The Hobby Has Outgrown Its Name | What We Learned at The National

The National Sports Collectors Convention has become much more than a card show.
After an unforgettable week in Chicago, Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer sit down to share their biggest takeaways from this year’s event. From the growth of live selling and corporate activations to trade nights, vintage cards, and the products everyone was chasing, this conversation captures what it actually felt like to experience the hobby’s biggest week from behind the scenes.
Ryan also shares the inspiration behind his editorial, The Hobby Has Outgrown Its Name, while Brian discusses what he learned meeting with manufacturers, marketplaces, and hobby leaders throughout the week. Bella shares her perspective after attending her first National and explains why the community left such a lasting impression.
Whether you attended The National or followed along from home, this episode offers a look at where the hobby is headed—and why the next few years could be the most exciting yet.
Topics Covered
The evolution of The National
Live breaking & marketplaces
Trade night insights
Jordan’s market strength
Favorite National pickups
Bo Jackson Battle Arena
Corporate activations
Vintage vs. modern collecting
Behind the scenes at the Ludex Lounge
Predictions for next year’s National
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
Collector Nation
Website: https://thecollectornation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation
Collector Station
Website: https://thecollectorstation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation
Ryan Alford
Website: https://www.ryanalford.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
Brian Ludden / Ludex
Website: https://www.ludex.com
App: https://www.ludex.com/download
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp
Top 10 Cards of the Week
Sports Card Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsCardHighlights
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