I heard they're changing it to BITCHFEST next year.

oh and no chicks,especially since you could get distracted and lose some WPPR points.

LMAO, true statement...... For the record i was not complaining, i was trying to think of new ideas to help other pinsiders.

Im thinking about it actually......... we should re-visit this topic in a few months when we are closer to next years Pinfest. Id actually be interested in seeing how it works out at Pintastic.

That's a good idea. I think it might be good for "simple" repairs. (repair area) But, if it was that easy, I think one of the repair guys would have done it already...

We had one there this year: EABUNDY

He was working on a line of machines on the back wall. Really saved my day!!!!

At the TPF...a young tech dude was running around doing minor repairs....he was quick, very busy all weekend and I think made a few bucks. Not sure what he charged, (hell, he could have been a volunteer), but it seemed like a great gig for him...

first of all, these are just ideas at this point. Ivan hasn't weighed in on the issue and nothing happens without his say so. I think he wouldn't be too happy if I were to say, hey, I'm setting up a repair area. Logistics need to be worked out if HE thinks the idea has merit. If he were to ask for volunteers to help with it, I would be happy to. I'm not a repair guy, but I could help move machines at the very least. Maybe legally there's a problem. Maybe insurance is a problem. Maybe space, power,parking are problems. So its a little premature to say "take the initiative and organize the repair techs".
Lets see how things go at pinterest. What are the problems. was it worthwhile? Did it generate more participation.
Remember, its just an idea. No need for anyone to get their panties twisted.

THANK YOU Pinfest and production team. It was a fun weekend and the "new to pins" guests I brought with me had a blast too.

Next year, if you could only do something about that rain.

Award a ticket for a separate "survivor's raffle" for every game which isn't in ratty shape and doesn't break by the end of the show. One for EM's and another for moderns.

Encouragement to do your homework *before* the show starts, eh?

Just want to add that it was my first pinfest and I had a great time. Was just there on Saturday. Didn't end up getting a pin, but was a great opportunity to play for the first time many machines that have had a lot of discussion on pinside. I plan on returning next year.

I too wanted to say we had a great time at Pinfest! This was my first experience of a Pin show of any type. We traveled all the way from California to visit my wifes parents near Allentown which was a nightmare due to a flight cancellation, but we made it to the show on Saturday. It was great meeting some of the vendors that I have placed many orders through in the past and playing many new machines. Due to the distance I couldnt buy any Pins, but I bought a BOP 2.0 kit from Cointaker and some parts so might as well have bought one! Thanks to everyone who put this show on, it was a big part of our fun vacation!

Would this be an interesting idea for a competition? Take 2 machines and have one of the pros disable something. Remove a wire, do something to the CPU, loose connection...whatever. Then have 2 people compete to see who finds the problem and fixes it first.
...er, or is that dopey?

Can't remember if I saw this or note...is ColorDMD providing an incentive to Pintastic folks this year?

Probably should ask that in one of the Pintastic threads...

This was done at Pinball Expo one year. I think they did not get enough interest to do it again. (Not that we couldn't try again...)
.................David Marston

Big thank you to bjsilverballs who brought one of the Congos! I played her twice during Sat. Once I waited for a couple to play a game then after playing, I played the guy behind me,(CAM,)and had a good game. I had packed up the car at 3 and realized I should really hit the restroom before I hit the road so I went back into the show. Afterwards I spotted the Congo still set up and all alone, so I ran over to play one more game. Had an even better game than before and realized that I was leaving too early?! I then ran through all the rows and played at least 8 more pins. Thanks bjsilverballs for not only bringing your pin down, but for staying till the end!

Did you wash your hands

I remember talking to you about the rain... thanks for stopping by my booth! Are you going to PAGG this weekend? Sure wish I was...

-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

At 38 minutes there's about an hour of a walk though of Allentown with interviews with several vendors. Wish I had time to do more but once the doors opened on Friday it was a lot busier than I had anticipated. Interviews include Steve(Hemi) from Pinball Refinery, Joe of Lasserific, Mike Frasca(Masondixieauctions), Adam Kiesler of NorthStar in Montreal, Robert of Double Danger a pinball and probably someone I'm forgetting. I had a great time.

http://www.podcastgarden.com/episode/episode-23-gloveless-bob-and-sandals-for-the-win_78056

Hell yeah! I actually tipped my bathroom host my last single. The only way the day could've been better was if I took the time to hunt out some more pinsiders. Saw Eric Bundy, Francesco and all of his friends, Bruce, and spfxted"s awesome shirt. I missed Rob from Rochester, Colson, Monster bash, wanted to meet Beezle, JoeinNJ and Crazy Levi. Nice meeting Wick from Va, Joe from laserrific and Jose from Tiltgraphics and Steve from pinball refinery. Thanks Ivan!

Not going to PAGG this weekend Rob, I was just at my first ever show, cant overdo it! lol

Your daughterboard is up and running in my BOP. Thanks!

Steve

The vendors might be my favorite part of pin shows. It's fun to see what is out there parts wise and get inspired to throw some new gear on your pins.

I'm very excited about these Convolux plastic protectors I grabbed from Colson D at Lights Out Pinball (lightsoutpinball.com) for my new TFTC. It's going to look great. He was super helpful and even hooked me up with some free LEDs.

Another great pin weekend.

image_(resized).jpeg

myphoto_(resized).jpg

I saw those. What are they made of?

Not 100% sure on how they make them, I just know it feels like a special plastic that radiates the LED lights onto the edges. They had a GnR on display with red ones installed and it looked awesome. I think the blue is going to look so good on the TFTC.

Seems like they'll really protect my sensitive sling-shot plastics and really enhance the look.

http://www.lightsoutpinball.com/store.html#!/Pinball-Convolux-Fluorescent-Protective-Plastics/c/16139807/offset=0&sort=nameAsc

It was my 1st Allentown show and I thought it was pretty-good. I liked the Farmer's Market across the street too. I was in Allentown on business and timed the trip to allow me to hit the show too.

There was a decent selection of machines to play although it was obvious that some people still don't believe in the concept of a "Show" vs a Flea Market and were only there to either buy or sell stuff rather than anything else. That's not the main reason I go to a show. I can buy a pinball machine anytime I want. I don't need to go to a show other than to play them and mingle.

Too many pins were removed early and shut-off after being sold. It definitely takes a lot of the luster out of the show and the penalty for early removal should be looked at as the consignment fee and buyer's premium like an auction would charge. They should increase the penalty for removing games early though to $50 or more. Maybe that will help remind people what a "show" is really supposed to be about.

Sellers get to bring machines to a large show and sell them for free which is a great deal in itself not to mention getting free admission too. Try doing that on eBay or anywhere else with no consignment fees.

I sold some of my parts to fellow Pinsiders and had the chance to meet them in person but I didn't go to the show to sell parts. I went to hang out and play some pinball although I did buy a couple knick knacks too.

That's just the way I feel about it. People who think they are owed something because they brought a game that they were trying to sell at the show really need to remove their heads from their asses. Especially if they are complaining about the early removal fee. The people who bring games to the show just for others to play that are not for sale are the true credits to the hobby and should be commended. Unfortunately those are getting fewer and far between nowadays.

I think Pinfest was well-organized and managed nicely. I had a good time and it was worth the $34 I paid for two days. No complaints there. I hope I can go again.

People who didn't bring games to the show and keep trying to tell those who did that they don't "know what shows are all about" really need to remove their heads from their asses.

Once again, it's not rocket science. These shows work because the formula works. And there are always complains cause people always complain. All of the suggestions I've read in these threads - more security, higher fees, other moronic draconian punative measures - will do nothing but cause ruin the show and cause fights. If you think you can run a better show and magically ensure the games stay there till 9 pm ever night, let's see you do it. If it's within two hours of NYC I'll be there.

It was very nice getting to meet you in person! Thanks so much for your wonderful parts! You were very kind to me with your prices. Your stuff is beautiful, looks wonderful and fit perfectly. The back story was way cool, not often you get to meet a manufacturer. Your parts are installed and looking great.

I would bet that 9 out of ten of the complainers never brought a game to the show, while we're at it there are some that think because they paid a 17 dollar fee they should have access to all games in the show and treat them like shit. I will never stop bringing games to the shows I attend, non of mine were for sale, but I had many offers, I wish that attendees of the show would respect the fact that some of us bring games from our collection just to share, if it doesn't have a for sale sign or a price on it, it's not for sale. I had a person ask if it was for sale, when I said no, he said I will pull out ten grand and you won't say no, I said no anyway

I got some for my Judge Dredd. He said they have a distributor in Germany and they are the exclusive dealer. If they had a kit for EATPM I would have gotten them too. Super nice dudes.

I had this happen as well. Pinball Magic was not for sale, even though could have doubled what I paid for it (had 2 real offers way above that). It's not always about selling. I brought it for people to enjoy, and that they did!

Chris

This 2016 Allentown show was my 3rd one. I attended on Friday. I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. This year, I came with a 4 part mission: 1) Find some parts for my High Speed machine; 2) Sell some parts that I no longer needed from High Speed and Millionaire; 3) Find a High Speed machine and play it for comparison to mine; 4) Find a Gorgar machine and play it as a friend of mine wants to buy one soon and relive his younger years. I succeeded on all 4 points of my mission. And, to my surprise, in the Free Play area, was a Gorgar and High Speed side by side !! What are the odds of finding them like that ? I was pleased with the whole atmosphere of the show. The vendors were nice to me and I enjoyed striking up conversations with other fellow pinball enthusiasts. Even the jukeboxes were interesting to me, especially the cassette based one. Looking forward to next year already.

I appreciate the fact that y'all appreciate whats left of pinball.Which aint much.so stop complaining

?? Still tons of pinballs around.

ar131309148510904_(resized).jpg

Yup both those pins were mine, High Speed and Gorgar, and both sold, High speed got hammered all weekend, and held up great,
Gorgar's sound board bit the dust but I made it right to the new owner and sent him another sound speech board out monday and he is as happy as can be, old board is back and fixed, ready for the next Gorgar restore

The buyer should be happy. If the board crapped-out at the show it would have failed after he got the machine home eventually too. He had the opportunity to "kick the tires" before buying plus had it "debugged" via a thorough and rigorous testing period at the show. lol

These machines were meant to be played. Thanks for bringing them and following through on your commitment to keep them there for the success of the show. You are a credit to the hobby.

You obviously weren't one of the whiners who were only there to get in for free, make a quick buck, and then split (and didn't give a dam about the success of the show).

Thanks for the compliments man! I'm glad you like the parts. It was nice meeting you too as well as all the others I had the opportunity to see there. It was a good time.

Maybe the first timer shouldn't be trying to redefined what this show 'is really about' for the many many years its been running??

Allentown has been the biggest 'swap meet' show in the MidAtlantic for ages. It's known as the place to buy/sell and will have the best flea market of any show in the region. It was the show with the biggest pull that would bring in the vendors from the middle distances like IPB, PBR, etc vs the more local consistent guys like Mayfair, Pinball Medic, etc.

The STRENGTH of allentown has been it's pull as a buy/sell location.

Signed
-Not a first timer

Yes Allentown is the best place to buy and sell, I picked up 3 pins that I pre bought from afar, these were not destined for freeplay and were projects, Thats what is nice about the show, its a meeting place to make new friends and just have pinball overload for the weekend. I can't remember names, but I met a lot of great people, and on average everyone I talked to was pleasant . Then the great cool down at the comfort inn, man that was a blast at the bar. didn't get to bed until 2 am Friday night. stopped by one room, had 3 pinballs in it!! party central any way you put it Allentown is my #1 show, but Pintastic is looking to have a great future too

Allentown has always been the buy/sell show. It's centrally located for the east coast and tons of people meet there to pick up and drop off.

Maybe the show should just embrace that and go all flea market.

You are on to something here.

Maybe the problem with the show isn't the people who bring games - it's the low $17 fee that draws in entitled cheapskates who don't contribute to the show yet think they "know what a show is all about ."

Maybe these sweeping reforms everybody is proposing should be aimed at the general showgoers, not the people who actually bring games and have to put up with this nonsense.

If elected, I will institute these reforms:

1. Higher entry fee. $17 is way too cheap, it draws in entitled cheapskates, and doesn't provide enough incentive for people to bring games. At $25 or $30 to get in the show, people like gate crasher will surely be more likely to bring in games to save on admission.

2. Early leave fee. If you want to leave the show before 5 pm, you have to pay $10 "exit fee" since fewer people in attendance hurts the show. In addition, people who stay till 8pm will get a $10 "attendance refund."

3. No bitching pizza party. Attendees who don't bitch and moan about there not being enough late model DMDs to play - and sign a "complacency oath" agreeing not whine online about the lack of 5 AFMs to play will be eligible for a special post-show pizza party.

I think these proposals, if adopted, would greatly improve the show and address the biggest problem: entitled know it alls who think their measly $17 fee justifies their overall negative impact in the show. They will help adjust and balance the show and overall raise it's tone and make it better for everyone.

I may be a first timer as you call me to the Allentown Show but am hardly a 1st timer to pinball shows. I live in the pinball capital of the world dude. I am also a parts manufacturer who supplies parts to vendors who were at the show and participate in other shows including the Chicago Expo. I have also brought multiple pins to them when I can and keep them there for the show's entirety (even if I sell them). I'm not there just to make money and act like the show owes me something just because I brought a machine. I have brought them to shows before for zero compensation.

The majority of people who paid $17 to go to the Allentown Show didn't go there to buy a machine. I paid $34 and wasn't planning on buying anything. If it was just a flea market like you make it out to be, there would be no need for machines set to free play just for the attendees and far fewer people would show-up and it would do little to promote the hobby. Most people wouldn't pay $17 to get in either. If you take away all the games set to free play the attendance would go way down.

That may be the thing to do in Allentown if that's all anyone gets from it. Change the name from "Pinfest" to "Pinflea".

I think 30 dollars is reasonable price.Norefunds.Just price compare other "trade shows" it's totally within reason.

As far as DMD games go what everyone really wants is the B/W games.Well that stuff has been picked through and gets less and less every year.You want DMDs?Try to get multiple titles of NIB stuff.Because those 90s DMDs are fading with every day month year.

Just on observation of conventions of any kind,even if you're a plumber,go the first day because it always the best day.

Allentown has always been a mini vacation for me.I start early and go as long as I can.And I keep going back. Good times.Sorry I missed it this year?

Well if we are going down the road of "fees", how about ivan charges an extra 10.00, per day to those who enter but don't bring a game and he can pay the extra money he gets from that fee to the rest of us that bring games. Then the entitled will have a reason to feel they can abuse others games. I will have a reason to bring more games and won't mind if I'm getting money to fix the things on my machines that break

Note I said "this show" - there is the possibility that shows can center around different things.

If the shoe didn't strike you as expo east.. So what. The show has a strong and diverse free play area and even stronger market.

Stick to expo if that strokes it for you

Dude, Faith was awesome! Comic Cons have been getting some pretty ladies for years. Nice to see some at Pinfest. My dad, who's 60 BTW was enamored by her. We've been going to the Allentown Show since '05 and were talking to each other about how the female presence has grown. Now we're both happily married men (I guess ?) but it's nice to see the increase in female presence at these shows. Thumbs up from two guys that have been going for over 10 years.

Nice photo. Just use some photoshop to block out you and maybe a weeeee bit of cropping and you got something there. Thumbs up!

80Spit is the Gorgar master! I'd always trust to buy one off him. He's repaired A LOT of them.

I'm not the one complaining about the show. You are.

You are the one who feels they are being taken advantage of by the organizers of the show.

I said I liked the show.

As a matter of fact, here's a quote from my first post in this thread;

"I think Pinfest was well-organized and managed nicely. I had a good time and it was worth the $34 I paid for two days. No complaints there. I hope I can go again."

So why not just drop the offensive attitude?

If you don't like the way the show is managed then maybe you can start your own "show" in Virginia. We could use another one.

Guess you stopped into my room Couldn't keep track of everyone!

Lol, just googled "pinballs"