Panini Blog Panini America On Location: The Must-See Scenes of 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend

[Panini Blog]

HOUSTON — During the jam-packed first two days of 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend, Panini America has delivered — and been apart of — enough memories to last a lifetime. Company officials tipped off the star-studded weekend by bringing James Harden to Houston Sports Connection for a public autograph signing. Seemingly every minute since, the action has been fast, furious and phenomenal.
Yesterday began with a trip to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame press conference for the announcement of — among other things — the finalists for induction in 2013 (including Tim Hardaway and Gary Payton) and the extension of the Hall’s exclusive partnership with Panini America. From there, it was off to the George R. Brown Convention Center for a sensational six-hour stint at the NBA Jam Session, where the sights were every bit as sensational.
Among Friday’s highlights inside the Panini America booth:

• • Sacramento Kings rookie star Thomas Robinson signing free autographs and interacting with a seemingly unending line of fans. Before he was done, Robinson conducted an in-booth interview with Panini America’s Tracy Hackler and Turkish television network TRT
  • The company’s memorabilia and trading card displays getting as much camera time from star-crossed fans as the players themselves
  • Panini America NBA Brand Manager Keith Hower being asked for autographs from avid Panini Unwrapped viewers and David Porter, the company’s Director of NBA Product Development, being interviewed by an Argentinian television station
  • Thousands of fans and thousands of free 2012-13 Panini America NBA Sticker Albums

You can check out a scene-capturing array of images from the packed and passionate first two days in the gallery that follows. Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance this weekend for exclusive video from the event, including interviews with Harden, Robinson, Hardaway, Payton and Dominique Wilkins, among others.
Saturday promises to be another banner day, as Panini America will bring top 2012 NBA Draft picks Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to the booth to sign free autographs. You can bet we’ll have complete coverage of those must-see events, too.
Until then, enjoy this captivating look at the action so far:

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