October 27 — October 30, 2021
SCHAUMBURG, IL. (October 6, 2021) – The longest running event of its kind in the world, Pinball Expo celebrates its 37th anniversary October 27 through October 30. Advanced planning is already indicating this will be the largest gathering in Pinball Expo’s history when the doors open at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, the new venue will provide more than 60,000 square feet of exhibit space for the pinball extravaganza, nearly tripling the amount of space required to host the event in recent years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pinball Expo to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel,” said Heather Larson, President of Meet Chicago Northwest. “A one-of-a-kind event, hundreds from all over the world will come for the opportunity to play, compete, and attend seminars from leading pinball designers.”
The Pinball Expo love fest started as a dream for Rob Berk, the show’s founder. As a young boy, he was mesmerized by the pinball machine in the basement of his family home and started his own personal collection. Today that collection has grown to over 1200 machines, encompassing the full and ever evolving history of pinball.
His love of the games eventually led him to track down the creative and engineering geniuses responsible for actually designing and building the machines. His digging resulted in discovering some of the industry pioneers.
While many pinball pioneers have passed on, a new generation of designers and engineers have firmly established themselves as legends. Demand and abundance of exhibit space has resulted in the largest expansion of exhibitors and pre-registered attendees in the show’s long history.
“Pinball Expo is still ground zero for everything pinball no matter what level of interest you have, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional,” Berk said.
Show organizers have noted the challenges associated with launching such an event as the nation emerges from the COVID crisis. “We’ll be prepared for whatever we have to do when it comes to safety, including social distancing of the machines,” Berk said. “We will follow whatever local or state guidelines are provided, practice all the safety precautions, and insist attendees follow those guidelines.”
About Meet Chicago Northwest
Meet Chicago Northwest is the official destination marketing organization for eight vibrant and sophisticated communities. Conveniently located on the northwest edge of Chicago and offering destination amenities including 63 hotels with 10,000 guest rooms, over 25 major attractions and more than 400 restaurants. The organization’s mission is to make a positive economic impact by marketing and selling the region to groups and individual travelers. Information about Meet Chicago Northwest is available at ChicagoNorthwest.com.
Meet Chicago Northwest Media Contact
Heather Larson, President
P: 847-278-3446
hlarson@chicagonorthwest.com
About Pinball Expo
Pinball Expo is the brainchild of Rob Berk who grew up playing pinball. His dream was to recognize his heroes – the pinball designers and artists that created the games he loved. With the help of Bill Kurtz and Mike Pacak, Pinball Expo became a reality taking place in Chicago, the home of pinball. Founded in 1985, Pinball Expo is the longest-running event dedicated to pinball.
Pinball Expo Contact
Rob Berk
info@pinballexpo.com
330-716-3139
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