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Pinball Expo

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Pinball Expo
GenrePinball and Arcade Game Show
FrequencyAnnually
Location(s)Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Years active40
Inaugurated22–24 November 1985
FounderRobert "Rob" Berk
Most recent15–19 October 2024
Next event15-18 October 2025[1]
AreaSchaumburg, Illinois
Websitehttp://www.pinballexpo.com/

Pinball Expo is an event that is held annually in the Chicago area, the original home of most pinball manufacturers.[2] The event attracts pinball industry professionals, pinball players, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world.[3] Founded by Robert "Rob" Berk, of Warren, Ohio, the event was inaugurated over the weekend of November 22–24, 1985 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, IL. At the 33rd Pinball Expo, on Saturday, October 14, 2017, Twin Galaxies founder Walter Day made a presentation on behalf of Guinness World Records, issuing a Guinness award that recognized Pinball Expo as history's "longest-running pinball event."[4]

Development

[edit]

Founded in 1985, Pinball Expo is the longest-running event dedicated to pinball. It was conceived in 1984 by Robert "Rob" Berk of Warren, Ohio, to honor his heroes of the pinball industry; the artists and designers.[5] With the assistance of Bill Kurtz of Cleveland, Ohio, and later Mike Pacak of Canfield, Ohio, the trio held their first event over the weekend of November 22–24, 1985 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, Illinois. The inaugural event attracted around 100 attendees from around the world and a dozen vendors.

The expo offers a tour of a pinball factory, an autograph session, tournaments, and an exhibit hall of pinball machines and related paraphernalia.[6] There are seminars featuring well-known pinball experts.[7] Attendees can also participate in a pinball tournament called "Flip Out".[8]

On October 26, 1991, Pinball Expo launched Pinball Expo's Hall of Fame and inducted its first class of pinball luminaries: David Gottlieb, Ray Moloney, Sam Stern, and Harry E. Williams. The event is open to the general public.

By 1998, the Pinbll Expo had grown to feature more than 200 machines available to play on the show floor.[9]

Pinball World Premieres held at Pinball Expo

[edit]

As one of the most prestigious pinball events in the world, Pinball Expo has been chosen by many pinball manufacturers as the site for official "world premieres" of new pinball titles. Among the games released at Pinball Expo are:

Year Pinball Title Manufacturer Ref.
1985 Loch Ness Monster Game Plan
1987 Laser Wars Data East
1988 Baby In The Hole
1990 King Kong
2014 Full Throttle Heighway Pinball [10]
2016 Dialed In! Jersey Jack Pinball [11]
Alien Heighway Pinball [12]
Batman 66 Stern Pinball, Inc. [13]
The Big Lebowski Dutch Pinball
2017 Pirates of the Caribbean Jersey Jack Pinball [14]
2018 Oktoberfest: Pinball on Tap American Pinball
2019 Elvira's House of Horrors Stern Pinball, Inc
Cosmic Carnival Suncoast Pinball
2022 Queen Pinball Brothers [15]
Toy Story 4 Jersey Jack Pinball
Magic Girl Zidware/American Pinball [15]
2023 Pulp Fiction Chicago Gaming
Galactic Tank Force American Pinball
Elton John Jersey Jack Pinball

Chronology of Annual Pinball Expos

[edit]
Year Date Location Show Highlights Ref.
1 1985 November 22–24 Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, IL Premiere Technology/Gottlieb Plant Tour [16]
2 1986 November 21–23 Williams Plant Tour [17]
3 1987 October 9–11 [18]
4 1988 October 7–9 Ramada Inn, Rosemont, IL (near O’Hare Airport) [19]
5 1989 September 29–30 [20]
6 1990 November 9–10 [21]
7 1991 October 25–27 Pinball Expo Hall of Fame Inaugurated [22]
8 1992 November 12–15 [23]
9 1993 September 9–12 [24]
10 1994 November 10–13 [25]
11 1995 October 26–29 [26]
12 1996 November 14–17 [27]
13 1997 November 13–16 [28]
14 1998 October 22–25 [29]
15 1999 October 21–24 [30]
16 2000 October 19–22 [31]
17 2001 October 18–21 [32]
18 2002 October 17–20 [33]
19 2003 October 16–19 [34]
20 2004 October 14–17 [35]
21 2005 November 17–20 Wyndam Hotel, Rosemont, IL (near O’Hare Airport) [36]
22 2006 November 2–6 [37]
23 2007 October 24–28 [38]
24 2008 October 1–5 Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, Wheeling, IL [39]
25 2009 October 14–18 [40]
26 2010 October 20–24 [41]
27 2011 October 19–23 [42]
28 2012 October 17–21 [43]
29 2013 October 16–20 [44]
30 2014 October 17–19 Pinball Expo Service and Support Hall of Fame Inaugurated [45]
31 2015 October 14–18 [46]
32 2016 October 12–16 [47]
33 2017 October 11–15 [48]
34 2018 October 17–20 Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour [48]
Big Ball Bowler Tournament [48]
35 2019 October 16–19 Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
36 2020 October 14–17 Virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions
37 2021 October 27–30 Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, IL Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
38 2022 October 19–22 Jersey Jack Pinball Factory Tour
39 2023 October 18–21 Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
40 2024 October 15–19 [49]

Pinball Expo Hall of Fame

[edit]

As early as Pinball Expo '88, Rob Berk was championing the idea of a Pinball Expo Hall of Fame. In 1991 the Hall of Fame was created with the induction of Harry E. Williams, Sam Stern, Ray Moloney and David Gottlieb.

Date Inductee Ref.
October 20, 2023 Chris Granner, Mark Galvez, Mark Weyna
October 21, 2022 Ray Tanzer, Zofia Bil Ryan
October 29, 2021 Gil Pollock, Keith Johnson
October 17, 2020 Tommy Grant, Eulogio Pingarrón, Jack Guarnieri
October 17, 2019 Mike O'Donnell, Cassandra Peterson, Pat Powers
October 19, 2018 Elliot Eismin, Jon Norris, Ken Fedesna
October 21, 2017 Gordon Horlick, Dwight Sullivan, Pat McMahon, Brian Schmidt, Neal Falconer
October 15, 2016 Don Marshall, Connie Mitchell
October 17, 2015 John Rotharmel, David Thiel, Lyman F. Sheats Jr.
October 18, 2014 Nolan Bushnell, Brian Eddy
October 19, 2013 Lonnie Ropp, Suzanne Ciani, Eugene Jarvis
October 20, 2012 Steve Kirk, John Borg
October 22, 2011 Mark Ritchie, John Popadiuk
October 23, 2010 Python Anghelo, Gary Flower, Michael Shalhoub, Clay Harrell
October 17, 2009 Dennis Nordman, Barry Oursler, Michael Stroll, Jim Schelberg
October 4, 2008 Ted Zale, George Gomez
October 27, 2007 Lou, Dave, and Meyer Gensberg (Genco), Alvin Gottlieb, John Youssi
October 2, 2006 Paul Faris, Judd Weinberg
November 19, 2005 Margaret Hudson, Roy Parker
October 16, 2004 Robert Berk, Ed Cebula, Greg Freres, Gary Gayton, Kevin O'Connor, Michael Pacak, Joe Kaminkow
October 18, 2003 Tom Nieman [50] Edward Krynski [51]
October 19, 2002 Christian Marche [52] Jim Patla [53]
October 11, 2001 Gary Stern [54] Steve Young [55]
October 21, 2000 Pat Lawlor [56] Roger Sharpe [55]
October 23, 1999 Larry Demar [57] Greg Kmiec [58]
October 24, 1998 Gordon Morison [59]
November 15, 1997 Dick Bueschel [60] Steve Ritchie[61]
November 16, 1996 Dave Christensen [62]
October 28, 1995 Norm Clark [63] Wendell McAdams [64]
November 12, 1994 Wayne Neyens [65]
September 11, 1993 Steve Kordek [66] George Molentin [67]
October 24, 1992 Harvey Heiss [68] Harry Mabs [69]
October 26, 1991 David Gottlieb [70] Harry E. Williams [71] Ray Moloney [72] Sam Stern [73]

Pinball Expo Service and Support Hall of Fame

[edit]

Pinball Expo's Service and Support Hall of Fame was established at the 2014 Expo to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the pinball hobby.

Date Inductee Ref.
October 20, 2023 Mark Patzke, LJ Greene
October 21, 2022 John Jaidinger – Jaidinger Manufacturing, Richard Cesario – C&C Enterprises
October 29, 2021 Eddie Adlum, Planetary Pinball
October 17, 2020 Todd Tuckey - T.N.T. Amusements, Chas Siddiqi
October 17, 2019 Pinball Life
October 19, 2018 Martin Ayub - Pinball News
October 21, 2017 Walter Day, Lloyd Olson
October 15, 2016 Jay Stafford, Dave Marston
October 17, 2015 Marco Specialties
October 18, 2014 Shelly Sax, Churchhill Cabinets, Foremost Plastics

References

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  1. ^ "Pinball Expo". Pinball Expo. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  2. ^ Capper, Mickey (May 13, 2014). "Jackpot! Chicago's Hold On Pinball Industry And Artistry". WBEZ. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  3. ^ Kendall, Peter (October 27, 1991). "Pinball still scores with many people". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Playmeter December 2015".
  5. ^ "Innerview: Robert Berk". Top Score: 3–4. September–October 1987. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Flipped Out: Forget High-Tech Video Games. In Chicago, Pinball Wizardry Still Reigns". Springfield State Journal Register. October 15, 1993. p. 6A. ProQuest 264270878.
  7. ^ "Pinball Expo '86 Packs 'Em In!". Cash Box. L (31): 33–34. January 31, 1987. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  8. ^ "Pinball Expo '86: Top Pinball Enthusiasts Gather for Silverball Excitement". Top Score: 4. Winter 1987. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  9. ^ Arnet, Danielle (October 20, 1998). "Collectors flip out with free play this weekend". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  10. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  11. ^ "PINBALL EXPO 2016". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  12. ^ "PINBALL EXPO 2016". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  13. ^ "PINBALL EXPO 2016". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  14. ^ "PINBALL EXPO 2017 – THURSDAY". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  15. ^ a b Knapp, Jason (25 October 2022). "New Video of Magic Girl Pinball Machine from Pinball Expo". Knapp Arcade. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  16. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '85 - The First 'Hurrah! By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  17. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '86 -THE SECOND 'HURRAH'- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  18. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '87 -It 's The People- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  19. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '88 -Another Great Show- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  20. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '89 - My wife comes along - By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  21. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '90 -A new Decade- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  22. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '91 - The Seventh Year - By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  23. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '92 (There - They Did It Again!) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  24. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '93 (PART 1) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  25. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '94 (The 10th Year) (PART 1) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  26. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '95 (PART 1) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  27. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '96 (The Year of Coincidences) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  28. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '97 (The 13th Year) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  29. ^ "PINBALL EXPO '98 By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  30. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  31. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  32. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  33. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  34. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  35. ^ "Pinball Expo 2004 Special Message from Rob Berk". www.pinballexpo.net.
  36. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  37. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  38. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  39. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  40. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  41. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  42. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  43. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  44. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  45. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  46. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  47. ^ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  48. ^ a b c "Pinball Expo in Chicago - Home Page". www.pinballexpo.net.
  49. ^ Nguyen, Vi (18 October 2024). "Nation's longest-running pinball show draws thousands to Chicago suburb". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  50. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0807 Tom Nieman".
  51. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0803 Ed Krynski".
  52. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0813 Christian Marche".
  53. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0819 Jim Patla".
  54. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0825 Gary Stern".
  55. ^ a b "The Walter Day Collection - 0830 Steve Young".
  56. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0836 Pat Lawlor".
  57. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0844 Larry DeMar".
  58. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0854 Greg Kmiec".
  59. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0855 Gordon Morison".
  60. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0859 Dick Bueschel".
  61. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0863 Steve Ritchie".
  62. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0867 Dave Christensen".
  63. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0870 Norm Clark".
  64. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0871 Wendell McAdams".
  65. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0876 Wayne Neyens".
  66. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0880 Steve Kordek".
  67. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0886 George Molentin".
  68. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0889 Harvey Heiss".
  69. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0890 Harry Mabs".
  70. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0522 David Gottlieb".
  71. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0520 Harry Williams".
  72. ^ "The Walter Day Collection - 0538 Ray Moloney".
  73. ^ "Sam Stern Biographical Card".
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