Ryan Alford, Bella Shafer, and LUDEX founder and CEO Brian Ludden deliver a practical survival guide for navigating The National Sports Collectors Convention. From where to stay and eat to Trade Night, VIP events, transportation, comfortable shoes, and late-night hotel trading, Brian explains how to experience the show without wasting valuable time.
The conversation also explores Fanatics Fest’s growing influence, the story-driven value of modern cards, PSA’s on-site grading options, and why major retailers continue expanding deeper into the hobby. Ryan and Bella review new releases from Topps and Pokémon before ripping Topps Signature Basketball and landing a Dylan Harper Pure insert numbered to 50.
It’s a mix of NSCC preparation, hobby analysis, pack ripping, and honest collector conversation designed for anyone headed to The National—or wondering why the event has become the center of the collecting world.
TOPICS COVERED
Why Fanatics Fest and The National serve different collectors
How major hobby events expand the entire collectibles market
Brian’s favorite Rosemont restaurants and hotels
Why Trade Night is a must-attend experience
Using the LUDEX interactive map to plan your visit
VIP lounge events and Collector Nation’s live coverage
Transportation and scheduling advice for first-time attendees
PSA grading at The National
Topps and Pokémon release overload
The value of 1990s basketball inserts and Kobe Bryant rookies
Topps Signature Basketball product review
The Dylan Harper /50 pull
CONNECT WITH BRIAN LUDDEN & LUDEX
LUDEX: https://www.ludex.com/
LUDEX interactive NSCC map: https://www.ludex.com/links/
Download LUDEX: https://www.ludex.com/msadsps/
Brian Ludden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianludden
LUDEX on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp/
CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD & COLLECTOR NATION
Collector Nation: https://thecollectornation.com/
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782
Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/
Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
