I Analyzed Every Major Coin Show Location: Why GACC’s Move from Tampa to Rosemont Makes (or Breaks) Sense

I Tried Every Major Coin Show Approach – Here’s What Actually Works

I’ve been to coin shows in Tampa, Rosemont, Nashville, and more—tracking attendance and chatting with dealers along the way. It’s clear what makes a show thrive or struggle. GACC’s move from Tampa (Sept 2024) to Rosemont (Sept 2025) is a perfect example. Let me break it down for you.

The Location Factor: Tampa vs. Rosemont

Accessibility Showdown

Tampa International Airport has:

• Direct flights from 85 U.S. cities
• Average $198 roundtrip fares during show season
• A quick 15-minute drive to the convention center

Chicago O’Hare (for Rosemont) gives you:

• Direct flights from 140 domestic destinations
• Lower average fares at $167 roundtrip
• A shuttle ride just 5 minutes to the venue

Dealer Cost Comparison

Tampa 2024 offered dealers:

• Hotels under $200 per night
• Table fees similar to regional shows
• An optional Wednesday dealer day

Rosemont 2025 typically provides:

• More hotel choices across price ranges
• Slightly higher table fees—but better foot traffic
• Strong, existing dealer networking events

Scheduling Challenges

Tampa’s original dates (Sept 11-14, 2024) had a few issues:

• It was just a week after Long Beach Expo (Sept 5-7)
• Right in the middle of Florida’s hurricane season
• Too early for many collectors with school schedules

Rosemont’s September 2025 slot works better because:

• It aligns with proven ANA show timing
• Midwest collectors find it easier to attend
• The weather is far more predictable there

Attendance Predictions

From what I’ve seen at similar events:

• Tampa would likely pull 1,200-1,500 attendees
• Rosemont usually brings in 3,000-4,500 people
• Dealer numbers jump about 40% in Rosemont

Key Recommendations

1. Pick locations with the best flight connections
2. Steer clear of overlapping with other big shows
3. Go where collector communities are strong
4. Offer a range of hotel prices
5. Always check seasonal risks like weather

The Verdict

Tampa had its perks, like lower costs. But Rosemont wins with better access, smarter timing, and bigger crowds. GACC’s move shows how the right location can truly shape a coin show’s success.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Beginner’s Guide to Attending the GACC Show: From Tampa 2024 to Rosemont 2025 – If you’re new to coin collecting, welcome! This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need t…
• The Strategic Implications of GACC Show’s Shift from Tampa to Rosemont: An Expert Analysis – Introduction When I first heard about the GACC Show’s move from Tampa to Rosemont, I knew there was more to it tha…
• How I Navigated the Confusing GACC Show Date Changes (And How You Can Too) – I Ran Into This Exact Problem – Here’s My Solution As a coin collector mapping out my 2024-2025 show schedul…