Welcome to NAPEX
a world series of philately show
On behalf of the officers, directors, and show committee, it is my distinct
pleasure to welcome you to NAPEX 2012.
This show, our 38th, promises to be the most exciting in years. Philatelic stars
align as NAPEX hosts the annual conventions of the U.S. Philatelic Classics
Society, the United States Stamp Society, the Confederate Stamp Alliance, and
the Carriers and Locals Society. In addition to filling scores of exhibit frames
with top-drawer material, they are planning dozens of educational seminars and
social engagements. These are listed in this souvenir program; take advantage of
them! These societies, the four largest for collectors of U.S. philately, will
not convene together again until World Stamp Show–NY 2016.
NAPEX has been honored this year with three official first day ceremonies—one
from the United Nations and two from the United States—as well as a
commemorative show cancel organized by Israel Post and the Israel Philatelic
Agency of North America. USPS Executive Director of Stamp Services Stephen
Kearney and UNPA Chief David Failor and will be in attendance at the show, and
we thank them and their agencies for their support. McLean Postmaster Jeff
Takane and his able staff are operating a temporary show station and providing
invaluable cancellation support services.
The quality and variety of our bourse is the main reason that NAPEX is one of
the top three shows in the United States year after year. We are grateful for
the continued support of our returning dealers and pleased to welcome twelve
first-time participants.
The Hilton Corporation’s $40,000,000 renovation of our host hotel is complete,
and I think you will be pleased. The lobby, restaurant, fitness center, guest
rooms, and function spaces have been completely remodeled. The Hilton
Corporation has relocated its global headquarters from San Francisco to McLean,
and this property is now their flagship hotel. NAPEX will benefit enormously
from this investment, as we are contracted to be here through 2015.
Since last year’s show, the NAPEX family has suffered the losses of Patricia
Lehmann and Gerhard Wolff. Pat and Gerd were dedicated colleagues and
exceptional people. The greatest pleasure of philately is not the paper we
hoard, but the lifelong friends we make along the way. May NAPEX 2012 inspire
you to renew old friendships and forge new connections.
Yours in philately,
Daniel A. Piazza
President, NAPEX Inc.
