When I got back from my first Convention, I had to do double-time at my work, but finally have an opportunity to post my thoughts about my first trip to Vegas and to take this opportunity to thank some of the great Club Members ....

First, the Convention was amazing. It easily surpassed my expectations and I can't wait for 2013.

I added 152 chips to my collection (and a few more for my son Brandon).

Some thank you's to ....

MIKE SCHLOTTERBECK --- who upon my arrival to the South Point introduced me to over ten Club Members at the Splash Bar. Heck, I had no idea where the Splash Bar was. Thank you Mike.

KEITH BEARDEN and his lovely wife --- who provided transportation to the Palms and always was helpful with my countless questions about Vegas and whom loved playing Black Jack as much as I do (always great when we all win). An amazing chipper couple.

JIM FORSMAN --- one of the nicest person I have ever met in my life. Jim has always looked for chips which I enjoy collecting and was so happy for me when I added a chip to my collection, which he called 'the anchor of your collection'. Jim also drove me to Downtown Vegas .... outside of the Convention, this evening trip was the highlight of my trip. Thank you!!

DAVID BYARD --- who is a fellow Canadian chipper, and who found for me many chips I was looking for; especially a $1 Brandon chip for my son Brandon. Thank you David.

MATT ELLIOT --- its always great when a person is even nicer in person .... flying from Australia ... and trading a 'dragon' chip for my son. Cheers Mate!

“SMITTY” --- everyone knows how great a person Robert is ... and near the end of the convention, I almost was able to afford to buy a great home chip set from him ... but fell short at the Black Jack table (LOL). Thanks Smitty!

ROSS POPPEL --- who had some great chips for my collection and sold them to me at a really good price. Thank you!!

SUNDAY SILVERMAN --- who surprised me at the Convention with a box of personal chips. What can I say ... I was shocked ... thank you very much.

A few more thanks ... to Alan Schuyler, Cigarman Smith, Allan McCurdy and his wife, Jim Follis, Steve Palumbo, Eric D., Todd Barrett, Riverboat Rick, Richard Jezeski, Judy Wuerth and so many others. Greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Derek Bistricky R-8169