Panini Wrapper Redemption Program at The National

On Saturday night during the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore, Panini America will treat 50 elite collectors to an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience. And all collectors have to do to earn an invitation is something they’re already planning on anyway: Busting Panini America product — lots of Panini America product.

Collectors who purchase at least $6,500 worth of select Panini America products on the show floor through select retailers will gain access to a by-invitation-only private reception Saturday night that will include Hall of Fame special guests, Black Boxes, free autographs and the chance to bid on rare Panini America experiences.

It promises to be the toughest ticket in town during National weekend — and the only way to get it is by earning enough Panini Bucks from one of five show retailers (Dave & Adam’s Card World, Blowout Cards, Pittsburgh Wholesale, Atlanta Sports Cards and Marty’s Sports Cards) through the purchase of Panini America wrapper-redemption product during the show.

“The National Sports Collectors Convention is one of the most important weeks on a calendar for us that is overflowing with marquee events,” said Jason Howarth, Panini America Vice President of Marketing. “It’s no secret that we pull out all the stops for the National every year so that attendees know that no one cares as much for them and this industry than we do. We prove it year in and year out with our wrapper-redemption program and our unparalleled willingness to interact with our customers.

“This year, we’ll take our industry-leading engagement one step farther with a special evening that will generate buzz and positive memories that will last a lifetime.”

Collectors can earn Panini Bucks toward securing a party invitation by purchasing the following wrapper-redemption products through one of the five aforementioned show retailers:

Baseball

• 2011 Limited
• 2011 Prime Cuts
• 2011 Contenders

NBA

• 2011-12 Gold Standard
• 2011-12 Limited
• 2011-12 Past & Present

NFL

• 2012 Elite
• 2012 Prestige
• 2011 Totally Certified
• 2011 Playbook
• 2011 Prime Signatures

NHL

• 2011-12 Elite
• 2011-12 Contenders
• 2011-12 Rookie Anthology

Those collectors who earn 6,500 Panini Bucks can redeem them at the Panini America booth for an all-access invitation to Saturday evening’s VIP event, which will also include case wars battles with 2011-12 Elite Hockey and 2011-12 Limited Basketball for a chance to win exclusive Panini America experiences.

Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional details on this special event — including the announcement of the superstar-laden guest list — in the coming days.