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There has been a lot of discussion recently about the pros and cons of staying at the Riv during the convention. I get lots of freebie offers for other hotels, but I stay at the Riv during the convention, and I do so for the reasons that have heretofore been enumerated. It supports the club, it is convenient, and it allows for more camaraderie. For those who have listed some of the negatives of the riv, I acknowledge it is not one of my favorite casino/hotels, but they do work well with our club, and some of my favorite nonchip memories from the conventions would have been missed if I had beenscooterin to another hotel. I figure I have as much right to grouse about the riv as anybody, so if you can, stay there during the conv.
I have read many of Doug’s newbie tips, but have a few I’d like to add (or second in some cases). These apply to folks who are either new to the hobby or will be attending their first convention.
1. Go to the convention. Plan on being there by Tuesday (chipboard get together occurs on Tues nite) and stay thru Sat (volunteer function is a great way to wrap up convention).
2. Volunteer. I’ve never heard anybody who has volunteered not say it was a great experience. It is one of my favorite activities, it is a great way to meet new folks, and being involved adds so much to the convention experience.
3. Check out the seminars. They cover so many areas, and the presenters are great. For you newbies, there is a seminar just for you, however some of therest of us will show because it is worth attending.
4. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Think layers. It is summer in Vegas, but the convention is air conditioned. The bourse floor is large, and you will do a lot of walking (I don’t, I cruise). There are chairs and the dealers love for you to sit and visit.
5. Before you sit anywhere, do a walk thru. It is very easy to stop at the first booth of interest and spend the rest of the day looking at chips. Take some time to see what is there (there is a booklet which also helps) so you can budget your time.
6. ASK QUESTIONS. One of the best things about this hobby is the willingness of the ‘experts’ to share their experience.
7. Play in the Poker and Blackjack tournaments. They are great fun, and I have met so many wonderful folks playing in them. They are also very professionally managed-All of the ones I have played in have been at the Palms, but this year I understand that the poker will be at Binions. In 2006, during the blackjack tournament, I was at a table with a fine group of folks, and we had a real good time, and an exciting finish, but when we were done, the dealer thanked me, she said we were a fun group of guys-and we were.
8. Bring your traders, the trade sessions are for everyone, and whether small or large it is a great time.
9. GO TO SPLASHBAR- It is fun, it is a great place to meet and greet, a laid back environment where talk of chips and trades and dealin are all the rage. If you are a personals collector it is the center of the universe. And apparently I will be the target of all the ‘peacock’s can’t fly’ jokes, lawyer jokes, scooter jokes, etc. It should be fun.
10. Bring more money than you expect, it isn’t because the chips are more expensive, but because there are so many. Go thru the cheap buckets, you will find some great deals. A couple of years ago I had a bunch of Colorado chips on my wish list, I had been quoted some pretty high prices on some of them, but found 60 of them off my list in one booth. Negotiate, the dealers are open to wheelin and dealin.
11. Go to the business meeting. I believe you can judge how well a club is doing by how well the officers run the formal meetings. I have been to a couple and found that they were not to tight, but not to loose. They don’t cut off discussion, but they do enforce the rules. Most importantly, the officers do listen to the views of the club.
12. Remember to get out and check out the rest of the strip.
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Great Post, Aaron