Pinball Expo

Last updated
Pinball Expo 2025 logo.png
GenrePinball and Arcade Game Show
FrequencyAnnually
Location Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Years active41
Inaugurated22–24 November 1985
FounderRobert "Rob" Berk
Most recent15–19 October 2024
Next event15–18 October 2025 [1]
Area Schaumburg, Illinois
Website http://www.pinballexpo.com/

Pinball Expo is an event that is held annually in the Chicago area, the original home of most pinball manufacturers. [2] The event attracts pinball industry professionals, pinball players, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world. [3] Founded by Robert "Rob" Berk, of Warren, Ohio, the event was inaugurated over the weekend of November 22–24, 1985 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, IL. At the 33rd Pinball Expo, on Saturday, October 14, 2017, Twin Galaxies founder Walter Day made a presentation on behalf of Guinness World Records, issuing a Guinness award that recognized Pinball Expo as history's "longest-running pinball event." [4]

Contents

Development

Founded in 1985, Pinball Expo is the longest-running event dedicated to pinball. It was conceived in 1984 by Robert "Rob" Berk of Warren, Ohio, to honor his heroes of the pinball industry; the artists and designers. [5] With the assistance of Bill Kurtz of Cleveland, Ohio, and later Mike Pacak of Canfield, Ohio, the trio held their first event over the weekend of November 22–24, 1985 at the Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, Illinois. The inaugural event attracted around 100 attendees from around the world and a dozen vendors.

The expo offers a tour of a pinball factory, an autograph session, tournaments, and an exhibit hall of pinball machines and related paraphernalia. [6] There are seminars featuring well-known pinball experts. [7] Attendees can also participate in a pinball tournament called "Flip Out". [8]

On October 26, 1991, Pinball Expo launched Pinball Expo's Hall of Fame and inducted its first class of pinball luminaries: David Gottlieb, Ray Moloney, Sam Stern, and Harry E. Williams. The event is open to the general public.

By 1998, the Pinball Expo had grown to feature more than 200 machines available to play on the show floor. [9]

Pinball World Premieres held at Pinball Expo

As one of the most prestigious pinball events in the world, Pinball Expo has been chosen by many pinball manufacturers as the site for official "world premieres" of new pinball titles. Among the games released at Pinball Expo are:

YearPinball TitleManufacturerRef.
1985Loch Ness MonsterGame Plan
1987 Laser War Data East
1988Baby In The Hole
1990King Kong
2014Full ThrottleHeighway Pinball [10]
2016 Dialed In! Jersey Jack Pinball [11]
AlienHeighway Pinball [12]
Batman 66Stern Pinball, Inc. [13]
The Big LebowskiDutch Pinball
2017Pirates of the CaribbeanJersey Jack Pinball [14]
2018Oktoberfest: Pinball on TapAmerican Pinball
2019Elvira's House of HorrorsStern Pinball, Inc.
Cosmic CarnivalSuncoast Pinball
2022QueenPinball Brothers [15]
Toy Story 4Jersey Jack Pinball
Magic GirlZidware/American Pinball [15]
2023 Pulp Fiction Chicago Gaming
Galactic Tank ForceAmerican Pinball
Elton JohnJersey Jack Pinball
2024The Uncanny X-MenStern Pinball, Inc. [16]
Metallica RemasteredStern Pinball, Inc. [16]
Avatar: The Battle for PandoraJersey Jack Pinball
2025Star Wars: Fall of the EmpireStern Pinball, Inc.
Winchester Mystery HouseBarrels of Fun

Chronology of Annual Pinball Expos

YearDateLocationShow HighlightsRef.
11985 November 22–24Holiday Inn O'Hare/Kennedy in Rosemont, ILPremiere Technology/Gottlieb Plant Tour [17]
21986 November 21–23Williams Plant Tour [18]
31987 October 9–11 [19]
41988 October 7–9Ramada Inn, Rosemont, IL (near O’Hare Airport) [20]
51989 September 29–30 [21]
61990 November 9–10 [22]
71991 October 25–27Pinball Expo Hall of Fame Inaugurated [23]
81992 November 12–15 [24]
91993 September 9–12 [25]
101994 November 10–13 [26]
111995 October 26–29 [27]
121996 November 14–17 [28]
131997 November 13–16 [29]
141998 October 22–25 [30]
151999 October 21–24 [31]
162000 October 19–22 [32]
172001 October 18–21 [33]
182002 October 17–20 [34]
192003 October 16–19 [35]
202004 October 14–17 [36]
212005 November 17–20Wyndam Hotel, Rosemont, IL (near O’Hare Airport) [37]
222006 November 2–6 [38]
232007 October 24–28 [39]
242008 October 1–5Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, Wheeling, IL [40]
252009 October 14–18 [41]
262010 October 20–24 [42]
272011 October 19–23 [43]
282012 October 17–21 [44]
292013 October 16–20 [45]
302014 October 17–19Pinball Expo Service and Support Hall of Fame Inaugurated [46]
312015 October 14–18 [47]
322016 October 12–16 [48]
332017 October 11–15 [49]
342018 October 17–20Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour [49]
Big Ball Bowler Tournament [49]
352019 October 16–19Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
362020 October 14–17Virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions
372021 October 27–30Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, ILStern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
382022 October 19–22Jersey Jack Pinball Factory Tour
392023 October 18–21Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
402024 October 15–19Chicago Gaming Company Factory & Galloping Ghost Arcade Tour, Logan Arcade & American Pinball Factory Tour, Jersey Jack Pinball Inc. Factory Tour, and Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Pinball Expo [50]
412025 October 15–18Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour

Pinball Expo Hall of Fame

As early as Pinball Expo '88, Rob Berk was championing the idea of a Pinball Expo Hall of Fame. In 1991 the Hall of Fame was created with the induction of Harry E. Williams, Sam Stern, Ray Moloney and David Gottlieb.

DateInducteeRef.
October 17, 2025Doug Watson, Tim Seckel, Mark Guidarelli, Keith Elwin, Rick Naegele, Jeremy Packer, Harrison Drake [51]
October 18, 2024John Buscaglia, Jerry Thompson, Jody Dankberg, Fred Young, Art Stenholm, Steve Epstein [52]
October 20, 2023 Chris Granner, Mark Galvez, Mark Weyna
October 21, 2022Ray Tanzer, Zofia Bil Ryan
October 29, 2021Gil Pollock, Keith Johnson
October 17, 2020Tommy Grant, Eulogio Pingarrón, Jack Guarnieri
October 17, 2019Mike O'Donnell, Cassandra Peterson, Pat Powers
October 19, 2018Elliot Eismin, Jon Norris, Ken Fedesna
October 21, 2017Gordon Horlick, Dwight Sullivan, Pat McMahon, Brian L. Schmidt, Neal Falconer
October 15, 2016Don Marshall, Connie Mitchell
October 17, 2015John Rotharmel, David Thiel, Lyman F. Sheats Jr.
October 18, 2014 Nolan Bushnell, Brian Eddy
October 19, 2013Lonnie Ropp, Suzanne Ciani, Eugene Jarvis
October 20, 2012Steve Kirk, John Borg
October 22, 2011 Mark Ritchie, John Popadiuk
October 23, 2010 Python Anghelo, Gary Flower, Michael Shalhoub, Clay Harrell
October 17, 2009Dennis Nordman, Barry Oursler, Michael Stroll, Jim Schelberg
October 4, 2008Ted Zale, George Gomez
October 27, 2007Lou, Dave, and Meyer Gensberg (Genco), Alvin Gottlieb, John Youssi
October 2, 2006Paul Faris, Judd Weinberg
November 19, 2005Margaret Hudson, Roy Parker
October 16, 2004Robert Berk, Ed Cebula, Greg Freres, Gary Gayton, Kevin O'Connor, Michael Pacak, Joe Kaminkow
October 18, 2003Tom Nieman [53] Edward Krynski [54]
October 19, 2002Christian Marche [55] Jim Patla [56]
October 11, 2001Gary Stern [57] Steve Young [58]
October 21, 2000 Pat Lawlor [59] Roger Sharpe [58]
October 23, 1999 Larry DeMar [60] Greg Kmiec [61]
October 24, 1998Gordon Morison [62]
November 15, 1997Dick Bueschel [63] Steve Ritchie [64]
November 16, 1996Dave Christensen [65]
October 28, 1995Norm Clark [66] Wendell McAdams [67]
November 12, 1994Wayne Neyens [68]
September 11, 1993 Steve Kordek [69] George Molentin [70]
October 24, 1992Harvey Heiss [71] Harry Mabs [72]
October 26, 1991David Gottlieb [73] Harry E. Williams [74] Ray Moloney [75] Sam Stern [76]

Pinball Expo Service and Support Hall of Fame

Pinball Expo's Service and Support Hall of Fame was established at the 2014 Expo to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the pinball hobby.

DateInducteeRef.
October 18, 2024Key Snodgrass, Imoto Harney [52]
October 20, 2023Mark Patzke, LJ Greene
October 21, 2022John Jaidinger – Jaidinger Manufacturing, Richard Cesario – C&C Enterprises
October 29, 2021Eddie Adlum, Planetary Pinball
October 17, 2020Todd Tuckey - T.N.T. Amusements, Chas Siddiqi
October 17, 2019Pinball Life
October 19, 2018Martin Ayub - Pinball News
October 21, 2017 Walter Day, Lloyd Olson
October 15, 2016Jay Stafford, Dave Marston
October 17, 2015Marco Specialties
October 18, 2014Shelly Sax, Churchhill Cabinets, Foremost Plastics

References

  1. ↑ "Pinball Expo". Pinball Expo. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  2. ↑ Capper, Mickey (May 13, 2014). "Jackpot! Chicago's Hold On Pinball Industry And Artistry". WBEZ . Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  3. ↑ Kendall, Peter (October 27, 1991). "Pinball still scores with many people". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  4. ↑ "Playmeter December 2015".
  5. ↑ "Innerview: Robert Berk". Top Score: 3–4. September–October 1987. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  6. ↑ "Flipped Out: Forget High-Tech Video Games. In Chicago, Pinball Wizardry Still Reigns". Springfield State Journal Register. October 15, 1993. p. 6A. ProQuest   264270878.
  7. ↑ "Pinball Expo '86 Packs 'Em In!". Cash Box . L (31): 33–34. January 31, 1987. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  8. ↑ "Pinball Expo '86: Top Pinball Enthusiasts Gather for Silverball Excitement". Top Score: 4. Winter 1987. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  9. ↑ Arnet, Danielle (October 20, 1998). "Collectors flip out with free play this weekend". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  10. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  11. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO 2016". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  12. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO 2016". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  13. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO 2016". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  14. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO 2017 – THURSDAY". Welcome to Pinball News - First & Free. 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  15. 1 2 Knapp, Jason (25 October 2022). "New Video of Magic Girl Pinball Machine from Pinball Expo". Knapp Arcade. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  16. 1 2 Stern Pinball (2024-10-24). 2024 Pinball Expo Recap . Retrieved 2025-01-31– via YouTube.
  17. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '85 - The First 'Hurrah! By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  18. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '86 -THE SECOND 'HURRAH'- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  19. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '87 -It 's The People- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  20. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '88 -Another Great Show- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  21. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '89 - My wife comes along - By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  22. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '90 -A new Decade- By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  23. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '91 - The Seventh Year - By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  24. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '92 (There - They Did It Again!) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  25. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '93 (PART 1) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  26. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '94 (The 10th Year) (PART 1) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  27. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '95 (PART 1) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  28. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '96 (The Year of Coincidences) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  29. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '97 (The 13th Year) By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  30. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO '98 By Russ Jensen". www.pinballcollectorsresource.com.
  31. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  32. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  33. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  34. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  35. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  36. ↑ "Pinball Expo 2004 Special Message from Rob Berk". www.pinballexpo.net.
  37. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  38. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  39. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  40. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  41. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  42. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  43. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  44. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  45. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  46. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  47. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  48. ↑ "Pinball News - First and Free". www.pinballnews.com.
  49. 1 2 3 "Pinball Expo in Chicago - Home Page". www.pinballexpo.net.
  50. ↑ Nguyen, Vi (18 October 2024). "Nation's longest-running pinball show draws thousands to Chicago suburb". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  51. ↑ "PINBALL EXPO 2025 – PART TWO". Pinball News. 2025-10-21. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  52. 1 2 "PINBALL EXPO 2024 – PART TWO". Pinball News. 2024-10-28. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  53. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0807 Tom Nieman".
  54. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0803 Ed Krynski".
  55. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0813 Christian Marche".
  56. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0819 Jim Patla".
  57. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0825 Gary Stern".
  58. 1 2 "The Walter Day Collection - 0830 Steve Young".
  59. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0836 Pat Lawlor".
  60. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0844 Larry DeMar".
  61. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0854 Greg Kmiec".
  62. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0855 Gordon Morison".
  63. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0859 Dick Bueschel".
  64. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0863 Steve Ritchie".
  65. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0867 Dave Christensen".
  66. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0870 Norm Clark".
  67. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0871 Wendell McAdams".
  68. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0876 Wayne Neyens".
  69. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0880 Steve Kordek".
  70. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0886 George Molentin".
  71. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0889 Harvey Heiss".
  72. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0890 Harry Mabs".
  73. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0522 David Gottlieb".
  74. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0520 Harry Williams".
  75. ↑ "The Walter Day Collection - 0538 Ray Moloney".
  76. ↑ "Sam Stern Biographical Card".
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