LFK Tradeshows buys Memphis money show
On June 26, from the floor of the 33rd Memphis International Paper Money show at the Cook Convention Center, Lyn F. Knight officially announced his firm’s purchase of the popular paper money show from the Memphis Coin Club.
On June 26, from the floor of the 33rd Memphis International Paper Money show at the Cook Convention Center, Lyn F. Knight officially announced his firm’s purchase of the popular paper money show from the Memphis Coin Club.
“Today I am pleased to announce that the Memphis Coin Club has sold the International Paper Money Show to Lyn F. Knight and its new entity LFK Tradeshows, Inc.,” Knight said in press release distributed to dealers in attendance. “It is a great honor to have been selected to carry on the great tradition of this grand event, honoring its heritage with a commitment to the future and to preserve its character as we move into a new era.”
“We are so pleased that Lyn Knight is the purchaser of the International Paper Money Show,” said Clark Odor, MCC president. “Very few companies and individuals would we even consider selling the show to and Lyn was at the top of the list. We will continue, as requested from Lyn Knight, to be the host club and will assist in future shows. And we are very glad that [the show] is staying in Memphis for a while.”
Knight announced that arrangements have been made with Cook Convention Center to serve as the show venue over Father’s Day weekend of each year through 2017.
Bourse Chairman Mike Crabb said the age of the club members was a consideration in the club’s decision to sell the show and that Knight had previously expressed interest in purchasing the rights. Crabb said bids were accepted, with Knight’s being “by far the best of all those who made an offer.” The sale price was not disclosed.
“I’m happy that Lyn Knight is the one who purchased this show,” said Crabb. “Lyn was looking into putting on this type of show when I started putting this one on back in ’77, and he has attended all of the shows. Lyn is a top-notch individual who should have the ownership of the Memphis International Paper Money Show.”
The first Memphis show, an all-paper money event, was held in 1977 with 72 dealers in attendance. Crabb had a flyer from the first show on display along with a layout of the bourse. Recent shows have boasted many more dealers and in the range of 150 tables.
Knight joked that he was looking forward to the next 17 years flying by, leading up to the 50th anniversary show.
“I won’t be a kid anymore then,” he said. “But I’ll still feel like one.”
As to any changes, Knight said, “Our goal is to make this a 21st-century event that feels like the first time we went to Memphis, which is a virtual impossibility but we are going to give it a go.”
Among the changes currently being considered are:
- An earlier opening time for dealer setup on Thursday. This year dealer setup was from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Eliminating the lines waiting to enter the show on dealer setup day.
- A new entrance for the general public and dealers without freight.
- Completely filling the East Hall either with exhibits or a seating area.
- Increasing the number of events such as club meetings for collectors to attend.
- Dealer photo badges. Those in attendance this year were able to fill out a form and have their photos taken to avoid delays at next year’s show.
Next year’s auction will be conducted by Heritage Auction Galleries. Lyn Knight Currency Auctions will conduct the sales starting in 2011.
Doug Davis will take the reigns from Crabb and serve as the new general chairman for future shows with the assistance of Jim Taylor of the Knight firm.
For additional information, contact Lyn Knight Currency Auctions, P. O. Box 7364, Overland Park KS 66207; telephone 800-243-5211 or 913-338-3779; www.lynknight.com.
