Quoted from CrazyLevi:Allentown was great as usual. Game selection was much better than last year plenty of good stuff.
I'll add I think it's hilarious anybody thinks the OP is Pacak.
I'll be diplomatic and say it doesn't exactly match his writing style.
YeS I WOulD HaVe TWO aGRee 
#3rdGradeWritingSkills #HamFistKeyboard
Had a great time. Arrived at 2 on Friday and there was no line. Got to play tons of games I've never played before, including a Funhouse that actually worked and an amazing TX-Sector with a subwoofer. Seriously, huge thanks to whoever brought that!
Got to try Willy Wonka and chat with Jack, got to play some (admittedly awful) qualifying games for the tournament (Still had fun though), found a manual for my Mousin' Around (No center ramp though, but I wasn't expecting to find one), and everyone was super polite.
The only bad thing about the show was that Stargate... Playing that thing sent me into a deep depression. 
Now that I'm home I need to play mine to remind myself how fun the game is when it actually works.
Quoted from tomtest:Can anyone explain why the show doesn't open until noon on Friday, I personally can only spend a few hours there and 3 hours isn't nearly enough time to do everything, it used to open at 10am and I see no justification for opening at noon, the vendors have their own entrance so the lines have no effect on their coming in, this is an extremely poor choice of times, if anything the people going in early will help with lines at the new machines.
One reason is Vendors need time to set up on Friday morning or it requires an overnight stay to set up Thursday for those traveling longer distances.
Quoted from girloveswaffles:Well, let's hope that peson didn't wipe down the game with their Tee-Shirt.
Or carry a tote bag
Quoted from Rascal_H:Power of clickbait.
Was half a day earlier...
Quoted from delt31:I do think $20 sounds awfully low especially if the crowd size is expanding
I would think the amount paid to people bringing games should increase as the show grows.
For the record, people are not paid to bring a game. In exchange for bringing a game you get free admission on the days the game is there. Bring 2 games, get 2 admissions. But you get more than that really. You can get in on Thursday for setup. You can get in early (with no lines mind you) on Friday and Saturday. When you do that you can talk to collectors, vendors, and pinheads without the crowds and noise (like the OP wanted).
I don't play much at the show at all. I walk around, look at the new stuff, look for parts, and talk to some wonderful people. I like to see people enjoying pinball, and especially the machine(s) I bring to the show.
And if anyone thinks Ivan is getting rick off this I sincerely doubt it. He had a great staff who work very hard and I am betting they don't work for free (although I don't know that). The building isn't free. He puts it all together and it is very stressful. I think he SHOULD make some money for that. But getting rich off the people who bring games? Nope. Ivan doesn't live in a mansion in the Hamptons. I've been to his house. He is a local who love pinball and wants to let others love it as well.
Chris
Quoted from ElDorado:After 20 years this was my last A-town.
Well actually last year was, cause after driving 7 hours to get there I never even went in the show.
This show is no longer about pinball, it's about lining the promoters pockets.
We all saw the line. The crowds. I've never experienced anything like like it. For years you could show up at 11:00 or so, even 11:30 and get right in at 12.
This was disgusting.
It's time for the people who work their assess off dragging machines to the show, setting them up, and keeping them running for a lousy $20 day to stop.
You are being used.
And yes, I used to be one of those guys.
It used to be Friday was the pinball enthusiasts day, it was low key and you could play anything you wanted.
Strike up a lot of nice conversations too.
Or Friday evening for a couple of hours when people went to dinner you might have 3 really nice hours at the show with like minded people.
NOT ANY MORE. Greedy SOB has ruined the show. Apparently he is marketing it to the locals, who find it a cheap place to bring their brats for an afternoon.
I knew it was done when Ivan took over. Just a couple of years ago I watched someone change a baby on top of a game. That's the type of people he's attracting.
So at 1:30 with a line still a 1000' long and and an hour wait we canceled our room and headed home, another 7 hour drive and never even got in.
Vendors should think about who their customers are and are they reaching them with this show.
I had $1000 play money just for parts and stuff. Didn't spend one dime.
Do you think john q. public was in there buying LEDS and stuff? Never mind not buying any games.
Bringing a machine for free play is a sucker bet. You work that hard to have your valuable collectibles mauled by a bunch of street people. You are working for $20 day and risking your expensive games.
Ivan laughs all the way to the bank cause of your generosity.
You should be getting at least $250 per day rental fee for your machine, and delivery and setup charges.
You are being used, and if you don't think so check out the accomodations made people who bring machines to other shows.
I don't know how he gets people to still do it.
This chump has ruined the show for pinball people.
First thing he did was destroy the flea market.
Now this.
We all saw what went on. Even the Farmers Market was slammed with the overflow, I heard a number of vendors freaking out over it. The bathrooms were jammed. And you it was almost impossible to get waited on.
And it was mostly pinball people that got shut out of the show, I saw many that just kept trying to get in all afternoon.
I am sure many of you will disagree and tell me it was the best ever. I am truly happy that you enjoyed it. But this is no longer A-town, it's just a money making racket at players and collectors expense.
I am done, have seen the last of A-town.
Easiest fix ever for everyone. Sell VIP passes at $40.00 a piece for 8:00 AM Friday entry. This gives 4 hrs VIP and also gives people who brought games the same access.
The show gets to run as usual for the public and special access bunch of pinhead is estattic.
These cold be sold online on pinside or a pinball site only
Problem solved.
Quoted from wawa777:Was half a day earlier...
Honestly think the results would have been any different?
Quoted from Rascal_H:Honestly think the results would have been any different?
It is apples and oranges with the 12 hour difference. I am quite certain that the other thread would have seen a bit more action than now - when it feels kind of redundant.
But you are probably right that this thread would have overtaken it anyhow.
Was Pacak not allowed in?
I saw him standing in line and then came back out once he entered. He looked annoyed.
Maybe poodle wasn’t allowed in?
And why wasn’t he scooter bound?!
A few of us go all the way back to the beginning of the Pinball Wizards Convention when it was held at the Trexlertown firehouse, and had maybe 40 games set up for play. I believe that was an invitation only event.
My first show was the third one ever held, and it was at the Fullerton firehouse in Whitehall. I remember hearing a story from a guy who brought a freshly restored Gottlieb "Central Park" to one of the early shows, and caught a woman changing her baby's diaper on his game! What's new is old!
The only show I really go to is Southern Fried Gaming Expo. I don't think the OP would like that one very much, even though it's an amazing event.
SFGE brings together arcade people, pinball people, board game people, console people, and many more. I love going even just for the social aspect. I've met some very cool board game people I would never meet otherwise.
Since it's held in Atlanta, there's a LOT of the public that comes. It makes Saturday busy but I love seeing so many people having a good time and families sharing these things with each other. Being able to introduce people to these things that I am so passionate about is a great thing!
SFGE even has amateur wrestling, a hot pepper eating contest, movie screenings, contests galore, dozens upon dozens of seminars, plus a lot more. It's not a "pinball show", it's a gathering of all people interested in gaming of any kind. They have a console room with every console ever made and a slew of games to play.
This year they have almost 100,000 sq ft of space. If any of you come, I'll play any game you want with you. We all win when these shows win.
PS - I'm not affiliated with the event, I just love it. The people behind it are quality people that are in it for the love, not the money.
Quoted from Rascal_H:Power of clickbait.
[quoted image][quoted image]
I realize I failed to steer people away from here, hahaha, but that was my initial intent. Oh well!
Quoted from jrpinball:A few of us go all the way back to the beginning of the Pinball Wizards Convention when it was held at the Trexlertown firehouse, and had maybe 40 games set up for play. I believe that was an invitation only event.
My first show was the third one ever held, and it was at the Fullerton firehouse in Whitehall. I remember hearing a story from a guy who brought a freshly restored Gottlieb "Central Park" to one of the early shows, and caught a woman changing her baby's diaper on his game! What's new is old!
It's really hard to believe this all started in that small firehouse hall. I was at a few of those. I remember going because of an ad in the paper I think. Those were great times, and to see what Brian (an now Ivan) have made of this is just amazing.
Chris
Quoted from chad:Or carry a tote bag
(it's a reference to another topic: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/can-we-stop-wiping-down-games-with-the-underside-of-your-shirt-gross)
I haven't been to the Allentown show in several years. I think it's great that it has become a such a huge event,. I always had a good time at that show. But If I were to bring a game ever again, and the turnout is as big as it sounds, Id probably want a little more than free admission.
Another great show in the books!!
I appreciate everything you did to accommodate all of our requests.
This included my request to have one of the security guards strip search My partner Bob Butch and friend Tom Warner. It did get kind of scary when the the security guard seemed eager and anxious and Tom got in the “ready position”. LOL
-Jiggly
Quoted from Nazz26:Hey all I’ve been lurker on Pinside for the past couple of months and this is my first post. My story real quick. Took my family (wife & daughter to Rock Fantasy in Middletown NY it has about 40 or so pinball machines.) My daughter is 16 years old and had never played pinball before and she instantly took a liking to it. We went back a few times to really get a feel for a game that I would buy NIB. After 4 visits to Rock Fantasy. We decided on Gotg. We purchased in late mid March and already has 700 plays on it. From there I became a major lurking on Pinside and began watching many You Tube pinball videos. I found out about The Allentown Pinfest from this forum and I my wife and daughter went not knowing what to expect. We met so many friendly people, we played many great pinball machines including BKsor. We had a great time and while we were there we already started talking about next year. Thank you to all the vendors and people who made Allentown Pinfest happen. This morning I woke and decided to purchase my 2nd NIB machine BKsor and already began ordering mods from Mezelmods and Tilt graphics. My family and I are hooked especially my daughter and The Allentown Pinfest had a say in purchasing BKsor. Like many are saying this hobby is growing and my family and I are becoming part of it.
[quoted image]
Awesome man! That’s what it’s all about! So happy to hear that you’re whole family is digging this fun hobby.
Rock Fantasy is great. I’m about a 50 minute drive away and try and get there every few months. Playing SW pro there last year helped me decide to buy that. I looked for Guardians to play at Allentown and was bummed there wasn’t one to play. I dig that game and wouldn’t mind owning it someday. Because of the “Rocket kicker”, which is so similar to the War Machine kicker in Iron Man (another game I own), I decided to wait on Guardians.
But hey, if you ever get tired of Gotg and want to trade for SW let me know! We’re practically neighbors. My good buddy in Monroe also has a killer collection. Maybe we can get you and your family over sometime when he has a pin gathering.
Quoted from Honch:I haven't been to the Allentown show in several years. I think it's great that it has become a such a huge event,. I always had a good time at that show. But If I were to bring a game ever again, and the turnout is as big as it sounds, Id probably want a little more than free admission.
You get early / painless / line free entry, you get a forum to sell a game, and you contribute to making the show better.
I don’t understand what else you want. You expect cash?
Quoted from CrazyLevi:You get early / painless / line free entry, you get a forum to sell a game, and you contribute to making the show better.
I don’t understand what else you want. You expect cash?
Thats a good question, and honestly I really don't know. Maybe free admission following year too. If you're selling a game its definitely the way to go. And I do admit it is fun to be a part of the event.
Quoted from Honch:Thats a good question, and honestly I really don't know. Maybe free admission following year too.
Problem with this is zero games would
Show up the next year!!!!! So don’t see that happening.
It is fun to be part of the event. It’s fun to see people playing your games, come in early Thursday, Skip the lines etc. people complain about “missing all the deals” when they show up on Friday. Well, bring a game, and get first crack!
I did it the previous two years but couldn’t handle dealing with it this year. Always happy with my compensation (and keep in mind it’s $40 value if you do it both days.)
Quoted from DrDQ:The show was good, albeit a bit crowded. But shows that are empty will not last.
The biggest yet easily correctible issue was the entrance with a single person at the window. That built up an unnecessary line. I think the organizers got caught off guard a bit as it seemed there was a heavy crowd at opening.
Once inside it was crowded but wasn’t bad, the waiting lines for the new machines were long; especially Wonka and Octoberfest. Good thing Black Knight is so brutal it helped keep the line moving. But the less recent and older machines had minimal wait time.
Yet at the same time for such a crowd it was a rare occasion to see anyone (all ages etc) that was rude or obnoxious. I wish all events were like this; try walking around a crowded casino and see how frustrating that can be.
I can understand the frustration, shit happens. The organizers learn and adjust. I wouldn’t chalk it up to greed as much as demand and a growing form of entertainment.
The folks running this show put a lot of time and effort into it and I am sure they will discuss any adjustments needed for future shows.
As for prices; yes, in general there were a lot of machines with asking prices that were reaching new levels (some that were comical) But if there are no takers then the prices will drop (even during the show).
+1!
Well said. The ONLY issue was the single person taking money, single person taking ticket, and single person issuing wrist band.
I spoke to an unnamed organizer about this and they realized the issue and plan to amend it somehow to correct the 2 hour wait in line.
Quoted from Honch:I haven't been to the Allentown show in several years. I think it's great that it has become a such a huge event,. I always had a good time at that show. But If I were to bring a game ever again, and the turnout is as big as it sounds, Id probably want a little more than free admission.
You do get more than free admission, as has been repeated in this and other threads and extolled for years. The main value is you get to attend on Thursday, which is otherwise closed to the public. I’ve heard for years that the best deals and trading occurs Thursday, before anyone else even gets a sniff of the show. In essence, the public gets the leftovers. That’s about as good as it gets in this hobby.
Quoted from dmess:2 hour wait in line
There was absolutely not a 2 hour line. I was in peak line and it was at most 40 minutes. Probably like 35.
Aside from the line, once inside it felt basically the same as last year. Another good show.
Quoted from CrazyLevi:Problem with this is zero games would
Show up the next year!!!!! So don’t see that happening.
It is fun to be part of the event. It’s fun to see people playing your games, come in early Thursday, Skip the lines etc. I did it the previous two years but couldn’t handle dealing with it this year. Always happy with my compensation (and keep in mind it’s $40 value if you do it both days.)
Agreed. Ultimately, I'm just not as motivated as I use to be to haul games around. I still enjoy the hobby, but its not like it use to be.
I went on Friday. It was my first pinball show. I drove 3 hours and arrived around 5pm. I was able to play one game each of Wonka, black knight, and Iron Maiden. I walked around the free play area, and met a few vendors that I’ve purchased from in the past but had never met. I didn’t buy anything.
Not knowing what to expect, I would say I was mildly disappointed. The lines to play the new titles were longer than I expected. I thought stern/distributors would bring more of the new titles, having pre-sold them or selling them at a discount at the show. I’m not sure it was worth the 6+ hours of driving and the hotel stay. If I go again I’ll do it as a day trip and save some $. One of the vendors actually recommended that I not come back Saturday if I thought the lines were too long Friday evening. I took the advice and was back on the road Saturday by 7:30a.
I unfortunately discovered the farmers market too late, they were closing as I walked in. It sure looks like a great place for lunch or dinner.
Quoted from andrewket:I went on Friday. It was my first pinball show. I drove 3 hours and arrived around 5pm. I was able to play one game each of Wonka, black knight, and Iron Maiden. I walked around the free play area, and met a few vendors that I’ve purchased from in the past but had never met. I didn’t buy anything.
Not knowing what to expect, I would say I was mildly disappointed. The lines to play the new titles were longer than I expected. I thought stern/distributors would bring more of the new titles, having pre-sold them or selling them at a discount at the show. I’m not sure it was worth the 6+ hours of driving and the hotel stay. If I go again I’ll do it as a day trip and save some $. One of the vendors actually recommended that I not come back Saturday if I thought the lines were too long Friday evening. I took the advice and was back on the road Saturday by 7:30a.
I unfortunately discovered the farmers market too late, they were closing as I walked in. It sure looks like a great place for lunch or dinner.
That was a mistake. Saturday was a breeze - opening at 9am - and wasn’t even busy until after lunch. Part of that, I imagine, was the uproar over Friday. Some people obviously begged off, and made Saturday a great show day.
Honestly, I don’t know what people expect. A packed house, full of games, fans, friends, vendors...Jersey Jack in the flesh. For two straight 9 hour days. In a hobby we love. I know what I’m getting at Allentown. And as it’s gotten much bigger in the last 5 years, it’s gotten much better too. More vendors, many more new games to play. What’s not to like?
YMMV I guess.
Unlike pro sports, which are often better watched at home on the new TVs, watching pinball streams sucks. Ya gotta show up and play, and these shows provide that at scale.
Quoted from romulusx:Was Wonka set up proper,and what are your opinions after playing?
Was not so good.
Quoted from tjprice222:This thread SUCKed
I wouldn’t go that far. Seems like it’s the “thread of the weekend”. For good or not. Very entertaining!
Been coming to Allentown for years, I started coming when it was still in the Antique mall. Could not make it up Friday this year due to family obligations and was dreading the Saturday crowd. Saw pictures and all the comments about the admission line on Friday and was seriously considering canceling the Saturday trip up with the family. As someone who has been in the hobby for 20 years or so, the main reason I come to the shows is to play the newest games released in the last year or so and the ones about to go into production. The majority of us have all played the titles that are commonly in the free play area numerous times and that isn't really the draw for the show (especially for me). The lines seemed little longer then usual, at least for the most recent releases and the wait time was getting old, felt like we were at Disney waiting to ride a ride. I really wish after waiting that long in line to play a game, they would at least put a 5-10 second ball save in the game. Couple times the family and I finally got up to play a machine, only to have the balls shoot straight down the middle/ out lanes upon the plunge. Not much fun waiting 20+ minutes to have a game over in seconds. It would also be cool if the flea market could somehow get moved back outside so maybe the big vendors (CT, Marco and Pinball Star) could have more space and bring more new games to setup like I see other shows have? Would definitely alleviate the lines on the newest titles and make it more enjoyable to actually get some time in on a machine to see if you would seriously buy one or not. While I always look forward to this show and stay open until close, this year wasn't enjoyable for any in our group and we proceeded to leave 3 hours earlier then anticipated. Not complaining, as I love to have shows to go to, but these are areas I think could be looked at it improve overall enjoyment for the paying customers.
Quoted from Electrocute:I wouldn’t go that far. Seems like it’s the “thread of the weekend”. For good or not. Very entertaining!
Oh, no doubt. I’m just a little sour that I didn’t get to make it up there this year. Sounds like there was a lot of good stuff I missed out on.
My wife and I got there on Friday about 12:30. We live about 2 hours away.
There was a line to get in. We went over to the farmer's market before getting in line, had some excellent food.
Stood in line about 1/2 hour to get in.
I guess there must have been two different pinball conventions in Allentown on Friday, because the one we went to was GREAT.
I didn't see any "street people" and there were not all that many kids.
We were there about 5 hours and played a whole bunch of pins for the first time.
There were a large number of pins, so we got to play some that we had never played before, like Fun House and Monster Bash.
I played Space Shuttle for the first time since I graduated from Rutgers 30 years ago.
We had dinner at a pub in Bethlehem called Fegley's. Outstanding place, great food.
It was GREAT. I'll definitely be back next year. Of course I'll bring my glock foytay to deal with the "street people."
Quoted from ccbiggsoo7:its my party and i'll cry if want too, cry if I want too, cry if I want too...……...……...….....
LOL
seriously
Imagine driving 7 hours for a pinball show and then turning around and going back home.
So you (OP) waited four years to make your first post on Pinside, and this was the result? Lol....Dimwit...
Sounds like you may have missed your meds.... I also drove 7hrs (with basically zero sleep)(Had to make a pickup first), I showed up at 1:16pm on Friday and was surprised at the line, but parked my vehicle, chugged a "soda" (7hr drive blew), then started another "soda" and waited in line. I didn't think the line took too long, or maybe I was glad not to be sitting in my vehicle anymore. No complaints about the show tho, line and all...Had a good time, with a good group of guys...
New games should have been set up hard. No extra balls. Tight tilt. Limited, if any, ball save. Would have kept the line moving quicker.
Quoted from dtown:New games should have been set up hard. No extra balls. Tight tilt. Limited, if any, ball save. Would have kept the line moving quicker.
Munsters tilt was so sensitive that getting multi ball would trigger it, and the ball kept getting stuck in the VUK. Had to power cycle the game twice.
Quoted from Mizzou0103:Serious question. Why did Zap Con get a Stern/Marco set up, but Pinfest didn’t?
Marco had a booth and game area wich looked like 10 Sterns. It's based on how many games they can pre sell at the show discount. Zap Con may have pramoted the deal better to increase the games purchased. But I don't have any first hand knowledge of the details.
Quoted from PismoArcade:OP is now an inactive member.
Let’s all upvote him and try to get him back.
Quoted from dannunz:Marco had a booth and game area wich looked like 10 Sterns. It's based on how many games they can pre sell at the show discount. Zap Con may have pramoted the deal better to increase the games purchased. But I don't have any first hand knowledge of the details.
Looks like Zapcon had 23 new sterns set up, here’s a pic of them setting em up.
54A3B859-DCA2-43F4-B4B2-352BCD5645CD (resized).jpegQuoted from dmess:+1!
Well said. The ONLY issue was the single person taking money, single person taking ticket, and single person issuing wrist band.
I spoke to an unnamed organizer about this and they realized the issue and plan to amend it somehow to correct the 2 hour wait in line.
The Show opened at 12:00 I got there right at 12 from a 6+1/2 hr drive. Saw the line. Went for lunch. Came back out. 1/2+ hr later. The Line was bigger I was at the back that looped around. My buddy in pic before we walked across and got in line. But still got in in 10-15 mins.
And 2 people were giving out tickets and 2 wrist bands. Same as the last 4 years. I Don't know how it's a 2hr line unless you showed up at 10. 
IMG_20190503_124857637 (resized).jpg
Quoted from erak:The Line was bigger I was at the back that looped around. But still got in in 10-15 mins.
And 2 people were giving out tickets and 2 wrist bands. Same as the last 4 years. I Don't know how it's a 2hr line unless you showed up at 10. [quoted image]
Yeah, the line moved pretty quick. I was about 1/2 way in the line when it opened on Friday, it seemed like around a 10 minute wait. With the entry fee being $20/$10 there isn't much change to be made. Make it $21/$11 and then it might have really been a 2 hour line.
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