52 Plus Joker 2024 Annual Playing Card Convention, Niagara Falls NY, Oct. 2-6

[hsbc]

52+Joker [52+J] 2024 Convention -- Niagara Falls, New York -- October 2nd - 6th
$50 registration fee

Speakers include:

Skyler Hoffman
Kelsey Little
Daniel Wilson

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Sheraton Niagara Falls
300 3rd Street, Niagara Falls, New York, USA, 14303

[Cardians]

Thanks HSBC, I think I may try and get out to this convention next year. I missed the last one in Buffalo a few years back.

Coming from Toronto, the drive won’t be so bad.

Cheers,
KW

[rousselle]

You know what happens when Niagara Trips?



I'm planning to be there, folks, and I hope to see as many of y'all out there for it, as well!

[VillainousIndustries]

Oh WOW! I hope I get to go! That would be so sick!

[vasta41]

I might actually try and make it in '24, too! Is this the type of thing that people bring and show off their collections? I'm wondering if it worth driving from Boston (8hrs) or flying (1.5hrs).

[Jocu]

I had a wonderful conversation with Lee Asher yesterday and it just made me want to go to 52+J even more than before.

We'll definitely be making the trip over as soon as we can find a way to pull it off, but I'd definitely recommend it to everyone here. If the regulars there know half as much about playing cards as Lee does and have half as much passion you'll be among the best and most interesting folks there are in the business!

Definitely reach out to him if you have any questions. I'm really stoked about going one day.

[vasta41]

I had a wonderful conversation with Lee Asher yesterday and it just made me want to go to 52+J even more than before.

We'll definitely be making the trip over as soon as we can find a way to pull it off, but I'd definitely recommend it to everyone here. If the regulars there know half as much about playing cards as Lee does and have half as much passion you'll be among the best and most interesting folks there are in the business!

Definitely reach out to him if you have any questions. I'm really stoked about going one day.

Lee is great! You should see if you can squeeze any of his remaining OG Jerry Nuggets out of him lol

[hsbc]

I might actually try and make it in '24, too! Is this the type of thing that people bring and show off their collections? I'm wondering if it worth driving from Boston (8hrs) or flying (1.5hrs).

Yes, at least some people show up with hundreds of decks

[shermjack]

I might actually try and make it in '24, too! Is this the type of thing that people bring and show off their collections? I'm wondering if it worth driving from Boston (8hrs) or flying (1.5hrs).

You should, Paul! Everyone is provided with a long table to display whatever they bring to the convention to sell, trade or show off and a lot of people drive so that they can bring more. I have seen people wheeling in multiple large plastic bins/tubs full of decks and I fill my suitcases (both check-in and carry on) to the brim with cases to sell (at a nice discount to members).

If you can make it, you won't regret hanging out with like minded individuals for 4-5 days talking about cards, drinking, eating and having a great time. I highly recommend it to any playing card collector!

[MagikFingerz]

Isn't Niagara Falls something of a romantic couples' destination? Could I market a trip there that way to my partner?

[vasta41]

Isn't Niagara Falls something of a romantic couples' destination? Could I market a trip there that way to my partner?

Good to see you around, Tom! I'm trying to sell my partner on the fact that there are casinos over there hehe

I believe Niagra Falls is where they go on their honeymoon at the end of Hard Eight.

[hsbc]

Hard Eight.

This is a great movie

[MagikFingerz]

Isn't Niagara Falls something of a romantic couples' destination? Could I market a trip there that way to my partner?

Good to see you around, Tom! I'm trying to sell my partner on the fact that there are casinos over there hehe

I believe Niagra Falls is where they go on their honeymoon at the end of Hard Eight.

Been super busy the past few months, so I'm glad to be back!

Was it also where Pam and Jim in The Office got married?

[rousselle]

I think so.

It's also where Clark Kent revealed his true identity to Lois Lane.

[shermjack]

Isn't Niagara Falls something of a romantic couples' destination? Could I market a trip there that way to my partner?

Tom! Great to have you back!

This is exactly what I was thinking! I am trying to convince my wife and son to come with me a few days prior to the convention to enjoy the sites and then they can go home when the convention starts. Win-Win

[rousselle]

Since I grew up in the area (and, yes, Niagara Falls is very much a honeymoon destination, and there's plenty to do with the kids as well), I'll likewise be heading there early and/or staying late to visit with other friends and family.

That said, either before, during, or after the convention, I'm thinking it would be fun for some of us to meet up for some beef on 'weck or hot chicken wings (two Buffalo-area specialties) at a local joint. I'll start making suggestions as we get closer to the event.

[vasta41]

I just made a delicious homemade beef on weck 2 nights ago! So good..

[Don Boyer]

Isn't Niagara Falls something of a romantic couples' destination? Could I market a trip there that way to my partner?

Just an FYI, for those of you thinking to bring spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc.

The room rate that the club negotiates for this convention applies for a full three days BEFORE and AFTER the convention. So yes, you can bring your partner and use the romantic angle as an excuse.

Best advice I can give: bring your passport or Enhanced Driver's License - they're the only ways to cross the border on land/by bridge into Ontario and visit the city of Niagara Falls. The best views and most of the entertainment is on the Canadian side of the Falls. I wouldn't be surprised if a few conventioneers decide to make a lunch or dinner run on that side or hit their casino (the event hotel is across the street from a very new casino, I've heard, but New York State casinos by law are all electronic - not a single playing card, roulette ball or die anywhere).

Depending on my wife's schedule, I might make a slightly longer trip of it this time around - fingers crossed, because she doesn't get a lot of time off.

[Ocelot]

I just became a 52+ Joker Club member the other day and have really been eyeballing this, but doubt I can justify the funds this time around. I haven't been to Niagara Falls in many years, and have always wanted to return.

[rousselle]

I just became a 52+ Joker Club member the other day and have really been eyeballing this, but doubt I can justify the funds this time around. I haven't been to Niagara Falls in many years, and have always wanted to return.

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[BaconWise]

This will be my first time attending. Looking forward to celebrating this hobby in real life

[Curt]

This will be my first time attending. Looking forward to celebrating this hobby in real life

It will be my first convention as well. Looking forward to meeting you in person Jamie, as well as the rest who are able to make it!

[The Congress Guy]

I encourage everyone to attend. “You will see decks that you’ve read about, heard about, or will only see once” (Lee Asher). You’ll meet magicians, cardists, modern and antique collectors, designers, etc. You’ll hear talks from experts, be the first to get a club deck, bid on decks in live and silent auctions. Step out of the virtual and actually talk face to face! Hold and look at iconic and rare decks. I guarantee you’ll leave there with more knowledge than when you first walked in.

[vasta41]

The room rate that the club negotiates for this convention...

Question: what is the room rate? I'm thinking of booking this soon.
Thanks!

[hsbc]

We are proud to announce the first three speakers for this year's 52 Plus Joker convention, which will be held in Niagara Falls, New York, from October 2nd to 6th, 2024.

KELSEY LITTLE (@kplittle89)
Modern Collector Survival Guide

With over 5600 total decks, including 2800 unique ones, and nearly 100 card clips, Little’s dedication is unmatched. Discover the passion and precision behind managing and maintaining such a remarkable collection as she pulls back the curtains to reveal her secrets. No matter what you collect, this is a must-see talk.

DANIEL WILSON (@r_strata)
Game Show Playing Cards

‘Come on down’ and explore the history of television game shows and their use of playing cards. From favorites like ‘Card Sharks’ to shows almost lost to obscurity, Wilson will show some of the surviving pieces of these exciting games—and tell how you too might just find your own game show collectible if the price is right.

SKYLER HOFFMAN (@3decksdesigns)
Playing Card Artistry

Through vivid storytelling and insightful commentary, Hoffman offers fresh perspectives on the symbiotic relationship between artistry and playing cards. His presentation leaves attendees with a newfound appreciation for the art form and a desire to view playing cards through a new lens. Art and cards unite!

[GandalfPC]