I have been attending the Reno show for quite a few years, always going the "Honored Guest" route. In the main, it has proved a quite successful way to get a good deal or two, but as the word gets out it seems to me that the competition is growing more formidable, and the good deals scarcer. At the last Reno show I was one of the first in the door and there were a group of Honored Guests in front of me telling each other to "spread out and check for Lugers." Being alone, it is hard to compete with these roving teams of buyer/collectors who systematically spread out and cover the entire show in a methodical manner, communicating and sharing information with each other by cell phone. In addition, a number of dealers delay their setting up until they have spent at least the first few hours checking for underpriced collectibles. There is one younger dealer in particular who is so fast on his feet that he consistently picks up much of the good stuff just seconds before anyone else gets there. You all know his name, but it will go unmentioned here. I don't begrudge these people trying to "get the edge" on the rest of us, because by paying a premium to gain early entry I am trying to do the very same thing. The point is, the competition is getting stiffer, so get a good night's rest, go into the show the minute the doors open and don't stop touring the tables until the doors close in the evening. The same goes for Friday. By Saturday morning I fold my tent and leave, as the crowds make collectible hunting much more difficult, since one cannot maneuver easily down the aisles. When it comes to food and entertainment, a city bus leaves the front of the hotel about every half hour. Take it to downtown Reno and enjoy entertainment and very fine buffets. though the Hilton buffet is quite good and should not be missed.
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