John Benedict's post below reminded me of the upcoming annual American Numismatic Association convention this August 9-13 in Philadelphia.

Last year, in Chicago, I was embarrased by the lack of exhibits entered into the Gaming Classification at A.N.A.'s convention... In fact, GAMING was the ONLY classification that had NO exhibits entered.... NONE ... in a classification that was created just for us! We can beat our chests all we want and say how great a club we have, "the largest in the ANA" ... but we don't demonstrate that enthusiasm when it comes to spreading the word about our hobby, via exhibiting.

I would hope that the 2000 ANA Convention this summer in Philadelphia changes that perception. It's not about always placing the blame on the club officers. Sometimes we have to face ourselves in the mirror, and as Pogo realized .... occassionally we are our own worst enemy. Paticipation! That is the key to success in any organization.

BTW: Deadline for exhibitor application for Philadelphia is June 12th and you must be an ANA Member to exhibit. Exhibitor applications are available on ANA's web sie at www.money.org or by calling the ANA Convention Department at 800-367-9723. ANA hands out impressive awards and each exhibitor gets a free banquet ticket and an exhibitors medal. I hope that we can get at least three entries this year. Impreessive First, Second, and Third place plaques are awarded in each classification. Remember, you are not competing against paper money or rare gold coins. You will be competing against other gaming material in the gaming classification. It sure would be nice to get back into the good graces of ANA Officials again. There are lots of historical things to see and do in Philly.... the birthplace of our nation ..... and Atlantic City is only an hour away!