boxes full of $1 covers and new stamps at face value. Don't forget the supply dealers: pages, albums, binders, stock books, mounts, sleeves, tongs, etc.

Kathy,
I don't know how familiar you are with the Denver Metro area. The show is actually in Aurora but it is easy access for you as it is about 2 block north of I70. The show is about 6.5 miles ENE of downtown (10 min). The traffic on the weekends on I25 and I70 is normally light to moderate and speed averages 45-60mph (unlike weekdays). The room rate is $99. at the show with $45-$65 weekend rates in downtown area. The downtown area also offers several very nice restaurants, the 16th street mall, Lamer street historic district and a couple of wonderful jazz and blues clubs.
Email me if you have any specific questions or for recommendations.

Just a few comments on my first show,
I expected everybody to be friendly and super polite
as with stamp clubs.

Things I find are a bit more feral at stamp shows,
I find one has to "muscle" around a bit sometimes to get a
good seat where the vendor has stamps you like.

Be prepared! have a list of wants, or a small
cat where you can tick off the stamps you seek.
take a small cheap pair of tongs, (not your favourites,
you'll lose them) take some stiff envelope to put
your purchases in, (bottom of the purse is no good)

My super favourite dealers are those that have books
chocca block with stamps, and they let you take out the stamps
and jot down the prices underneath the stamp,
they work on trust, which is fantastic, usually
when I have finished I give them the tally
say $24 and they give a $4 discount.

Be prepared to spend more than you intend.

Good luck and enjoy.

Thanks for all of the tips and info. The personal advise from all of you will be put to good use.

Lucky

I wish I was going with you,

with a handsome cheque to spend....

I love stamp shows.

Rod, so do I ! they could not keep me out of a stamp show..i thought most of the feral types were the Big Dealers around metropolitan New York....in the smaller shows the dealers seem to be more laid back and folksy !!

Rod & Phil,
You two have just gave me a GREAT IDEA (maybe )

I realize that the exchanging of phone #'s is a different level of privacy compared to forum posting's or exchanging address's for trading but if both of you were comfortable with it, you could email me a list of certain stamps you are wanting/looking for.

If I happen to come across any of them I could take a picture of them on my cell phone and send it to you along with any info ($$$ etc.) and if you decide you want it I will buy it and send it and you could reimburse me.

It would help me out too because I know that when I am looking for a certain thing I always end up finding lots of things that I would've otherwise overlooked. Plus... it would be comforting to know that experts were only a phone call away to stop me from making a very bad mistake/buy or confirming that I would be a fool not to buy. Let me know what you decide.

Sincerely,
Lucky

Lucky, that is a novel suggestion,
but I think this is a time for cool heads
Take it from me, you won't have time to think of either of us,
getting a seat in front of a good cheap dealer and his stockbooks
is the first objective, after a quick reconnoiter,
and establishing important escape routes to the tea stand
and lunch bar.
Taking note of any low stocks of sticky buns and biscuits,
you have to feed the beast to be able to keep up with the excitement.

I am a world wide collector so I don't have to plan much,
I flip through the stockbooks looking for anything
that takes my fancy, I usually ask for "under the desk"
stuff like registration labels and cinderellas.

Phil may be wanting Latin American stuff perhaps.

I can tell you are getting excited.

How about.....

Take a camera and have some one take a pic of you
inside the event!

That is an excellent idea Rod!!

I could take all sorts of pics of the convention floor and post them here. Has anyone ever posted Convention Show pics here? It would be great to provide other pre-first time show go'ers a sample view of what to expect to see at a convention. Plus it would be cool for the hardcore Stamp Convention Folks here that couldn't make it. They might catch a glimpse of Stamper's they know from previous events...

Sincerely,
Lucky

Yes, Londonbus has posted several pics on stamp shows
they are very interesting posts.
Hopefully he will chip in with thread titles.

Here is one from Jeruselem.
https://goscf.com/t/9104&SearchTerms=exhibition

Great idea.
Take some pics of the show, we love to see where and how it happened.
Rod gave a link to Jerusalem 2010, here is one to London 2010, the Biggest stamp show the world has ever seen.

https://goscf.com/t/8180&SearchTerm...al,of,stamps

Exhibitions,Conventions,Congresses are all exciting events. I am a stamp show fanatic, big or small which is why Non-Postal souvenirs of such events became my main collecting interest.

Have fun and as Rod said....

Londonbus1....dreaming of the next show