Of you were there to play the latest machines from all the different manufacturers (except Spooky) then you were at the right place.
If you enjoy playing pinball on a cement floor with 25 foot ceilings and bright-as-fuck lighting overhead, you were also in the right place.
Adding carpeting to the venue - too expensive. OK.
Lower the venue's ceilings - pretty much impossible. OK.
Dimming the cafeteria style lighting - EASY. Not OK.
This small detail alone really killed the vibe/atmosphere.
As for the freeplay area, it has not been anything to brag about for at least a decade. The relationship between local hobbiests and the show organizers has long been an *us against them* affair. Mike Pazak is not even a local guy. He lives in Ohio. We all got sick of him blowing into town once a year, screaming at us for a week, and leaving. Yes, I know he is no longer involved, but he was for over 3 decades and a lot of permanent damage was done. Rob Berk has done little-to-nothing to repair this damage, IMHO.
Like the 30+ years proceeding this Expo, Rob expects people to bring machines and/or work and/or help organize the event for next to nothing. The Chicago Expo is not a charity event. It is a for profit event that should pay the going rate for the work that needs to be done before, during and after the event. The *almost-a-volunteer* approach this show has always taken continues to keep it from being properly staffed so that it runs smoothly.
I'm sure some will chime in and say this person gets paid well or that person gets paid well, but by-and-large this is not the case, and never has been. I personally know good people who are owed money from past years and are no longer offering their services to this event; quality people with real skills.
I also know many local collectors who used to bring machines but simply got worn down by the Expo owners over the years and have stopped doing so. As you can probably guess, I'm one of them.
This year was a special treat for those who brought machines. The wristband you received for bringing a machine didn't even allow you to attend the seminars!
WTF?
The Chicago Pinball Expo should be the premiere pinball event of the year, but too much bad blood over the decades has sadly eroded this show to its current state. It's a long way back to the top, and the competition is nothing but heating up (I'm looking at you, TPF).
I want my town to have the best show, and I, among others (I think), am willing to make a new start, if it indeed is an honest and true new start that is inclusive instead of abusive. I hold out little hope.