THE BEST KEEPS GETTING BETTER: Pinball Expo To Mark 37th Year With Biggest Show In Its History
SCHAUMBURG, ILL. – Pinball Expo is back bigger and better than ever. Following last year’s virtual event, this year’s expanded brick-and-mortar show is poised to break records for attendance and exhibits along with a packed schedule that is drawing the game’s enthusiasts from every corner of the country and the world. Slated for October 27th through October 30th, at the Schaumburg Illinois Convention Center, the upcoming event will feature the largest exhibit space and widest range of exhibitors and vendors in the show’s 37-year history.
The upcoming show will include over 70 exhibits in a 60,000 sq. ft. convention space. There are more than 30-hours of seminars from some of the leading creators of pinball machines as well as video games who are helping to shape the present and future of leisure time entertainment.
Among the highlights of this year’s show are:
- A special hosted tour of Stern Pinball, the world’s largest manufacturer of the pinball games that will take attendees behind the scenes for a rare look at the design and manufacturing process of some of the world’s most beloved pinball machines.
- The major Flip Out pinball tournament with the top prize being a Stern Pro Pinball Machine. In addition, a Classics Pinball Tournament, a Junior competition and a Women’s Challenge round out just the flipper frenzy action with over $15,000 in cash and prizes
- The world famous Galloping Ghost Arcade and its Retro Arcade Game Tournament returns with the winner taking home the coveted Championship Belt.
- This year’s event will also include an awards presentation recognizing those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the world of pinball and video games. The International Video Game Hall of Fame will be announcing inductees, including Game Developers, Industry Leader and the top Gamers from the 1970’s on through the 2000’s.
“Last year we were forced to go to a virtual format, which came off better than anyone expected,” said Rob Berk, Pinball Expo’s founder. “This year, returning to the in-person format, we knew we have to put something really special together, and I believe we’ve succeeded. It’s our most ambitious show to date.
As Berk explained, the show has expanded its focus to also include a celebration of the Golden Age of arcade games. “These are the games that we boomers remember fondly from our youth and millennials are now discovering,” Berk said. “And this is a chance for young people to learn more about the history of those classic games from such legendary companies as Capcom, Atari and so many others.” As Berk added, there will also be dedicated seminars and talks on the classic hand-held games introduced by Sega and Nintendo.
The event, as in past years, is tailored to provide “something for everyone,” ranging from those who are just beginning to enjoy the games to long-time enthusiasts who are meticulously refurbishing a collection of classics. The atmosphere, as Berk has noted, has always been wholly inclusive regardless of knowledge base or skill level. “Pinball people are among the most welcoming hobbyists in the world. They just love the game and are always anxious to share what they know with newcomers,” he said. “We have players and hobbyists who attended their first show with some trepidation decades ago who are now sharing the knowledge they accumulated with first-time attendees.”
This is the can’t miss event of the year. Mark your calendars for Pinball Expo ‘21 and be a part of pinball history. Maybe you will even make your own pinball history. For more information visit the official website for Pinball Expo 2021 www.pinballexpo.com and for special event packages, please contact Rob Berk at (info@pinballexpo.com) or call 330-716-3139.