2023
52 Plus Joker
Playing Card Convention

Meet legendary collectors & designers, hobnob with the most premier card manufacturers and talk playing cards with other enthusiasts all night long.

Held At Best Western Plus, Strongsville

Oct. 11th – Oct. 15th, 2023

$50 Registration Fee

The Perfect Location

We’re holding the 52 Plus Joker convention at the Best Western Plus (Strongsville, Ohio). This hotel is perfectly situated for our convention needs with a free airport shuttle. It’s located at 15471 Royalton Road Strongsville, Ohio 44136 USA.

A Unique Experience

52 Plus Joker’s annual convention offers a playing card experience that satisfies antique, vintage, and modern collectors. Whether you collect singles or the entire deck, our friendly get-together makes for a great time!

Lectures and talks held at 52 Plus Joker

A Playing Card Dream

Find decks of cards at 52 Plus Joker’s convention that you’ve only read and/or heard about. You won’t believe what you can discover at one of our events. Trust us. Playing card dreams do come true!

What Are You Waiting For?

Our 2023 Events

While our schedule is not yet finalized, we expect to unveil the 2023 club deck and several others during the Expert Playing Card Co. reception. We plan to have a handful of exciting speakers, lots of trading, high-paced auctions, fun raffles, a closing buffet banquet that includes the Diamond Awards ceremony, etc. This 2023 convention is shaping up to be one of the most exciting playing card events of the year.

Speakers At This Convention

GREG LOSCHEN

Friday, Oct. 13th @ 1:30 PM 

Immerse yourself in Loschen’s captivating lecture that unveils the extraordinary masterpieces crafted by skilled artists, transforming ordinary playing cards into stunning works of creativity and imagination.

RORY RENNICK

Saturday, Oct. 14th @ 2 PM 

Uncover the rich history and cultural significance behind beautifully designed cards, with Rennick offering a fresh perspective and celebrating the vibrant contributions of African-Americans to the world of playing cards.

ROSEMARY REID

Friday, Oct. 13th @ 2:15 PM 

Reid’s compelling lecture sheds light on underrepresented people in the playing card industry. She explores their rich offerings and the importance of diversity while celebrating often-overlooked voices.

ALEX CLAYS

Thursday, Oct. 12th @ 2:15 PM 

Embark on a visual journey with Clays as he examines rare and exotic decks with a travel theme, including the famed White Star line backs. Delve into the history, and learn the secrets behind these lovely collectibles.

EMILY SLEIGHTS52

Thursday, Oct 12th @ 3 PM 

Investigate the process with Emily that transforms simple paper into exquisite decks of playing cards. Gain insights into the creative challenges, intricate details, and artful direction behind every card.

DR. PAUL BOSTOCK

Saturday, Oct. 14th @ 2:45 PM 

Join Bostock for an extraordinary lecture on the captivating world of investing in playing cards. Explore the question: “Are playing cards a good asset?” and gain valuable insight into the intricacies of this unique financial endeavor.

*Please note, this line-up may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Check this website regularly for updates.

Register For The Convention Then Book Your Hotel Room.

Once you register for the convention, you will receive instructions about how to book your hotel room. Everything is held at the Best Wester Plus hotel. We get a great low price of $105+tax (per night) including breakfast for two. It also includes free parking for those who drive. Click the green button to register for the convention.

Register first. Then we will send you information about booking your hotel room at the Best Western Plus.

Hotel Amenities

Free Parking

If you're driving to the convention, one expense you don't have to incur is hotel parking. Free for all registered guests.

Complimentary Wifi

It's important to stay in touch with the world. Internet access is complimentary in your hotel room and in all public spaces.

Free Airport Shuttle

If you're flying to Cleveland, take the free airport shuttle door-to-door. The airport is approx. twenty minutes from the hotel.

Jacuzzi Tub

After a long day of playing card events, there's no better way to relax than with some hot bubbles. Get in the Hot tub!

Indoor Pool

Stay fit and in shape while attending 52 Plus Joker's convention. Come on in! The water is nice and warm. No splashing!

Business Center

Need to send a quick email but forgot your computer? How about printing an important document? Use this free center.

What's in store for this year's convention?

This schedule is subject to change without notice. 

Final Night  > Diamond Awards

It all culminates on Saturday evening!

Deck of the Year

Which pack of cards gets crowned deck of 2023? Only outstanding decks get nominated. The best of the best win.

Artist of the Year

Recognized as the most prestigious accolade given to playing card designers in the industry. The artist who wins gets bragging rights for the rest of their life.

Dawson Award

This is the highest honor 52 Plus Joker awards. This is awarded to club members who have made monumental contributions to benefit 52 Plus Joker.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers
Yes. You must be a current member of 52 Plus Joker to attend this event. If you’re not a member, join now. You may also join in person at the convention.
No. If your spouse or significant other wants to attend the events with you, they may come at no charge. However, if you want them to attend the banquet with you, you’ll need to purchase a banquet ticket for them.
Yes. When you register for the convention, please make a note that you’d like a table. Space is limited so you are only offered a single table. If you require something bigger, please contact us to speak about it.

No. You are not required to attend the closing night banquet. Though, you will miss the Diamond Awards ceremony, a highlight of our convention. Plus, everyone else will be there in attendance. You should buy tickets to the banquet.

Yes. Registration is inexpensive as it is. We don’t have a daily rate. Regardless how long you come, the convention registration price does not change.

Previous
YeARS

Since 1987, 52 Plus Joker has traveled around the Americas, holding our annual playing card convention in a variety of cities.

We’ve Held Our Convention In:

  • 2023 – Cleveland, Ohio
  • 2022 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2021 – Niagara Falls, New York (Cancelled) [Virtual Convention]
  • 2020 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Postponed due to Covid-19) [Virtual Convention]
  • 2019 – Charlotte, North Carolina
  • 2018 – Cleveland, Ohio (Merger with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 2017 – Erlanger, Kentucky
  • 2016 – Chicago, Illinois
  • 2015 – Orlando, Florida
  • 2014 – Charleston, South Carolina
  • 2013 – Las Vegas, Nevada
  • 2012 – Erlanger, Kentucky (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 2011 – Denver, Colorado
  • 2010 – New Orleans, Louisiana
  • 2009 – Toronto, Canada (Joint with International Playing Card Society)
  • 2008 – Las Vegas, Nevada
  • 2007 – Westborough, Massachusetts
  • 2006 – Montreal, Canada
  • 2005 – San Francisco, California
  • 2004 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • 2003 – Wilmington, Delaware (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 2002 – Atlanta, Georgia
  • 2001 – Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • 2000 – New Haven, Connecticut (Joint with International Playing Card Society)
  • 1999 – Cincinnati, OH
  • 1998 – Toronto, Canada
  • 1997 – Kansas City, Kansas
  • 1996 – Las Vegas, Nevada
  • 1995 – Cincinnati, OH (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 1994 – Arlington, Virginia
  • 1993 – Kissimmee, Florida
  • 1992 – Las Vegas, Nevada
  • 1991 – Cincinnati, OH (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 1990 – New Haven, Connecticut
  • 1989 – Indianapolis, Indiana (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 1988 – Chicago, Illinois (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collectors)
  • 1987 – Cincinnati, OH (Joint with Chicago Playing Card Collector)

Convention Thoughts

It will be good to be with a great group of collectors of both decks and single cards! There will be a continued camaraderie with the joining of the two clubs. This should be a great convention!
Barbra Lunaburg - CPCC Historian
Barb Lunaburg
Singles Collector
I’m looking forward to seeing wonderful friends who share my passions & interests in the art and mystique of playing cards. We'll view treasures, share great discussions, laugh and enjoy life!
VP General - Doug Rickenback
Doug Rickenback
Modern Collector
I am looking forward to sharing the art, history, cultural insights and future of an industry that has been a constant part of society for 500 years. Oh yes, and the chance to meet other collectors!
Member - Glenn Currie
Glenn Currie
Antique Collector

Treat Yourself To 52 Plus Joker's 2023 Playing Card Collectors Convention.