CrownVention: Frequently Asked Questions

I collect worldwide crowns, is it worth it for me to attend ?

Although often stated by many, it is not true that all collectors attending CrownVention collect US or North America crowns only. Collectors from Europe, South America, and even New Zealand have attended CrownVention, and were able to trade many crowns. Of course, most of the crowns offered could be from North America -- the convention is in the USA after all. Attending CrownVention for someone who collects worldwide crowns will definitely be rewarding. Stories of collectors going home, with several kilos of crowns to add to their collection, are NOT exaggeration !

Is CrownVention like the KKF meeting in Germany ?

Both meetings have their own flair and are must-attend shows for any serious crown collector. You will find the same kind of collectors at both meetings with the same kind of attitude, and you will find the same kind of positive atmosphere. CrownVention starts as early as Wednesday and will last all through Saturday. CrownVention takes place in a motel, which allows for 'room to room' trading. You will go from room to room to see what the collector(s) staying there have to offer. While doing so, there is also time enough for some socializing, which makes the whole experience very relaxed. On Saturday there is trading and selling happening on the large trade floor. Often many local crown collectors come in just for this day's event. Check out the movies and the photos sections to get an impression of CrownVention.

What is 'Room to room' trading ?

CrownVention is held in a motel, where the breweriana club hosts have blocked off a large number of rooms at special rates for those attending CrownVention and "Spring Thaw" (seasonal breweriana meet). Those collectors who stay in the rooms will usually display their items in the room, and an open door is an invitation to enter and browse, trade, sell, or buy right in the room, and to meet and socialize at the same time. Some collectors come even on Tuesday, and others on subsequent days, so there are always new doors to check. By Wednesday, the meeting Co-ordinator will have posted a list of rooms with names of the CCSI members staying in them. Of course, everyone is expected to be reasonably quiet in the hallways and other public areas, so as not to disturb non-collector hotel guests or even collectors who are resting.

What is the role of the breweriana collectors?

Local breweriana collectors, who may be affiliated with BCCA (Beer Can Collectors of America) and/or ECBA (Eastern Coast Breweriana Association), have long been active in central Pennsylvania USA. The trade meet that they have always hosted each year in late winter is called "Spring Thaw". In 1994, they agreed to allow CCSI to run CrownVention in conjunction with Spring Thaw, because of the benefits of a larger meeting accruing to both groups, and since their aims and interests are very similar. (Often some of them have crowns and related items, and CCSI members are welcome to meet them and view/buy/trade/sell any items equally as with CrownVention attendees.) As such, the breweriana people are really the host of the "party" and CCSI members are their guests. They do all the planning and negotiations with the hotel. Thus the registration is done through these hosts, and all of their rules prevail. For a small fee, CCSI members can join in their Hospitality Room, where beer and snacks flow freely on certain days at certain hours, and we can also join their pizza party, usually on Friday night. For another small fee, one can reserve a display table at the Saturday floor trade event, which is held in large ballrooms of the hotel. They also offer other events that are free or at low cost.

How do I register for CrownVention ?

On the menu of the CCSI website www.bottlecapclub.org, click CROWNVENTION and then REGISTRATION FORM AND FLYER. At the appropriate time, the contact information is there.

What are the costs to attend CrownVention ?

There are many variables, and prices tend to rise from year to year, but the following may help you to calculate what is needed: * The motel room at CrownVention costs about US$90 per night, including taxes. * A modest meal, without alcohol drink, in the hotel's restaurant or at others outside nearby, will cost from about US$9 to $15 including service and tax. * A beer in a restaurant costs about US$4 to $6. But in the rooms of the collectors there is always lots of beer around. Also see "What is the role of the breweriana collectors?". Of course, transportation from your home to CrownVention is the largest and most variable factor. It depends upon the distance and the means of transport, as well as many other factors. Harrisburg PA is the nearest international airport, but it serves few international destinations directly. If you find a CCSI host (see "Can I join other collectors...?"), the host's location may suggest the best airport to choose.

Can I join other collectors to get to CrownVention ?

YES! This is a great way to save expenses and also to broaden your experience and socializing. Don't worry about language differences or ability! There are members who may be willing just to share the expense of a motel room. For this, contact the breweriana club registrar. (Click CROWNVENTION and then REGISTRATION FORM AND FLYER. The contact information is there.) There are also North American CCSI members who can help long distance travelers in other ways, such as with interim accomodations (sometimes as hosts), and with transportation concerns, money exchange, shopping, etc. For such purposes, just click CCSI and then CONTACT on the website menu at www.bottlecapclub.org. Then write a message with as much detail as possible, about what you wish to do. Someone will answer you or get an answer for you within a few days.

..so...what is CrownVention ?

CrownVention (often referred to simply as CV) is THE yearly crown trade show organized by the Crowncap Collectors Society International (CCSI), every year beginning in 1990. CrownVention is a trading meet that currently takes place around the end of March or the beginning of April, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania USA. It is a joint meeting organized by local breweriana collectors.