M.P.E.

[Golden Graham]

Just wondering if anyone has gone to the Michigan Pinball Expo before? Is it any good? Is there a lot to buy? Many Vendors?
Anyone planning on going this year? I think PhantomGirl (Nakia) and myself are going.......

Any info would be great!

Kyle

 

[Vengeance]

I've gone every year it has existed.

I like the show, but I'm a tournament player, and the show is very Tournament centric.

There are a few vendors, but really not very many. A good selection of machines, but the place gets VERY busy on the weekend so good luck getting any play time on anything.

I really like the location, it's a University Campus so food is readily available, bathrooms are clean, there is tons of parking, and it's a well kept facility.

So it depends on why you are going, are you going to buy machines and parts, this show will most likely disappoint you. But if you just want an opportunity to play some pinball this is a good opportunity.

 

[REVOLUTION]

Great for players, not so much for buyers.

 

[Golden Graham]

Shoot.
I was more into buying than playing.
Maybe i will skip this one.....

 

[Vengeance]

Pinball at the Zoo which is two weeks after and in the same area (about an hour further) has more vendors and more machines for sale, that might work out better for you.

http://www.pinballatthezoo.com/

 

[Golden Graham]

What is a good show for attend for a buyer? Perhaps a pin? Parts? Etc? (just saw your post...thanks).
Just so I know.
I think I have an itch to purchase.......c'mon mwong....I just sent you the bat signal!

 

[Vengeance]

The best show apparently is Allentown:

http://www.pinfestival.com/

I've never gone since again, tournament player, and the tournament there sucks, but that is supposed to be THE place to find parts and buy machines.

 

[REVOLUTION]

PATZ had a decent amount of stuff for sale.. pins and parts. Check them out!

 

[WARLOCK]

Kyle,
Come to Allentown. It was my first pinball show last year and has what you are looking for.
Lots of us will be there and I am sure you will enjoy it.
Scott

 

[Hammerhead]

I went to PATZ last year for my first show ever and I really enjoyed it. Thinking of going to Allentown this year - which is the better show of the two for parts, purchases, novelties, etc.?

 

[WARLOCK]

I have not been to PATZ yet. One day I hope to.
Try Allentown as so many Canadians all go there.

 

[Hammerhead]

I hope to be able to put faces to the avatar's, but I'll stop short of tapping people on the shoulder and say, "My name is Hammerhead, are you a member of PBRev?"

 

[WARLOCK]

NP. I will introduce you around.

 

[cooke]

This will be my 6th Allentown show. It's by far the best show for parts/pins that I've been to. PATZ and Expo can't touch it.

 

[DRANO]

I'm in for Allentown this year and yeah, I'll be stocking up on parts... espceially the large crap that nobody wants to ship up here

 

[SquidVicious]

I'm in for Allentown this year and yeah, I'll be stocking up on parts... espceially the large crap that nobody wants to ship up here

Depends on the parts ... as an example PinLife isn't at Allentown ... if you are buying from one of the other places and you want something specific order it in advance and get them to bring it to the Allentown show ... that being said the A-Town show is a great show ... my first two shows were both A-town but I haven't been back in a couple of years (more because of the timing of the show .. it is definitely worth going to for most folks (aka pretty much everyone other than 100% tourney players as the tourney is a little weak)

 

[nics135]

I have had success using a Niagara Falls warehouse address and getting anything big or with expensive to Canada shipping costs sent to me there. It is literally 5 minutes from the border and right behind the US Casino. You call them day you are going, they get all your stuff ready and you pick it up. They will hold stuff for you. http://www.cbiusa.com/

I am thinking of gong to Allentown this year since I have never actually gone to a pinball show ever. Will likely mostly waste my money on mods...

 

[Golden Graham]

I don't have any more mods I can do to my games! Everything possible is done I'm afraid.
I am looking for a show with the ability to possibly purchase machines and other necessities that I don't have to pay the shipping on. For what I have paid Pinballlife, marco, MAD, Bayarea and countless other smaller retailers, I probably could have bought another pin! :lol:
Mainly, I think it would be cool just to meet some of the PBR crowd....providing they are not opposed to having some beers......

 

[Hammerhead]

Beer? There will be beer?

 

[cooke]

Pro tip: You cannot buy beer in quantities less than 24 in Pennsylvania unless it's from a restaurant with a "store" (and they're a hassle to find). It's very strange. All of the beer stores sell nothing but 2-4 cases.

Buy your beer at any gas station or grocery store in New York State on your way to the show. That way you're not saddled to 24 of any one kind.