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

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

Was worth it just for this

Had a nice conversation with Jack. Was nice to talk to him one on one and not in his booth with all the commotion. He told me that Bad Cats 2 is the next title but don't tell anyone!

And Todd is always a hoot!

Bad Cat Jack (resized).jpg

Todd Tuckey 2019 (resized).jpg

I miss when Steve Young was at the shows. If something broke on a game, you could almost guarantee he had a replacement. Now it's hit or miss (usually miss). a few years back my LOTR broke one of the fork switches. NOBODY had one, and that's not a super rare part.

Modders would do well. There was just about everything to Mod your game. the show used to be like an old school auto parts store, with helpful people and parts you couldn't find anywhere. Now it's more of a Pep Boys of modding and flashy lights.

Ant that's ok if that's your thing, and you'd do well here for that. This is why things like the flea market are great. They have many parts as well, albeit usually used, but you can often find something you need in a pinch (unless it's a stern fork switch. LOL).

I guess what I am trying to say is that I feel there is something for everyone at this show. Not just new, not just old, but a good mix of both.

And this is why I will keep coming back.It also helps that I am only 20 minutes away from the show, but I would still come if I were further.

Chris

Not sure if this happened on my Bad Cats (the one toward the front) or the one in the back, but if you're near the area you're always welcome to stop over and play mine. Well, once I get it set up again

Chris

Hmmmm, that sounds like mine as the seafood wheel stopped working as well. Either way, the offer stands

Chris

Yes, that was the one in the back as you stated. That one was quite nice. Sort of glad it had the same issue mine did. LOL.

Hope you can find one!

Chris

Quoted for truth. Another thing that amazed me was how much new playfield glass makes a difference. This is the first time I ever bought new glass since I always thought the old ones were only a little scratched and "just fine". Boy was I wrong!!! Now it looks like there's no glass in the darn game at all!

Thanks for making glass available at an affordable price Ivan!

Chris