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]
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:
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, IL
Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
38
2022 October 19–22
Jersey Jack Pinball Factory Tour
39
2023 October 18–21
Stern Pinball Inc. Factory Tour
40
2024 October 15–19
Chicago 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
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.
David Gottlieb [71] Harry E. Williams [72] Ray Moloney [73] Sam Stern [74]
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.
Date
Inductee
Ref.
October 20, 2023
Mark Patzke, LJ Greene
October 21, 2022
John Jaidinger – Jaidinger Manufacturing, Richard Cesario – C&C Enterprises
^"Flipped Out: Forget High-Tech Video Games. In Chicago, Pinball Wizardry Still Reigns". Springfield State Journal Register. October 15, 1993. p. 6A. ProQuest264270878.
