I would put it at less than 1%. Per the Illinois reopening plan, conventions are only allowed in phase 5, which is defined as "vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period." At this point the question is, will there be a 2021 Expo?

You can always cancel. It's a freeroll, book away.

Expo emailed a questionnaire today. For those who aren't on the list:

I would like to provide an update on the status of the 36th annual Pinball Expo to be held October 14th-18th, 2020 at the Westin Hotel in Wheeling, IL. The possibility of having our annual event seems to be increasing week to week. The hotel has been firm on my responsibility to have the event providing the Governor of Illinois lifts the ban on large social gatherings.

Illinois is currently in phase 4 of a 5-phase program. If and when the governor decides that the state has reached phase 5, or the conditions warrant lifting the ban on large gatherings, Pinball Expo will take place.

Our staff has been planning for changes and modifications at this year’s Pinball Expo in order to comply with all state and local requirements. We have significant obstacles to overcome, including social distancing, cleaning of the machines, and much more. We are confident with your support, we will be able to provide a fun-filled, family-friendly event that will be safe for all involved.

In order to prepare for the Expo, we ask for your feedback to the questionnaire below:

[link removed]

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to respond to me directly please feel free to email me at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Robert Berk
Founder and Chairman

FWIW, here's how I answered the survey.

Q: What precautions would make you feel safe in attending Pinball Expo?
A: Strict, and I mean STRICT mask policy. Mask over mouth AND nose. No pulling it down to talk, no eating or drinking indoors. No mask no entry, period.

You're probably right. I might reluctantly miss Expo for the first time in 20 years.

I'm not afraid for myself. I catch the "expo flu" just about every year (granted this would probably be worse). Just trying to put the welfare of society as a whole above the miniscule personal inconvenience of wearing a mask. Crazy, I know.

"Stay home" doesn't lend itself to expo running profitably, if at all.

Anyway, feel free to submit your own survey response with an american flag waving behind a bald eagle tearing a mask in its beak.

https://www.thisweekinpinball.com/virtual-pinball-expo-2020-schedule-of-events

Glad you said something. I just assumed everything was in central time, because umm, Expo.