Amos Media and Shepherd Expos Management launch show in Tampa, Fla.

By Linn’s Staff

For the first time in the 148-year history of Amos Media Co., publisher of Linn’s Stamps News, the organization is directly involved in the creation of a show for collectors and dealers.

In partnership with Shepherd Expos Management, the inaugural Great American Coin and Collectibles Show will be held Wednesday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, Fla.

Daily admission for the show is $15. The price has not yet been set for a pass for the entire show. Free admission will be available to Linn’s and Coin World subscribers.

When word about the new show began to spread, a number of stamp dealers made inquiries about the availability of booth space, according to show planner Larry Shepherd. The Tampa show will include a philatelic dealer section.

“For more than a year, we have been working on hosting a collectibles show. After watching the success Larry had with turning around the Central States Numismatic Society show we were convinced that a fresh, innovative approach would be welcomed,” said Amos Media chairman Rick Amos.

“Coin and stamp shows have not changed much in 50 years, and we need to bring the concept into the 21st century. The ability to sell and buy online is a significant part of today’s marketplace, but we believe it is still vitally important to be able to see coins, bank notes, and stamps in person and to conduct transactions face-to-face, as well as offer in-person educational opportunities,” Amos said.

“When Larry became available, we were excited to partner with a proven professional who knows how to plan and deliver a successful show. He developed ways to make shows more relevant with new innovations for a new generation of collectors and dealers. Larry has a proven track record of professional show management success,” Amos said.

Initial plans include a large bourse space that can accommodate nearly 600 dealers’ tables with between 30 and 50 tables in the philatelic section. There will also be a separate collectors’ annex with another 60 to 70 tables offering coins and other collectibles.

A dealer-to-dealer trading day will be available for all table holders on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the day before the show opens to the public.

Also, although the show ends on Saturday, Sept. 14, the guarded security room will be open through Monday, Sept. 16, for the convenience of dealers and visitors who want to store their valuables while exploring the many Florida attractions and activities.

Significant discounts at seven Hilton and Marriott hotel properties near the convention center are available with rates starting as low as $159 per night.

“We encourage dealers and collectors to book their accommodations as early as possible to take advantage of the special rates while they are available,” Shepherd said.

Information about the hotels and the special rates can be found on the show’s website.

For additional information about the Great American Coin and Collectibles Show and to obtain a dealer application, contact Larry Shepherd at 719-464-8801 or email at ShepherdExpos@gmail.com.

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