I’ll be in Chicago; how about you?

If you have never been to an American Numismatic Association summer convention, you might consider this year’s event. It will be held Aug. 16-20, a perfect time of year for a summer getaway.

I like it because I can drive there and don’t have to worry about airline schedules that start with a crack of dawn flight, or bad weather. I can just go when I want.

You can, too. For most average collectors, driving is the preferred mode of travel and Chicago is a very drivable location.

The best part is when you get there, you have a motor vehicle with you and the mobility it gives.

You can head to a favorite restaurant after the bourse closes, or better yet, your family can go sight-seeing while you spend time with your favorite dealers.

Did you know that the ANA bourse floor is configured in such a way as to make 63 percent of the dealer tables corner tables?

I didn’t, either.

There is more room at a corner table and they are much more visible when you find yourself looking for someone in particular.

They are roomier, and if you have ever been at an eight-foot table with two other collectors on either side of you, you might be forgiven for thinking that you have just found yourself in the middle seat on an airplane.

Roomy is good. Elbow room is nice.

I happened to learn this bit of trivia from a report given yesterday by ANA Executive Director Larry Shepherd to the board of governors in a telephone conference.

It doesn’t seem mathematically possible, does it?

Well, I am glad it is and I look forward to seeing the result when I arrive at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont.

Check out the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money convention information on the website at www.money.org.

I hope to see you there.