I also am looking forward to the July event. It will be my second, and can say that I have the "pinball bug". I have 2 recommendations for the show.
1) Have a live demonstration on play field restoration. Demonstrate the sanding, repainting, refinishing techniques. Maybe some beat up play fields could be donated for such an event. Might also be a good plug for someone that does it as a business.

2) Beer girls! A couple blonde german girls in Octoberfest garb with big... mugs. Would we need bouncers for this?

I had a 24' car trailer few years back, now have a 14' cargo trailer. If I were closer I would help haul some for you. Anyone local that has a car trailer that would haul for a price for you? I would use a trailer with an E-Track system in place to ratchet everything down.

Gabe,

I'm interested in bringing several machines to sell. I wouldn't want to be in the outdoor flea market, so is my only other option the free play room?

Great info. Put me on a mailing list.

What about rates for vendor area booth's? What is the cost to enter machines for free play? (If any)

Also, how do you arrange the games in "free play"? Is it first come first serve, or do you have a method for arrangement?

I may bring machines for free play as well as "project machines".

Thanks

I just went online for curiosity to check room availability. It shows no rooms available for those days. So I just spoke to the front desk and did book a room under the Pintastic room block. If you are going, it's best to call them.

What about classic EM shooting games? Any members care to bring any and display them? Or are these not allowed to this show? They seem like they can be a bear to work on.

Another request you should make Gabe, is the condition of the public restrooms near the free play area. This was mentioned earlier in the year regarding the show. The restroom was a disgrace, and hotel management really needs to step up their game.

Are we heading towards handing out latex gloves in the free play area?

I plan on bringing several EM's for free play. Hope to see some classics there.

Sloppy scribbles? Wish I had that talent. Hat's off!

Gabe,

Just registered 3 machines. GREAT job on the web design!!! Who does your work?

Very impressive Gabe!

Wow, there's a lot going on there. Looks great!

Curious how the "Free Play" registration is going. What's the capacity for that room? (Machines)

I already registered several for free play. I may add more, but my lower back can only take so much.

Yes, I too am on the lookout for a specific title. However listing games prior to the show will create "vacancies" and fewer machines for sale at the event.

I plan on having several Gottlieb EM's for sale. But would rather enter them in the show for a possible sale. People travel great distances from what I saw last year, in the hopes of finding specific titles.

Planning on adding to the list. Thanks Gabe.

Um, "Beer Girls" are daughters of Dad's like some of us.

"Ardvark" (Allan Davidson) who sets up in the vendor hall, usually has play field glass. However, it's best to call him ahead of time to confirm if he has any in stock.

Hilarious!!!!

Beer Girl. I just found her.

Where are we compared to last year for free play entries?

Someone bring a Gottlieb Lucky Hand that I can buy.

Some of what I'm bringing to "Free Play". And yes, they will be for sale.

Gabe,
What time Thursday, July 6 can we arrive to unload?

Gabe,
Outstanding work on the posters. Should definitely make things easier for people this year.

Very well said!

We witnessed small children climbing on top of machines as if it were a playground. Parents just standing there. Had to go over and be the "ass" to say your child can't be climbing on top of the machine. Was not impressed with how some people treat other peoples property. (That being a small percentage.)

HILARIOUS!!!

And turn down the volume on your mic Gabe. The mic was blasting in the free play room so bad that you couldn't even decipher what was being said.
I agree with no band. Car shows that have had loud music playing are a huge turn off. People want to be able to have a conversation. That was impossible when your announcements on the mic came over.