For those involved in the trading card hobby, the past 18 months have been quite a ride. Mainstream media attention from countless record-breaking multi-million dollar sales led many former collectors back to the pastime they loved so much as children. Those who never left were rewarded with a huge spike in the value of their existing collections.
With all the additional attention in the space, new platforms and technology began to emerge. Some gave collectors the ability to rip open packs of cards, or join a “break” at any time. Others made it possible to purchase small percentages of high-valued rare assets, such as this iconic Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps rookie card. Grading companies saw their backlogs of cards grow into the millions, forcing PSA to shut down most of their submission levels while they attempted to get caught up. This past July, the National Sports Card Convention in Rosemont, Illinois, saw record turnouts.
In short, trading cards and collectibles have solidified their presence as a viable mainstream alternative asset—and the space is growing daily. With all this change and growth comes the need for new and exciting opportunities to network. Case in point: During the upcoming NFL Conference Championship Sunday, there's something huge brewing in the hobby.
From January 28th to 30th, 2022, the trading card and collectibles community will descend on the Las Vegas Strip for the Mint Collective, a gathering never before seen in the hobby.