I think Texas is quickly gaining traction on Chicago. Companies are announcing games there, it has some good vendors and it doesn't cost you $200 to attend for the exhibits, vendors, seminars and to play the games.
Games to Play -Texas
New Games announced and to play - Tie
Quantity of Vendors -Chicago
Stern and Pinball Life open houses- Chicago
If someone can talk Terry into moving shop to the Dallas area like so many big companies, it would be Texas for the win.