Trajan media is getting back into the show business.
It’s been more than 11 years since Canadian Stamp News publisher Trajan sold The International Collectors’ Fair, a.k.a. TICF. Since then, our “show” presence has been that of exhibitor at many stamp and coin shows across Canada. This is about to change.
We recently acquired the assets of the National Postage Stamp Show, organized for almost 30 years by the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association. The most recent one was held Nov. 6-8 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON. The CSDA announced after its spring show that the non-profit organization would no longer host the show, which was bleeding money.
“The CSDA has been sponsoring shows for almost 30 years and with a declining dealer base it just does not make economic sense for us to continue and lose money,” CSDA President Rick Day wrote in a letter to members.
The CSDA had no choice; it could not continue to lose money. Going forward, the organization will focus on member services, including online opportunities. I want to thank Executive Director John Sheffield for the countless hours he has put in over the years organizing the National Postage Stamp Show, which was very successful for many years.
“Personally, I’m sorry to see our Toronto shows fold, ” Day added. “There is a need and a market for national level shows in Toronto and I’m sure someone will step up and put on shows if we’re no longer doing them. I believe that our members who currently do national level shows will continue to do so regardless of who the sponsor is.”
I agree with Day that there is need to continue a national stamp show. This was evident at the last event, when a number of show-goers lamented about how sad it was that it would be the last show. Some even suggested they would support a nominal admission going forward to help keep the shows sustainable.
Feedback I received from dealers also supported the need to continue the shows, but with the understanding the format needs to be changed to make them profitable.
We are excited to be getting back into the show business, something I have been exploring for the last two years. It is a good fit for Trajan, and a great benefit for our dealers and show-goers as we have the ability to successfully market the shows through our publications, websites, e-newsletters, our social media outlets and other resources.
We have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks to firm up a venue and dates. Tentatively, we are adopting the CSDA’s original 2016 show dates: April 7-10 and Nov. 3-6. We will be announcing more details in coming issues of CSN. Next year also marks the 40th anniversary of CSN, so the shows will be a great venue for us to celebrate.
Meanwhile, we will be seeking further input from dealers and show-goers on what they would like to see at future shows to make them sustainable and profitable for all concerned. I welcome any suggestions and feedback you have. Reach me at mwalsh@trajan.ca.