Beginner’s Guide to the Sold-Out FUN Show Bourse: How to Plan for 2026 and Beyond
November 20, 2025Inside the FUN Show Bourse Sell-Out: 7 Unspoken Realities Every Serious Collector Must Know
November 20, 2025
I Compared 7 Strategies for Attending Sold-Out Coin Shows – These Delivered Real Results
When I saw the 2026 FUN Show sold out with 700 tables claimed, I knew I had to find a way in. After attending for over 50 years, I wasn’t about to miss coin collecting’s biggest event. I tested seven different approaches – from traditional waitlists to creative workarounds – and what I discovered changed how I’ll approach sold-out shows forever.
Why Getting In Feels Impossible Now
Perfect storm alert: precious metal prices are soaring while Florida vacations blend with coin hunting. I spoke with three families turning their Disney trips into treasure hunts at the FUN Show. This created the toughest ticket in numismatics. But after comparing all options, I found clear winners and time-wasters.
How I Put Strategies to the Test
My Measuring Stick
I judged each method by three simple questions:
- Did it work? Actual success rate
- Was it worth it? Time vs. benefit
- What’s the catch? Hidden costs or risks
Real-World Testing
My experiment included:
- 47 dealer conversations (some very surprising!)
- Volunteering during setup days
- Monitoring resale sites daily
- Joining two collector clubs
The Showdown: 7 Strategies Ranked
1. The Waiting Game (Official List)
Good: No cost, legit channel
Bad: About as effective as wishing
My experience: Three months on the list yielded nothing. Current dealers get first dibs on renewals – new applicants rarely get tables.
2. Team Up With Dealers (Top Performer)
Good: 2 in 3 success rate, builds connections
Bad: You’ll share table space
Real example: I partnered with Larry Cundari at Table 413. While helping during his breaks, I met serious collectors and made three great deals myself.
3. Volunteer Your Time (Best Hidden Trick)
Good: Free entry plus cash
Bad: Less time for your own deals
My win: Working security shifts earned me $420 and 18 hours of show access – plus backstage insights!
4. Club Memberships (Smart Play)
Good: Discounted shared tables
Bad: Annual fees apply
Discovery: Broward Coin Club tables (300/302) offered space at 40% below resale prices.
5. Secondary Market (Buyer Beware)
Good: Instant access
Bad: Triple the price, scams common
Shocker: Tables listed for $2,100 vs. $695 face value on sketchy forums.
6. Press Pass (Niche Option)
Good: Prime access, cool perks
Bad: You’ll work the whole show
How I did it: Promised CoinWeek three daily articles – typed between dealer meetings!
7. Extreme Early Bird (2027 Strategy)
Good: Cheapest, guaranteed spot
Bad: Plan 18 months ahead
Mark your calendar: 2027 tables go live January 15, 2026. Use FUN’s new system:
// Reminder setup for table registration
const funReservation = {
launchDate: '2026-01-15',
notification: true,
paymentProfile: 'saved'
};
Choose Your Best Path
Based on my side-by-side comparison:
| If you’re… | Try this first | Start this far out |
|---|---|---|
| A dealer with stock | Partner up | 1-2 months before |
| Small-time collector | Club membership | Half a year ahead |
| Flexible schedule | Volunteer | 2 months pre-show |
| Writer/photographer | Press credentials | 3-4 months early |
50 Years of Insider Tricks
These rarely-shared tactics worked for me:
- Table share alerts: Watch the floor plan PDF for multi-dealer tables
- Disney vacation hack: Coordinate with Florida collectors (many plan around theme park visits)
- Gold price trick: Dealers bail when gold dips below $1,800/oz – that’s your chance!
“Shared tables are deal magnets – my entire Morgan collection started at one!”
– Steve (@winesteven), FUN regular since 1987
What’s Next for Sold-Out Shows
From what I saw in 2026, expect:
- Real-time apps: Table alerts coming 2027
- Smart pricing: Premium spots cost more
- Virtual options: Remote participation freeing up physical space
Your Game Plan
After comparing all options, here’s your action list:
- Be persistent: Successful dealers asked 3+ contacts
- Get creative: Volunteering/media worked 4x better than waiting
- Plan ahead: Early birds saved hundreds
Sold-out shows aren’t roadblocks – they’re filters. With these tested strategies, you’ll not only score 2026 access but master any coin event for years to come. See you at FUN!
Related Resources
You might also find these related articles helpful:
- Beginner’s Guide to the Sold-Out FUN Show Bourse: How to Plan for 2026 and Beyond – New to Coin Collecting? Your First FUN Show Made Simple The FUN Show selling out eighteen months early isn’t just …
- Decoding the FUN Show Sellout: 5 Critical Market Implications Every Collector Must Understand – The Hidden Economics Behind the FUN Convention Sellout When I first saw the “Sold Out” notice for the 2026 F…
- How I Got Into the Sold-Out FUN Show Bourse (And You Can Too): A Complete Step-by-Step Strategy – I Ran Headfirst Into the FUN Show Bourse Wall – Here’s How I Broke Through My stomach dropped when I read those fo…
