Just a follow-up to what Andy had mentioned in the last paragraph of his post in response to Rene. Is it possible that the reason for the alleged downturn in table sales for the "BIG CLUB SHOW" in June is because of the frequency of other commercial chip shows in Las Vegas and around the country? No, I'm not waving the alarm bell ... yet ... but please allow me to continue.

I know that even with my frequent flyer miles and occasional airline bump vouchers Brenda and I have received, we simply can't afford to attend every single chip show so we must conserve our limited resources to attend the "BIG ONE" ... which is a must ... especially for the first time visitor!

I'm fortunate in that I have plenty of free time to spend an entire week in Las Vegas every year for the convention. Those who have jobs or other committments do not have the same luxury, timewise, (even if they have the money) to get time off from their employer to attend two, three, four chips shows a year held around the country. If a show happens to take place closeby in their own back yard (so to speak) they may forgo a second trip to Las Vegas.

Only two or three years ago the CC & GTCC convention was the only show around. Not so anymore. Maybe table holders can't afford to book table space at a half-dozen shows around the country and spend their limited profits on transportation, hotels, meals, etc. A couple of past table holders have privately indicated to me that they do better walking the floor selling their chips to dealers than by taking a table.

All this may have been true only a few years ago. However, IF there is no future "BIG SHOW" in years to come .... or one that is significantly down-sized because of a lack of table sales; more and more collectors AND DEALERS just may decide that the annual club convention does not have the appeal it once had. I for one would hate to see that happen. The club's INTERNATIONAL convention offers so much more to collectors than just being another "chip show".

I have a more serious question ... Why haven't we heard anything from the elected club officers regarding this important matter?