We've gone to the Ann Arbor Michigan Pinball Show (aka VFW) for the last few years. While I can't imagine a better place to play a variety of well working machines in good condition, we are looking to expand our experiences. If you've not been and you just want to play pins, WOW! 400+ unique machines and the crowds are controlled so always open machines and relatively short waits on the handful of machines that are the most popular.
I've been to the Louisville Arcade Expo. Hoping for more than it had to offer. Allentown is always the same weekend as Michigan, so we've not made it there, but may be willing to trade off this year.
What's your thoughts on the BEST show to go and see and play a wide variety of pinball machines? It's ok if they have arcade, too, but not required. Playing a variety of machines is the main goal, but networking, checking out booths, and repair classes would be bonuses. Buying machines is always a possibility if we are driving there.
We live in Indiana, but are willing to travel. I wouldn't mind hearing reviews of the Chicago Pinball Expo, but the dates rarely work out with my schedule. That pretty much rules out Houston, as well.
Thoughts/comparisons on Texas Pinball Festival, Pinfest (Allentown), Ohio Pinball Show and Arcade Expo (Banning, CA) or others you know about would be greatly appreciated.