As a first time attendee, are there any benefits to going on one day vs. the other?

I personally recommend Cali Burrito, I go there every time I'm in town.

As long as we're making requests, I'm on the lookout for a Bally Mariner backbox (or at least the components for one). Backglass does not need to be intact, but the inner workings should be functional. Hoping I don't have to buy a whole cabinet, but I will for the right price.

I'll definitely be stopping by to take a look at your supply. Specifically, the legs, backglass, and project pins for sure. Any of them a Mariner by chance?

Sorry if this is explained elsewhere, but is there a reason to pre-register as an attendee? This will be my first year going, but I'm not bringing a game (although I do hope to buy). Will I be turned away if I haven't registered?

Ah ok, that makes sense. Thanks! And I'll be checking out everything, but will be most likely buying an EM, unless I find a SUPER cheap #MM somehow.

Good call, I'll grab a spare outfit myself.

If all goes well today, I might end up bringing my Dr. Dude to free play next year.

Super happy with my first time. Didn't get to play a ton of games because I was in "shopping" mode and mostly looking out for something to bring home. Was pretty bummed at first that there weren't any Mariners or Sea Rays that I could find, and just when I'd given up hope, I got a PM from a private seller with one in his truck! Made my whole weekend, and I can't wait to get working on it.

Next time, I'll try to bring the Dr. Dude (I didn't see any of those this year, either) and focus more on actually PLAYING the games. I'm lucky enough to have two pinball arcades nearby, though, so I'm not that heartbroken.

Picked up a gorgeous Pinball Pool backglass as well, just because I fell in love with the art.
Also grabbed some LEDs to try out in the Dr. Dude, and I have to say I'm impressed enough with how they look to go ahead with a full conversion. Overall, great event, and can't wait to do it all again!

I'll give Colsond3 and Lights Out a shout too. Bought some bulbs and spoke with them about what I might need for my Dr. Dude, and he was real helpful and even gave me a few extra bulbs just because I told him I didn't want change back. (The flasher bulb doesn't work for some reason, but the rest do, and look great!)

It probably does. I'll check it out, and see if that fixes it.