Pinball Expo

The Pinball Expo is the longest-running event dedicated to the pinball industry, taking place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. It has been a beloved gathering since its inception in 1985, bringing together enthusiasts, designers, and vendors from across the globe. With an expected attendance of around 2,000 visitors and featuring 300 exhibitors, this year's expo promises to be the largest yet, showcasing a stunning array of hundreds of pinball machines available for free play, including machines made in the USA, Italy, Spain, and other countries.Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various tournaments, including an IFPA-sponsored pinball tournament, as well as specialized tournaments for women, kids aged 14 and under, and classic games. The expo will also host a series of seminars featuring industry luminaries, offering insights into the world of pinball. Notable highlights of the event include the Freedom to Play Pinball Tournament, which promotes inclusivity in gaming, and an exciting array of homebrew machines, with over 40 unique games showcased. The expo will also feature an auction, courtesy of Chris Campbell of Captain’s Auction Warehouse, and an autograph session with prominent pinball designers, artists, and authors.This year's expo will also debut Michael Thomasson's book “Pinball Pin-Ups,” which explores the daring imagery associated with vintage pinball art. Attendees can meet the author and get their copies signed. Additionally, there will be opportunities to win exciting prizes, including a John Wick Premium pinball machine donated by Stern Pinball and a Limited-Edition Avatar: The Battle For Pandora pinball machine from Jersey Jack Pinball, with all proceeds benefiting local charities.Visitors can look forward to interactive experiences like the Learn-To-Solder Workshop hosted by Build A Blinkie and hands-on sessions with the Pinball Scientist, who will teach participants how to build mini pinball machines. As part of the entertainment, Flippy, the expo’s mascot, will be releasing his latest album, Flippy’s Greatest Hits, adding a musical flair to the event.The expo also emphasizes community engagement, showcasing a variety of pinball-related merchandise, including premium playfield glass from Gameez, and offering exclusive show pricing on parts. The event will culminate in the Homebrew & Custom Games Award Show, celebrating the creativity of the pinball maker community. With an array of activities, competitions, and educational workshops, Pinball Expo 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees, reinforcing its status as the premier event in the pinball industry.