Chicago Pinball Expo

caldwert

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Anybody been to this on here? I'd like to hear your thoughts on how worthwhile it is. As far as what I'm looking to get out of it? I'd like to do the Stern tour, hear some of the speakers, but mainly play a ton of pinball. I've been reading and get the impression that its not exactly the place to get in a ton of play, more or less a social gathering for most people. Well, I don't really know or socialize with any pinball heads, so I'm wondering what your opinions are on it?
 
I went for the first time last year. I enjoyed the stern tour, pinball life open house, seminars and even bought the CSI tournament machine. I did play several games but as far as just play goes, the texas pinball festival is much better when it comes to playing, plus they have the swap meet in the parking lot. Just my $.02
 
I went for the first time last year. I enjoyed the stern tour, pinball life open house, seminars and even bought the CSI tournament machine. I did play several games but as far as just play goes, the texas pinball festival is much better when it comes to playing, plus they have the swap meet in the parking lot. Just my $.02

I can't comment on the Texas pinball festival, but in years past the lineups were A LOT better. For some some reason last year some of the heavy hitters weren't there...

This is coming from a person that attended the last 5 Expos...
 
You really don't need to know anyone there to socialize. The bigger reason to go there is for the seminars over playing, unless you can handle 3 hours of sleep a day. When I went, I was playing until midnight when the main hall closes, taking a 3 hour power nap and then going back down to the 24 hour hall and playing in "pinball ghost town". It was great, but only if you can handle the lack of sleep to get the bunch of plays in.
 
Anybody been to this on here? I'd like to hear your thoughts on how worthwhile it is. As far as what I'm looking to get out of it? I'd like to do the Stern tour, hear some of the speakers, but mainly play a ton of pinball. I've been reading and get the impression that its not exactly the place to get in a ton of play, more or less a social gathering for most people. Well, I don't really know or socialize with any pinball heads, so I'm wondering what your opinions are on it?

I've been to every Expo in chicago since 2000... I am also a speaker. I enjoy the show and the layouts. I myself don't like to travel too much.. And Chicago beings its the home to pinball makes it all sweet. Plus you can't forget about the PIZZA.. ;)
Over all I enjoy the Pinball Expo in Chicago...
 
What is the 24 hour hall? and Yes I can handle the no sleep. I'm really kind of ignorant on the whole setup of how it goes. I got the emails and itinerary and whatnot, but wanted to hear from people who had attended. And yes I know about the pizza. I usually head up to Lollapalooza up there every year but did not go this year.
 
I went last year, and met up with the KLOV crew at the RAM. Hope to do it again. I loved the show, last year I brought my family, this year just myself. SO we cam meet up and play some games!!!

I have been to some shows and I would definitely say this one is worth attending, especially because you get so much for $160. Tour, seminars, etc.

Shoot me a note, I will show you around.
 
So what is Pinball Life? Fill me in here. Also, how many games are in the all night section?

Its a pinball parts/pin store ran out of Huntley, IL. They offer a bus back and forth to Expo which is pretty cool. I've bought several parts from Pinball Life and the owner is pretty nice.

http://pinballlife.com/

I went to EXPO for the first time last year and loved it. I'm excited to go again this year to do the 24 hour Pinball area and figure out what I want for my next Pin! :)
 
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Anybody been to this on here?

This is my 13 in a row year of going to the Expo. It's a great show. Compared to the other pinball shows the Expo usually has more vendors and the free play room is open 24 hrs.

Also the Expo offers seminars all four days and the Stern Pinball tour.

Check out the schedule of events:

http://www.pinballexpo.net/index2.php
 
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