The trading card industry has seen a surge in popularity, and Panini America is one of the major companies behind this phenomenon.

Jason Howarth, Vice President of Marketing at Panini America joins John Davidson in this episode of the DLC Drop Podcast to talk about what is so unique about the trading card popularity of this decade vs. when it was popular in the 80’s and 90’s.

He also talks about what’s happening across social media to make trading cards such an incredible experience, the opportunities of trading cards within esports, and some of his most memorable experiences with some of today’s biggest athletes.

To connect with Jason, visit Twitter: https://twitter.com/sportsmktgguy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaniniAmerica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paniniamerica/

To follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/J0hnDavids0n

Full Episode Breakdown:

1:31 – One of the great moments between Jason and John between meeting athletes, and how his company is one of the first interactions athletes have with a company after signing to a professional team.

5:19 – What’s the balance of working with these young athletes in understanding the opportunity ahead of them, and how to take advantage of it and prepare for their future.

10:02 – What makes the difference between the athletes that thrive and those that don’t?

11:04 – Should athletes care about what their signature looks like and when do they need to start preparing for that? Jason gives the inside scoop.

14:13 – Why is there a sudden rise in the popularity of trading cards, and what is the difference between this time, and many years ago when trading cards were popular?

17:24 – How are companies finding the balance of making sure to have enough of product, but retaining the uniqueness of the items?

20:02 – The movement into blockchain from the trading card industries, and how that benefits the consumer.

22:37 – How has social media influenced the trading card industry? Jason gives the inside scoop on the global phenomenon of ‘case breaking’.

27:19 – What are the major platforms being used for case breaking, and who exactly is taking advantage of this new trend.

30:27 – With the popularity of trading cards, where does esports lie within this trend uptick? 

34:49 – Why is there a recent explosion in the Prism Product from Panini?

37:02 – Can an athlete sign too much memorabilia, and how does that affect the value of their autograph?

40:34 – Jason shares some of his more memorable moments and experiences with athletes.

49:30 – How Panini has tapped into those personal moments and experience with athletes to make sure the consumers really feel that.

52:45  – If you’re wondering how Jason has found such an incredible job, he gives the inside scoop of his career.