Lucky. I think it was 8 from DC... three of which you are either approaching/traversing/leaving the NYC area. No easy flight options from here to there either. Too far to drive; too close to fly. Ugh. But a fun show indeed.

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync adapter kit

I checked last year and it was not good. Right now however, BWI to Hartford on Southwest is $54 each way. The Groupon hotel special of $59 a night seems to end in April but they'll probably extend it soon. July doesn't work for me this year but hopefully seeing this type of crazy-low airfare sparks broader interest in committing to travel! BTW, I've seen similar bargains flying to Love field for TPF...

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync adapter kit

Ahhh, good memories - my Kicker was in one of your pictures! I sold it at the show and pretty much ever since I've missed owning an EM. Those that were there may remember I used a silent auction format with no reserve - that was fun!

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync adapter kit

My Chicago Coin Kicker in free play won me a door prize... it was a credit at a vendor. I don't remember the exact value, but no matter, it was a cool reward!

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync adapter kit

Last year the EM I had in free play scored one of the prizes in the free play give away. I had registered early; no way to know whether it was the "bonus ticket" that won, but the prize was a nice reward! Why not double your chances while the offer is still out there?

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

I sold a game there last year to a guy who turned out to be a really cool person. We played multi-player on several games in FP after the final handshake. You'll find some good folks up there.

I took another look at flights yesterday but Pintastic just isn't going to happen for me this year. I'll be one of the many watching the photos post to the thread.

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

Last year the show had a great balance of vending hours that allowed vendors plenty of time to actively participate in the show away from the booth. I was in the auction room, at the party, & played a lot of freeplay. I can't be there this year but no doubt will be thinking about the fun I'm missing next week! Have a great time everyone... post photos!

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

Would the hotel let you set up a big tent for the flea market? People notice big things like this:

https://wholesaleeventtents.com/product/46-x-20-heavy-duty-white-party-tent-gazebo-canopy/

Surprised by the pricing at that link - $1500 for 46'x20'... imagine a rental would be ideal as someone would bring it, set it up, and tear it down for you.

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V Video Sync Combiner kit

I wasn't there this year, but have been following the show via the thread... couple of ideas for next year:

1. Maybe use the auction room for a silent auction on the second day and have it benefit a deserving local charity.

2. If the flea market survives and consumes parking out front, maybe reserved prime parking for VIPs? Locals who don't stay at the hotel would be the target audience.

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

Doesn't have to be a machine for a silent charity auction. For example, as someone wanting to call attention to my products (and, maybe my vendor booth... moving off the 4th of July date may help with that one), I would likely offer some items from my inventory as an auction item. Attendees browse tables containing the auction lots and that generates interest in the products - this is a way for vendors to reach people who might not approach a vendor table.

Individuals likely would be willing to donate auction lots as well. Many of us "accumulate" unneeded parts through the year but not nearly enough to have a flea market table. Selling and shipping can be such a hassle that it's just not worth the effort. But give them a charity receipt for a donated lot and stuff may well appear quickly.

often times auction lots close below full retail value but since products were donated for the auction the charity still gets real money, the winner leaves happy with a bargain, and the donator of the lot probably feels good about the tradeoff of merchandise for exposure. Sometimes (especially when the charity resonates with the audience) auction lots can be bid up well beyond retail value.... even better for the charity.

Anyway, it's just an idea that we've all seen work for charity events and it generally ends with a bunch of folks in good moods. In a traditional auction I tend to think sellers tend to leave thinking they got less than they could have and buyers tend to leave thinking they paid more than they should have. The auctioneer (if they are paid a cut) may well be the one who most reliably leaves happy. In Pintastic's case, it could also end up accelerating the growth of the merchandising side of what is still a young show.

-Rob
-visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit