Charmy's BIG HUGE 2014 FUN SHOW REPORT w/tons of Pics!!!!

Let me start off by saying this year’s FUN show was the very best show I’ve ever had – in all respects! I had more sales at this show than I ever have, I bought some neat pieces, and my Penny Potpourri exhibit did very well. And from the other dealers I spoke with, they also said they had very good shows. From the first day the public was let in, there was a definite buzz, and it didn’t stop until late Saturday. I even stayed on Sunday this year but it was expectedly sparsely attended by both dealers and the public, but even though I didn’t really do any business on Sunday, staying on Sunday made tearing down my booth and my exhibit a lot less stressful.



I left for the show early Tuesday morning, and it was a beautiful typical SoCal morning when my hubby dropped me off at the airport. Due to TSA Precheck, I sailed through security, grabbed a cup of coffee, found a seat at my gate, turned on my latest Alex Cross audio book on my iPhone, and relaxed until it was time to board my flight. My flight was completely full and typically overbooked so they were offering people vouchers. But luckily, there were no delays and we took off on time. In Orange County, depending on various factors, the planes often take off going west, then circle around and fly east.















I had several drink vouchers, so even though I had no intention of drinking wine at 8am, I ordered a couple little bottles of wine so I could pack them in my bag and take them with me to the show in case I couldn’t find any “real” wine. I’m assuming the flight attendants see all kinds of strange things, as she didn’t even flinch and handed me my little bottles of wine. Soon I was landing at my connecting airport in Houston.











Since I had a 3-hour layover, I grabbed some lunch and some “real” wine, before boarding the longer leg of my flight to Orlando.







Again, my flight was packed but left on time, and 3 1/2 hours later, we were landing in Orlando – yay!!











We had reserved the same 3-bedroom condo we had last year which is much more economical than a hotel, and there is a really nice view overlooking a small lake and the hotels and convention center in the distance.







We grabbed some supplies, found some decent wine for the condo and the show, then headed over to a dealer friend’s condo in the same complex for dinner. After that, all I wanted to do was put my head on a nice soft pillow so I could be fresh for the busy day and week ahead!



I was asked to chair a new ANA Dealer Relations Committee with a goal of presenting ideas and suggestions to the ANA on how they can improve shows for dealers. We had our first meeting the Wednesday morning at 9am. I presented to the committee each of the comments that were posted on a thread I started a couple months ago on various message boards and came up with suggestions. An ANA representative took notes and will take our ideas and suggestions back to the ANA board and it will be up to them to see what can be implemented. Something I found interesting was that I learned about the many aspects of putting on a major coin show, from the costs, the site selection, the tax issues, and on and on – it was quite eye opening!



After my committee meeting, I wondered around and took a couple photos of the inside of the convention hall.











Then I had a PNG lunch meeting at noon. I find these meetings very informative and am glad I decided to join the PNG. We discuss the coin market, upcoming shows, and even have specialized representatives tell us what’s going on in various states relating to coin/bullion legislation and tax issues. We also found out the PNG will be taking over the ANA pre-shows which will now be open to the public, instead of just “invitees.” The PNG also created and is sponsoring a fantastic new YN training and paid internship program which includes the following:



§ A One Year Training Program for Numismatic Career Placement

§ Online Learning from the University of Rare Coins on Numismatic Education

§ Internships Consist of four 3-month Placements with Industry Organizations

§ Housing and Travel Provided by the PNG at No Cost to the Interns

§ Intern Salaries will be Paid by Each of the Host Dealers



You can find more information about this program here: http://www.pngdealers.org/images/pwrpnt.brochure.pdf

 

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Let me start off by saying this year’s FUN show was the very best show I’ve ever had – in all respects! I had more sales at this show than I ever have, I bought some neat pieces, and my Penny Potpourri exhibit did very well. And from the other dealers I spoke with, they also said they had very good shows. From the first day the public was let in, there was a definite buzz, and it didn’t stop until late Saturday. I even stayed on Sunday this year but it was expectedly sparsely
Right after the PNG meeting, it was time for dealer set up. It takes me about 2 hours to set up my booth, then another 2 hours to set up my exhibit, so I was very anxious to get onto the bourse floor and get started.






I recently added a couple new sections (Love Tokens and Cut-Outs)to my Penny Potpourri exhibit, changed out a few pieces, and included some newly acquired pieces since exhibiting at the Chicago ANA. I also reworked some of the information cards, so I think this exhibit is an even better and more thorough representation of all the various types of penny exonumia.























I’ll post the results of the competition later in this report.


Since set up didn’t end until 8pm, I was very glad I had plenty of time to set up my booth and exhibit, and then do some actual business! I took this photo of the entrance to our exhibit hall as I was leaving.





Some of my friends were staying at a time-share condo just outside of Orlando which was near a Joe’s Crab Shack so that’s where we decided to go for a late night dinner.

















Here are some of the entrees we ordered














And me not being a huge seafood lover, of course I had the rib-eye which was excellent!





And this is what the table looked like after the massacre!

 

Thursday morning was the day the show opened to the public and everyone anticipated that this would be a good show – and, of course, it was! We parked at the Rosen hotel, and it was lightly raining when we headed to the show so we took the skywalk to the convention center since it was covered. Even though it was overcast, I was able to get a few nice photos from the skywalk of the area around the convention center.








This is the front of the convention hall we were in.







It wasn’t long before my forum member buddies began stopping by my table. I took more photos of forum members for this report than ever before, so this show report will be very people-intensive! I kept a list of everyone just so I wouldn’t forget who was who, and hopefully I get them all straight, but please let me know if I mess up on anyone’s names!


Brandon/BRG5658




Adam/Highroller4321 – John/Coppercollector – Peter/Slickeast – Spencer/Daviscfad




Hunter/USMoneylover




Nick/Nickcap




Chris McCawley and his son




Chris/Chridular




Lance/Lkeigwin




Erik/ElmerFusterpuck




Greg/Walker21




Shane/KryptoniteComics in a surprisingly very tame shirt!




Jim/Lablover – preferred to remain somewhat autonomous


My very good boothhelper Dennis/DennisH sharing some of the wine with me




Ryan Moretti with Stacks Bowers

 

John/CBD (El Cheapo is his very cute little monkey friend)







John started his own thread with all the places his little El Cheapo monkey friend got to visit including all the coins he got to see: http://www.cointalk.com/threads/fun-show-report-by-el-cheapo-wanna-be-coin-dealer.241155/


Ken/Green18 – he brought me a great tasting bottle of Long Island Merlot! – thank you so much!







Wei/WTCG (he’s fickle about having me take his photo) also brought me a very yummy Australian Little Roo cab – it had a slightly sweet flavor which I love – thank you as well!




I had also brought to the show some of the wine I found at a local store, plus I had some leftover airline wine – in case of emergencies ;-)





The coin press booth was also very popular with kids




The gold-panning exhibit was very popular, with several people finding actual bits of real gold







They were still setting up this kids’ fun zone booth







Some of the crowd on Thursday




Miles Standish graciously volunteered to have Kevin Lipton shave his head for “Clips for Charity” – I’m not completely sure of the amount, but I heard he raised $10,000! Kevin Lipton was in the booth right next to me, so I had a great view of this entertaining event!














After the show ended, I went to see how the Platinum Night auction was going. There were some amazing historical, once-in-a-lifetime coins for sale in this auction. The Brasher Doubloonhad already sold before I got there for less than expected at just over $10 million, but I saw the 1913 sale, which also sold for less than anticipated at $2.8 million.

 

On Friday, there was another decent public presence at the show. This is the lobby in front of the entrance to the bourse floor.







It was also great to see and chat with more forum members.


Ulichen/CertifiedMorgans.com




Wayne/AuroraBorealis




Greg/Keyman64




Doug/GDJMSP




Matt/Beboplawyer




Dan/Catbert




Another forum member who wants to remain eyeless and nameless




Me very excited to be at this show!

 

Then it was time for my Fly-In Club meeting (Flying Eagle/Indian Cent club) where I was giving a presentation on – what else – my Penny Potpourri!











Fred Weinberg stopped by and gave me this very interesting and very cool Chinese copper pie cutter for my collection!







Later that day, Al Weinberg showed me the rarest Indian cent encasement – this was created for Judge Roy Bean’s brother’s saloon in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I believe he said it is valued at around $1,800.








I didn’t buy that one, but I did buy a couple other penny exonumia pieces from him for my collection, including this very scarce wooden Lewis & Clark Expo encasement







And this beautiful high quality Central Oil Lincoln cent pocket mirror




I also bought this scarce oval Indian cent pocket mirror from John Kraljevich who is always good about finding cool things and setting them aside in an envelope with my name on it!




Gene, a very very kind ex-exhibit judge, saw my exhibit at the Chicago ANA and noticed that I only had one Sticker Penny. He came up to my table and gave me this other Sticker Penny that he had, along with the advertisement indicating that whoever found the sticker penny in change could get a $1 discount at their store. He also gave me original articles about the Secret Service having a problem with the sticker cents and requiring advertisers to remove the stickers from all the coins.

 

After the show, we went to my favorite restaurant in Orlando – Ming Court! I love, love, love their food, especially their pot stickers. And the place is always packed!










They have wonderful relaxing music




We had this great bottle of wine




To go with this delicious pepper beef dish, which was amazing!




After dinner, we headed over to one of our favorite hangouts – Howl at the Moon’s Dueling Piano bar. Along the way, we passed Orlando’s upside down house







And this fun miniature golf course




We thought the Dueling Piano Bar was just a couple blocks away, but it was a lot further, so since my shoes were not necessarily made for walking, I grabbed one of peddle cabbies, while the guys walked the rest of the way!







When we arrived at the bar, it was very crowded and we were lucky to find a small table in the back!




This girl singer/drummer/guitar player/harmonica player was fantastic!!




This waitress was dressed like a pirate and was serving shots of some sort, and our neighbors had one of their famous group bucket drinks




Yes, I was having a good time!




As was Rick!







Ron was a little more “reserved” with his enthusiasm ;-)




We headed back to our condo/hotel rooms around 11pm, and made a quickie McDonald’s run along the way!

 

Luckily we didn’t stay out too late Friday night, because Saturday morning I had a very early WIN (Women in Numismatics) board meeting followed by a general meeting. And since I am the new WIN President, I definitely couldn’t be late!




Kim Kick, ANA Executive Director, was our guest speaker.




The show still had very good crowds on Saturday, and I was glad that to stay busy. Even more forum members stopped by.


Jason/PhysicsFan




Larry/Ldhair – he was nice enough to go to the exhibit awards presentation and took some of the photos with my camera for me




Charles Daughtery and Rick Snow




Not surprisingly, and especially since Florida is their “home town,” NGC was slammed the whole show.




I am SO sorry, but I completely forgot to get a photo of the PCGS booth, which I heard was equally slammed during the whole show.


Shane gave me this very cool old Whitman Lincoln plate stamp that was used in one of their books, probably from the 1960’s.

 

The Exhibit Awards Presentation was held at 4pm on Saturday.







Bill/BillJones who also won an exhibit award




Gene (the gentleman who gave me the sticker penny, and his wife)




Once again, I was very humbled and quite surprised to win for my Penny Potpourri exhibit, even more so this time, because on the score sheets we get for the Best in Class judging (only 1st in class winners are eligible for the Best in Show award), one of the judge's scores was comparatively low. It was evident from his comments on the score sheet that he didn't read all of the information cards in my exhibit but with all the other great exhibits in my category, I seriously thought my total scores wouldn't be high enough to win the Best in Class.


At the awards program, when they announced my exhibit had not only won the Best in Class, but also the Best in Show and the People's Choice awards, it really did take my breath away and again, being the girly girl that I am, just as at the Chicago ANA, I had to hold back my tears of joy.


The FUN show provides some very nice prizes. Every exhibitor received a beautifully engraved 1 oz. silver round. The prize for the 1st in Class is an even more beautifully engraved 10 oz. silver bar encased in a very nice plaque. The prize for People's Choice is a smaller plaque containing a gorgeous 1 oz. silver round. The grand prize for Best in Show is an all-expense paid week at the ANA Summer Seminar!!





























As much as I have enjoyed “showing off” my penny exonumia, it is definitely a lot of work, tough to travel with it along with my inventory, and is somewhat stressful to set up at the same time as my booth inventory. So after exhibiting this year at the Atlanta ANA, Central States, and one more time at the Chicago ANA, I plan to retire my Penny Potpourri exhibit.

After the show ended on Saturday, since we were staying through Sunday and didn’t have to be at the show early, Rick and I decided to drive to Tampa so we could play cards at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Even though I didn’t come out a winner playing 1-2 no limit hold-um, I always enjoy playing cards. Rick was luckier than I was, and ended up winning at the black-jack table!

 

Sunday morning was absolutely gorgeous, bright and sunny with a slight breeze! It was the kind of day you wished you could be outside on a picnic or even just driving around in a convertible!




We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Denny’s which is right across the street from the Orange Convention Center




The very sparse bourse floor on Sunday







I heard during the show that the book dealer John Burns had passed away. I didn’t know him personally but had bought a book or two from him over the years. This was very sad news and shocked everyone at the show, especially since he was not very old. My heart goes out to his family and friends.




Soon it was time to pack up my booth and my exhibit and head to the airport. This is me waiting for my ride to the airport – very tired and sad to be leaving such a fantastic show!!




Rick had rented this very fun hot peppy little car and was nice enough to let me tag along with him to the airport!




Got to the airport with about an hour to spare, again sailed through security, then took the tram to my gate







Me settled in my upgraded seat (thanks to all the miles I earned this year hopping all over the country!) and VERY HAPPY to be headed home after a long, very busy, and very successful show!




Watching the WPT on my personal tv monitor







Headed down the runway for home!




Bye-bye Orlando!







Arrived in OC about 8 hours later – waiting for my bag, then a half hour later, I was in my jammies curled on the couch with my hubby!



However, I only have 3 days to do all my business paperwork, inventory and website updates, etc. until I leave for my next show in Tucson, immediately followed by another show in San Jose, then Long Beach. There definitely is no rest for this weary traveler!

 

Charmy A+++
Post!!!! */* Photos !
Fun Show Florida and Nyc are the two I miss the most since retiring .

 

Great report, Charmy! Found the stories and pictures about the pennies to be very interesting ... and of course the shots of the CT members.

Christian

 

Excellent report! And thanks for letting us put a face to the internet names, now I realize I did business with Bill Jones without knowing it.

 

Great job! Glad it was a stellar show for you too!

 

Looks like you had quite the adventure!

 

You really added to your penny exhibit since the last time I saw it, it was impressive then and more so now. I think the prison art is still the most unique thing in it. I have not seen anyone else even mention it. It got my vote. (Literally) Congratulations!

 

Great report Charmey and congratulations on another big exhibit win. So,what class will you take at summer seminar?

 

CBD, Green, and GDJMSP look exactly like I pictured them.

Considering all the different wines you picture in you coin show reports it sounds like you and my dad get along just fine.

That YN to your right at the awards presentation I recognise from the Summer Seminar, Payton, she's a top notch collector and speaks like a SEAL.

Congrats on the win! If I attend the SS again I hope to see you there.

 

Congratulations!