Card Talk #11 - London Card Show Recap

This episode of Card Talk features host Tyler Schmitt providing updates on his recent activities and interviewing two guests, Jonathan and LP, about their roles in the evolving hobby.Host Update & Industry InsightsLondon Card Show: The host recently attended the London Card Show with his father, noting the event's evolution from a small, Pokemon-heavy gathering to a professional, "national lite" event with significant industry sponsors.Market Observations: The hobby is increasingly global, with product distribution and major players expanding across regions like Dubai, Macau, and London. The host emphasizes that businesses must diversify and innovate to survive market shifts, noting that younger collectors and diverse product interests are vital to sustained growth.Personal Projects: The host discusses his professional work building a partnership ecosystem for VeeFriends, including upcoming 2026 Topps Chrome releases, while also preparing for his wedding.Guest: Jonathan (Co-founder of Got Sole)Expansion: Jonathan explains that Got Sole, originally a sneaker convention, is expanding into a "culture festival" incorporating five categories: sneakers, sports cards (partnering with Goldin), vintage, streetwear, and luxury.Strategic Collaboration: Jonathan highlights the importance of leading with collaboration rather than competition. He notes that the new card component was finalized quickly through direct, value-driven partnerships with established figures in the hobby.Event Schedule: New York City (June 20), Chicago (July 25), Tokyo (August), Los Angeles (September), and Miami (October) are the inaugural cities for this new format.Guest: LP (Content Creator & Student)Content Journey: LP, a senior accounting student at the University of Florida, shares his experience building a content creation brand while documenting his journey of flipping cards with limited starting capital.Strategy: He focuses on singles-based flipping, utilizing online platforms like Discord and Instagram for sourcing. He emphasizes that consistent content creation provides accountability and allows him to connect with other creators.Mindset: LP discusses overcoming the fear of public perception, stressing that building a reputation and producing consistent output are more valuable than immediate financial gain.The host concludes the episode by reaffirming his commitment to using Card Talk as a platform to share inspiring stories, foster connections, and highlight the entrepreneurial spirit defining the current state of the hobby.