3 ways Cubs Convention could be improved heading into next year's event

3 ways Cubs Convention could be improved: #2 - Bring back the vendors after years of downsizing this space

When I first started going to Cubs Convention back in 2018, the lower level of the Sheraton had rows and rows of vendors - offering up all sorts of Cubs memorabilia, artwork and collectibles. To be frank, it was one of my absolute favorite parts of the event and I was able to get some of my most precious pieces in my collection there.

But coming out of the pandemic, the Cubs gutted this space - offering a Cubs Store, Cubs Authentics and a handful of hand-picked partners. This year, the largest non-official Cubs retail space belonged to Obvious Shirts (which offered an amazing array of apparel items and more, several of which I purchased), but outside of that it was a very meager offering.

This is the largest wintertime gathering of Cubs fans there is. Give re-sellers and collectors a chance to bolster their collections, find unique pieces to add to their fan caves and have those great conversations that come in the process. It really added something to the Cubs Con experience and I definitely found the shopping experience to be lacking in 2024.

3 ways Cubs Convention could be improved: #1 - Finally fix the bingo seating so nobody gets trampled when the doors open

Cubs Bingo is the unquestioned pinnacle of the weekend. Anyone who's ever gone knows that - and those who have climbed to the top of the proverbial mountain and actually won understands there are few higher highs to feel.

But it has to be changed. This year, folks were lining up outside the main ballroom more than 2 1/2 hours before the doors opened for the event. You could actually hear the buzz of this crowd outside while the panel with some of the members of the 1984 team took place. Then, after 2+ hours of waiting, it was a typical mad dash, despite security members trying to let folks enter in waves rather than all at once.

There has to be some sort of system - where it's tied to your registration for the event - where the Cubs can take their pool of people, figure out just how many sign up for bingo, divvy them up across a certain number of tables based on group sizes, etc. and give everyone assigned tables.

No more 2 1/2 hour wait. No more anxiety and stress waiting in a crowded lobby and missing out on that time when you could be doing other things. Calmly enter the room, find your table and take a seat. I'm not saying it would be an insignificant effort - but the payoff and improvement in the fan experience would be immeasurable.