If you’re a card collector, you should be attending as many of these sports card and TCG conventions as you can annually. Fall in love with the hobby even more than you already have, while also putting yourself in a position to learn more about the industry with others who share your passion. Make friends, find exclusive cards, and turn your own into profit.
Here are the conventions and events you won’t want to miss out on.
Sports Card Conventions
National Sports Collectors Convention
Who: For sports card collectors
When:
Late July-Early August Annually
Where:
Typically Rosemont, IL (Location may change every year)
If you’re only able to make it to one of the many trading card conventions each year, it should be 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 convention typically takes place in July or August, and the location changes almost every year. But no matter where it’s held, the National Sports Collectors Convention always includes trading card displays, autograph sessions, panels, educational sessions, and more interactive elements. Whether it’s basketball card boxes or baseball card singles, this event has it all.
The Chicago Sports Spectacular
Who: For sports card collectors
When:
Late November
Where:
Rosemont, IL
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, and it’s perfect if you’ve missed the National Sports Collectors Convention held earlier in the same year.
It takes place in November most years and is currently held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Walking around this convention, you’ll be treated to a mini-version of some of the best conventions in the country, like the National. It’s all there with official vendor booths, grading stations, and passionate collectors ready to trade.
Fanatics Fest
Who: For sports card collectors
When:
June
Where:
New York, NY
Fanatics Fest is one of the most glamorous sports card conventions held in the world, and it’s the place to be if Rosemont’s smaller-ticket events don’t sound exciting enough. What makes Fanatics Fest different?
- Numerous meet-and-greet events with the biggest athletes in the world
- Numerous fan contests and the Fanatics Games
- The Museum of Greatness, with the rarest trading cards in the world
Trading Card Conventions
NY Comic Con (NYCC)
Who: For pop culture fans
When:
Mid-October
Where:
New York City, NY
This family-friendly pop culture convention focuses on all things comics, anime, video games, and film/TV. Known as the “home for heroes, villains, and nerds,” you’ll find your fandom here. Be on the lookout for TCGs, especially Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.
At the event, you’ll also be able to:
- Join hands-on cosplay and craft workshops
- Play video games
- View special screenings
- Listen to panels
- Perform or watch the talent show
- Participate in meet-ups
West Coast Card Show
Who: For TCG and sports card collectors
When:
Late August
Where:
Anaheim, CA
This TCG convention is where worlds collide. Collectors from every possible walk of life and fandom will find something to love here, whether that’s MTG, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, or even sports. As an attendee, you’ll be able to:
- Buy Magic: The Gathering cards directly from trusted vendors
- Get your prized sports card singles graded in-person by official reps
- Grab exclusive deals on new Pokémon booster boxes and so much more
Collect-A-Con
Who: For TCG fans
When:
June-August (depending on your state)
Where:
Multiple cities every year (listed below)
This convention has only been around since 2021, but it has already turned into a spectacular hub for those interested in collecting everything from
sports card boxes and
Pokémon collectibles to pop culture-related items. This trading card convention has made stops in:
- Dallas
- Charlotte
- Kansas City
- Cleveland
- New Jersey
The best part? They’re just getting started.
Collect-A-Con is 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.
Card Party
Who: For the Pokémon fanatics
When: Late June (Tampa, FL) / Early October (Seattle, WA)
Where: Tampa, FL, and Seattle, WA
Card Party is the ultimate pilgrimage for Pokémon fans in the US. This unique convention is organized for the fans, by the fans. Card Party includes everything from pack battles and trade nights to tournaments and meet-and-greets.
If you’re looking for an event with the passion of a sports card convention and the whimsy of Pokémon, this TCG convention is the place to be.
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 conventions listed here. Got a busy year lined up? Get the best in sports and TCGs at Skybox Collectibles in Norwalk, CT, where we hold special events in our brick-and-mortar trading card store. Rub elbows with your fellow collectors and join our trade nights and TCG tournaments.
Our online store is open for collectors everywhere throughout the year. Get free USA shipping on orders over $200, and be the first to unbox
upcoming TCGs with Skybox Collectibles.
