Saturday, April 19, 2025, Wisconsin MegaShow, Franklin, WI
I think this is the most exhausted I have been in all my adult life. This was a huge undertaking. I learned a lot and the next one in September will be much easier.
I ended up with 250 dealers and 440 tables -- by far the largest show I have undertaken in my nearly 11 years as a card show promoter. I am pretty sure that this was the largest show ever held in Wisconsin.
Oddly enough, I never intended to create such a large show back when I put on my first show in September of 2014 at the Clarion Hotel in Milwaukee -- I just wanted a place to set up. I am much more of a vintage sports card dealer than a show promoter. It was really a happens of circumstance that the MegaShow came about as the Oak Creek show has outgrown the Salvation Army, I needed a venue to accommodate everyone who wanted to set up in Oak Creek. Current Oak Creek waiting list is at 183 people and the wait for space is up to a year.
Thanks to John Nelson, my security guard at the Oak Creek show and who also just happens to be the mayor of the nearby town of Franklin, I was able to hook up with the Milwaukee County Sports Complex last year. Riley from the Sports Complex, who is awesome, and I floated some dates and we were able to settle on April 19.
I crunched some numbers and figured I could make this thing work by charging $50 a table. I also wanted to bring my friends from the Salvation Army with me and raise some funds for all the great work they do in the community. With a show twice the size of Oak Creek, I did not think customers would mind donating $2 to the Salvation Army for admission into the show.
In January, I issued a newsletter to all the dealers at the Oak Creek show. In the newsletter, I announced the MegaShow and stated that dealer registration occurred with table payment. My plan was to number all the tables at the MegaShow and assign numbers in the order the dealers signed up for the show.
Well, apparently, many dealers at the January show did not read the newsletter and assumed they had a spot at the MegaShow simply because they were Oak Creek vendors or that I would hold them a spot if they told me they were going to set up. Sorry Charlie! As the newsletter stated, dealer registration occurred upon payment and that is how all the MegaShows will work going forward.
A huge number of dealers wanted certain spots. Sorry Charlie! Tables were assigned according to when each dealer registered and will be so going forward.
Next up was procuring tables. I could not have 250 dealers bringing in their own tables -- that would have been chaos. So I essentially took bids from 7 different rental companies and signed up the lowest bidder.
Turns out I did not budget nearly enough funds for the tables which was a huge cost. So next show, I am going to have to charge dealers at least $60 a table, maybe more. I am also going to have to charge a little more for admission and use those funds to offset some of my costs.
These past three months have been crazy busy with hundreds of potential dealers regularly contacting me. I also worked my tail off promoting the show and getting the word out.
I gave several guys free tables in exchange for their help in setting up and taking down the tables. They all showed up to set up the show, but most bailed on taking it down. I do appreciate everyone who showed up to set up the show, you guys are awesome. In addition to the free table guys, I had a great group of volunteers Friday night who all worked their tails off. However, hardly anyone was there to take it down. Lesson learned.
For the September MegaShow, I am going to pay the table company an unfortunately large sum to set up and take down the tables -- which was the hardest part of the show. Things will be much smoother next time.
I arrived at the show Saturday morning around 6:20 a.m. I was surprised that only three cars of dealers were there waiting for me. There are usually quite a few early arrivals at the Oak Creek show.
Riley was there to greet me and we turned on the lights and opened the doors to dealers. Pictured below is the calm before the storm.
I think this is the most exhausted I have been in all my adult life. This was a huge undertaking. I learned a lot and the next one in September will be much easier.
I ended up with 250 dealers and 440 tables -- by far the largest show I have undertaken in my nearly 11 years as a card show promoter. I am pretty sure that this was the largest show ever held in Wisconsin.
Oddly enough, I never intended to create such a large show back when I put on my first show in September of 2014 at the Clarion Hotel in Milwaukee -- I just wanted a place to set up. I am much more of a vintage sports card dealer than a show promoter. It was really a happens of circumstance that the MegaShow came about as the Oak Creek show has outgrown the Salvation Army, I needed a venue to accommodate everyone who wanted to set up in Oak Creek. Current Oak Creek waiting list is at 183 people and the wait for space is up to a year.
Thanks to John Nelson, my security guard at the Oak Creek show and who also just happens to be the mayor of the nearby town of Franklin, I was able to hook up with the Milwaukee County Sports Complex last year. Riley from the Sports Complex, who is awesome, and I floated some dates and we were able to settle on April 19.
I crunched some numbers and figured I could make this thing work by charging $50 a table. I also wanted to bring my friends from the Salvation Army with me and raise some funds for all the great work they do in the community. With a show twice the size of Oak Creek, I did not think customers would mind donating $2 to the Salvation Army for admission into the show.
In January, I issued a newsletter to all the dealers at the Oak Creek show. In the newsletter, I announced the MegaShow and stated that dealer registration occurred with table payment. My plan was to number all the tables at the MegaShow and assign numbers in the order the dealers signed up for the show.
Well, apparently, many dealers at the January show did not read the newsletter and assumed they had a spot at the MegaShow simply because they were Oak Creek vendors or that I would hold them a spot if they told me they were going to set up. Sorry Charlie! As the newsletter stated, dealer registration occurred upon payment and that is how all the MegaShows will work going forward.
A huge number of dealers wanted certain spots. Sorry Charlie! Tables were assigned according to when each dealer registered and will be so going forward.
Next up was procuring tables. I could not have 250 dealers bringing in their own tables -- that would have been chaos. So I essentially took bids from 7 different rental companies and signed up the lowest bidder.
Turns out I did not budget nearly enough funds for the tables which was a huge cost. So next show, I am going to have to charge dealers at least $60 a table, maybe more. I am also going to have to charge a little more for admission and use those funds to offset some of my costs.
These past three months have been crazy busy with hundreds of potential dealers regularly contacting me. I also worked my tail off promoting the show and getting the word out.
I gave several guys free tables in exchange for their help in setting up and taking down the tables. They all showed up to set up the show, but most bailed on taking it down. I do appreciate everyone who showed up to set up the show, you guys are awesome. In addition to the free table guys, I had a great group of volunteers Friday night who all worked their tails off. However, hardly anyone was there to take it down. Lesson learned.
For the September MegaShow, I am going to pay the table company an unfortunately large sum to set up and take down the tables -- which was the hardest part of the show. Things will be much smoother next time.
I arrived at the show Saturday morning around 6:20 a.m. I was surprised that only three cars of dealers were there waiting for me. There are usually quite a few early arrivals at the Oak Creek show.
Riley was there to greet me and we turned on the lights and opened the doors to dealers. Pictured below is the calm before the storm.
Such a large room filled with so many tables was awe inspiring upon first view. I heard both dealers and customers exclaim "WOW" all morning long.
So dealer load in was kind of hectic and a number of guys claimed I double booked the tables and I had to find space. Luckily, I planned for this sort of problem and had a number of open tables where I could easily move people around. I had a bunch of dealers show up who did not reserve tables. I was able to accomodate them all.
Another problem was that some dealers moved their table numbers, so that was a cluster figuring that one out. Each table came with one chair. Some dealers stole their neighbor's chairs. Then other dealers just overtook their neighbor's space either on the front or the back. Dealers that move table numbers and/or overtake their neighbor's space and steal their chairs just suck. Shouldn't it be obvious that you can't put your huge sign behind your neighbor's space or put your stuff on your neighbor's table or steal their chairs?
Prior to the show, I tried to deal with the vendors with a handshake but I think I need a contract for the September show that lists, what I believe, are common-sense rules. Some dealers I just may not allow to set up in September. Bad dealer behavior has no place at my shows.
So Friday night into Saturday morning was an absolute cluster. It took me forever to set up my own tables because I had to deal with so many dealer issues in the morning.
Once everything settled, the show went smoothly for the most part. One problem was that I left the garage door open because the room was really warm. Of course, people snuck into the show through the garage door and avoided donating a big two bucks to the Salvation Army. I have a lot of four-letter words for those people.
On the opposite end, our wonderful Salvation Army volunteers working the front door, Vanessa and Captain Dana, reported 1,500 through the door. I think they might have been overwhelmed by the crowds and did not count everybody. It sure felt like more than 1,500. The parking situation seemed to reflect more than 1,500.
Speaking of the parking situation -- another cluster. Months prior to the show, I was informed that customers could park along the drive leading to the venue. Many customers took advantage and parked along the drive only to be ticketed by the County Parks Police. Ugh!
There is a ton of parking behind the building that very few took advantage of. For the September show, I will have all the dealers park behind the building. There is also a road along the western side of the building where people can park. I will have to lure people to park on the west side road.
Now let's talk some positives. Most customers and dealers seemed really happy with the show. I was able to get in a ton of new dealers who have never set up in Oak Creek. I was really impressed with the dealers who came in from Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Des Moine and Minneapolis. Many dealers already want to purchase tables for the September MegaShow. I loved that most dealers stayed until the end. Seems like many dealers pack up early in Oak Creek.
The customers were awesome! Like some of the dealers, we had some customers flying in as well. One of my favorite YouTubers was there -- Garrett from Ballpark Memories. Young Garrett spends thousands of dollars at every show he attends. He dropped some coin at the MegaShow. Thank you Garrett!!
Most dealers reported excellent sales. My sales were pretty good.
On the buying front, not a whole lot offered. I picked up some 1973-74 Topps hockey. I was offered a 1939 Play Ball Joe Dimaggio housed in a Beckett 4.5 holder. The card had a dime-size stain on the bottom. I was happy to see that John, who regularly attends the Oak Creek shows with his son Dom, purchased the Dimaggio. John has a great collection of vintage cards, including a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle.
One of the things I love about card shows in general is that I often learn something new about sports cards and players at every show. Today, I learned something new from dealer Kevin Farrell, who is one of my favorites. He always brings out such cool stuff like vintage gloves and bats along with some rare and interesting pre-War cards.
Later in the show, Kevin showed me a card depicting actress Lilliam Russell, pictured below. Kevin purchased the card from dealer Greg Miller at the show. Many old-timers may remember Greg from the old Gonzaga show. So thankful to have both Kevin and Greg setting up at the MegaShow.
So dealer load in was kind of hectic and a number of guys claimed I double booked the tables and I had to find space. Luckily, I planned for this sort of problem and had a number of open tables where I could easily move people around. I had a bunch of dealers show up who did not reserve tables. I was able to accomodate them all.
Another problem was that some dealers moved their table numbers, so that was a cluster figuring that one out. Each table came with one chair. Some dealers stole their neighbor's chairs. Then other dealers just overtook their neighbor's space either on the front or the back. Dealers that move table numbers and/or overtake their neighbor's space and steal their chairs just suck. Shouldn't it be obvious that you can't put your huge sign behind your neighbor's space or put your stuff on your neighbor's table or steal their chairs?
Prior to the show, I tried to deal with the vendors with a handshake but I think I need a contract for the September show that lists, what I believe, are common-sense rules. Some dealers I just may not allow to set up in September. Bad dealer behavior has no place at my shows.
So Friday night into Saturday morning was an absolute cluster. It took me forever to set up my own tables because I had to deal with so many dealer issues in the morning.
Once everything settled, the show went smoothly for the most part. One problem was that I left the garage door open because the room was really warm. Of course, people snuck into the show through the garage door and avoided donating a big two bucks to the Salvation Army. I have a lot of four-letter words for those people.
On the opposite end, our wonderful Salvation Army volunteers working the front door, Vanessa and Captain Dana, reported 1,500 through the door. I think they might have been overwhelmed by the crowds and did not count everybody. It sure felt like more than 1,500. The parking situation seemed to reflect more than 1,500.
Speaking of the parking situation -- another cluster. Months prior to the show, I was informed that customers could park along the drive leading to the venue. Many customers took advantage and parked along the drive only to be ticketed by the County Parks Police. Ugh!
There is a ton of parking behind the building that very few took advantage of. For the September show, I will have all the dealers park behind the building. There is also a road along the western side of the building where people can park. I will have to lure people to park on the west side road.
Now let's talk some positives. Most customers and dealers seemed really happy with the show. I was able to get in a ton of new dealers who have never set up in Oak Creek. I was really impressed with the dealers who came in from Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Des Moine and Minneapolis. Many dealers already want to purchase tables for the September MegaShow. I loved that most dealers stayed until the end. Seems like many dealers pack up early in Oak Creek.
The customers were awesome! Like some of the dealers, we had some customers flying in as well. One of my favorite YouTubers was there -- Garrett from Ballpark Memories. Young Garrett spends thousands of dollars at every show he attends. He dropped some coin at the MegaShow. Thank you Garrett!!
Most dealers reported excellent sales. My sales were pretty good.
On the buying front, not a whole lot offered. I picked up some 1973-74 Topps hockey. I was offered a 1939 Play Ball Joe Dimaggio housed in a Beckett 4.5 holder. The card had a dime-size stain on the bottom. I was happy to see that John, who regularly attends the Oak Creek shows with his son Dom, purchased the Dimaggio. John has a great collection of vintage cards, including a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle.
One of the things I love about card shows in general is that I often learn something new about sports cards and players at every show. Today, I learned something new from dealer Kevin Farrell, who is one of my favorites. He always brings out such cool stuff like vintage gloves and bats along with some rare and interesting pre-War cards.
Later in the show, Kevin showed me a card depicting actress Lilliam Russell, pictured below. Kevin purchased the card from dealer Greg Miller at the show. Many old-timers may remember Greg from the old Gonzaga show. So thankful to have both Kevin and Greg setting up at the MegaShow.
Kevin said Lillian Russell indirectly played a major role in dubbing Frank Schulte with the nickname "Wildfire." Schulte was a slugging right fielder for the great Chicago Cubs teams from 1906 to 1910, according to Sabr.org. Schulte played alongside the famed double-play combo of Tinkers to Evers to Chance.
Kevin told me that Frank Schulte long admired actress Lillian Russell, and during spring training in Vicksburg, Mississippi, one year, he took some teammates to see Russell’s new play named “Wildfire.” The boys then met Russell at a post-show party. Soon after, Schulte, who owned race horses, named one of his trotters "Wildfire." Once the Chicago sportswriters learned of this infatuation with Lillian Russell, the nickname "Wildfire" was born.
Thanks for the story and showing me the card Kevin!
Overall, I think it was a pretty good day in beautiful Franklin, Wisconsin, and I plan on many, many more MegaShows. I will probably run them quarterly in 2026 in addition to the monthlies continuing in Oak Creek.
Several dealers suggested I make the MegaShow a two-day event. I am a little worried that I can't physically handle a two-day MegaShow. My next concern is security overnight in the building. I can't leave millions of dollars of collectibles unsecure overnight. I would have to hire overnight security. What would that cost? My costs are already through the roof. With the costs of tables, chairs and venue rental, there is not much left on the bone. I'll have to think about that one.
Some of the sports card collectors complained about all the Pokémon vendors. Sorry guys, it is 2025 and the reality is that Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. Pokémon vendors are at every show. I don't mind them. Most are nice guys... except for the doosh that took up his neighbor's space with his stupid billboard-type sign.
I have always had the policy that if you purchase a table you can sell whatever you like. You want to put out a table of frogs, I'm fine with it. It is your table, you sell what you want.
Some sports card show promoters are starting to run all-Pokémon shows. I thought about doing one but I don't think it will stop Pokémon dealers from setting up at sports card shows. Pokémon is here to stay. Guys who don't like Pokémon need to just deal with it and move on to a sports card table if you are not interested in Pokémon.
Pokémon aside, there are so many things I love about running a sports card show. I get to hang out with so many wonderful people. So great to see Mark and Deb. One of the best guys at the show is Sean, who was set up near me. Sean and his wife recently lost their son Nico. My condolences to Sean and his family.
The thing I hate about running a card show are the complaints. Most complaints are totally nonsensical. Just enjoy the show guys! We're all geeks that love some sort of collectibles. Why not stop complaining and just enjoy the show? There was so much cool stuff at the MegaShow!
Honestly, I am glad the show is over. I am tired! Nevertheless, a huge thank you to all the vendors, all the attendees, my set-up crew, my security, the concession guys, Captain Dana and everyone at the Salvation Army, Riley and everyone at the venue. I also can't thank my bride of 27 years for all of her help and support. Thank you Lisa!! A super huge NO THANK YOU to the Milwaukee County Parks Police!!
No rest for the weary! I'll be set up in Madison on Saturday, April 26, then I'm setting up in Orland on Sunday, April 27.
Next Oak Creek show is on May 3.
Now for some rest!!!
Words can only say so much. I think photos best describe the show. Enjoy these photos.
Kevin told me that Frank Schulte long admired actress Lillian Russell, and during spring training in Vicksburg, Mississippi, one year, he took some teammates to see Russell’s new play named “Wildfire.” The boys then met Russell at a post-show party. Soon after, Schulte, who owned race horses, named one of his trotters "Wildfire." Once the Chicago sportswriters learned of this infatuation with Lillian Russell, the nickname "Wildfire" was born.
Thanks for the story and showing me the card Kevin!
Overall, I think it was a pretty good day in beautiful Franklin, Wisconsin, and I plan on many, many more MegaShows. I will probably run them quarterly in 2026 in addition to the monthlies continuing in Oak Creek.
Several dealers suggested I make the MegaShow a two-day event. I am a little worried that I can't physically handle a two-day MegaShow. My next concern is security overnight in the building. I can't leave millions of dollars of collectibles unsecure overnight. I would have to hire overnight security. What would that cost? My costs are already through the roof. With the costs of tables, chairs and venue rental, there is not much left on the bone. I'll have to think about that one.
Some of the sports card collectors complained about all the Pokémon vendors. Sorry guys, it is 2025 and the reality is that Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. Pokémon vendors are at every show. I don't mind them. Most are nice guys... except for the doosh that took up his neighbor's space with his stupid billboard-type sign.
I have always had the policy that if you purchase a table you can sell whatever you like. You want to put out a table of frogs, I'm fine with it. It is your table, you sell what you want.
Some sports card show promoters are starting to run all-Pokémon shows. I thought about doing one but I don't think it will stop Pokémon dealers from setting up at sports card shows. Pokémon is here to stay. Guys who don't like Pokémon need to just deal with it and move on to a sports card table if you are not interested in Pokémon.
Pokémon aside, there are so many things I love about running a sports card show. I get to hang out with so many wonderful people. So great to see Mark and Deb. One of the best guys at the show is Sean, who was set up near me. Sean and his wife recently lost their son Nico. My condolences to Sean and his family.
The thing I hate about running a card show are the complaints. Most complaints are totally nonsensical. Just enjoy the show guys! We're all geeks that love some sort of collectibles. Why not stop complaining and just enjoy the show? There was so much cool stuff at the MegaShow!
Honestly, I am glad the show is over. I am tired! Nevertheless, a huge thank you to all the vendors, all the attendees, my set-up crew, my security, the concession guys, Captain Dana and everyone at the Salvation Army, Riley and everyone at the venue. I also can't thank my bride of 27 years for all of her help and support. Thank you Lisa!! A super huge NO THANK YOU to the Milwaukee County Parks Police!!
No rest for the weary! I'll be set up in Madison on Saturday, April 26, then I'm setting up in Orland on Sunday, April 27.
Next Oak Creek show is on May 3.
Now for some rest!!!
Words can only say so much. I think photos best describe the show. Enjoy these photos.
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