Row of pinball machines lined up on the floor of an expo — Pinball Expo 2026, Chicago

See Us at Pinball Expo 2026: Our Very First Show

See Us at Pinball Expo 2026: Our Very First Show

We have some news that is especially close to our hearts: Pinballs Store is officially listed as an exhibitor at Pinball Expo 2026, from October 14 to 17, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, near Chicago. This is our first time at the show — and the first time our boards will cross the Atlantic to be laid out on a table, in person, in front of people who have been waiting for them for a long time. Here is what we know today, what you can do there, and what you can come ask us.

Information verified on July 13, 2026, at pinballexpo.com. The detailed schedule for the 2026 edition is still being finalized: the organizers update it throughout the year.

A Small French Company Crossing the Atlantic

Pinballs Store is not a factory. It is a French workshop that designs and manufactures replacement circuit boards for pinball machines from 1977–1989. No machines, no toppers, no accessories: just boards, and the expertise that comes with them. So finding ourselves listed on pinballexpo.com alongside Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, and Marco Pinball is a big deal. Our logo appears in the "Pinball Expo 2026 Vendors" section on the official website's home page, with a link to pinballs.store.

Why make the trip? Because the fleet of Gottlieb, Williams, and Bally pinball machines from the 1980s is massive in the United States, and because a board is something you look at, turn over, and compare to the one that is broken in the back of your garage. No product page can replace five minutes of conversation at a table.

Pinball Expo: The Longest-Running Pinball Show

For those who are new to it: Pinball Expo was born in 1985, conceived by Rob Berk, with the help of Bill Kurtz and Mike Pacak. The original idea was simple and beautiful: to pay tribute to the designers and artists who created the games he loved. Forty years later, the official website describes it as the longest-running event dedicated to the pinball industry — "The Longest Running Pinball Show." It takes place in Chicago, the city of Bally, Williams, Gottlieb, and today Stern: the birthplace of everything we repair every day.

What to Expect at the 2026 Edition

More Than 500 Pinball Machines on Free Play

The concept is "pay one price, play all day": you pay admission and play all day long. The official website announces more than 500 machines, manufactured in the United States but also in Italy, Spain, and elsewhere, with a generous showing of rare titles and obscure manufacturers. Jersey Jack Pinball has announced a free play zone featuring every title they have produced to date.

More Than 40 Hours of Seminars

This is one of the show's proud highlights: more than 40 hours of talks. Seminars start at 9:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, often before the hall even opens. The speaker list is published gradually: watch for updates at the end of summer.

Tournaments for All Skill Levels

The expo hosts an IFPA-sanctioned tournament, along with a women's tournament, a kids 14 and under tournament, and a Classics tournament. The Flip Out Tournament finals take place on Sunday. To learn more: Pinball tournaments: where to find them, which ones to aim for, and how to win.

Two Factory Tours

Two tours are on the schedule: Jersey Jack Pinball on Thursday, October 15 and Stern Pinball on Friday, October 16. The Stern tour is included in the Full Registration Package; the Jersey Jack tour is $35 and limited to 450 participants. In both cases, you need to take the shuttles departing from the Renaissance Schaumburg.

Bumper Blast, the Opening Night Party

On Wednesday, October 14, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the Bumper Blast 2026 party takes place at ENTERRIUM (formerly Level 257), a 40,000-square-foot complex at Woodfield Mall: buffet, cashless bar (cash is not accepted), and a three-hour game card valid for games and bowling. A detail that speaks to us: international visitors can arrive as early as 6:00 PM to meet founder Rob Berk. Shuttles run from the Renaissance.

Autographs, 40 Years of Stern, Machines from the 1930s

  • The expo celebrates the 40th anniversary of Stern Pinball. The website announces "more details coming soon": we prefer not to speculate.
  • Autograph session: Saturday, October 17 at 1:00 PM, with designers, artists, and authors.
  • The 1930s "pre-flipper" exhibit by Cliff and Colleen: more than 30 games from before the invention of flippers, to see and play.
  • Build A Blinkie offers a "learn to solder" workshop at their booth, free and open to all ages.
  • Door Prize drawing on Saturday at 8:00 PM, for a brand-new pinball machine (model to be confirmed).

On the exhibitor side, you will notably find Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, American Pinball, Marco Pinball, Warped Pinball, PinGraffix, Past Times Arcade, Pinsnake, the charity Project Pinball, FlipperCraft from Australia, and EuroPin from the Netherlands with European titles rarely seen in America. We will not be the only ones who took a flight.

What You Can Expect from Us (and What We Are Not Promising)

Let us be clear and modest: we are not coming with a product launch, a big announcement, or a giveaway. We are coming with our FPGA-based replacement boards and our desire to talk. They cover:

On site, you will be able to see and handle the boards, understand how they are installed (they are designed for solder-free installation), describe your machine's problem to us, and leave with an honest assessment — including "your original board is repairable, keep it." To prepare, our guides already exist: which all-in-one board for a Gottlieb System 80, which board for a Williams System 3 to 7, and which MPU for a Bally (1977–1985).

All our boards are covered by a 6-month warranty (parts and labor) against any failure not caused by misuse, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Technical support is free, before and after purchase.

What we cannot tell you yet: our booth number. The 2026 floor plan has not been published as of today (the website still shows the 2025 one). As soon as it is available, we will share it.

Practical Information

Event Pinball Expo 2026 — "The Longest Running Pinball Show"
Dates Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17, 2026 (tournament finals on Sunday, October 18)
Venue Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Address 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173, United States (Chicago area)
Hall hours Thursday 12:00 PM–11:00 PM · Friday 10:00 AM–12:00 AM · Saturday 10:00 AM–1:00 AM (Wednesday: hall closed, setup + Bumper Blast)
Tickets Full package $240 · 3-day pass $160 · Single day $55–60 · Bumper Blast only $50 · Stern tour $35 · Free for children under 10 (prices as of 07/13/2026, subject to change)
Box office pinballexpo.com/admission
Official schedule pinballexpo.com/events-schedule — built throughout the year, check back regularly
Official website pinballexpo.com · info@pinballexpo.com · +1 330-716-3139
Pinballs Store Listed exhibitor on the official 2026 vendors page

For accommodations, the official website has a dedicated Hotel Reservations page.

We Will Keep You Updated

Between now and October, we will share what we can confirm: our location as soon as it is known, what we are packing in our suitcases, and the schedule highlights as they are published. Nothing before we are sure — that is the rule we hold ourselves to.

Will you be in Schaumburg in October? Let us know via our contact page: we would love to know who to come see. And if you have a machine that refuses to start, a glitchy display, or battery damage, write to us before the show with a few photos: we will arrive with a prepared answer.

Finally, to stay up to date with other events this season, our upcoming pinball events calendar (expos, shows, and tournaments) is updated regularly.

FAQ

When and where is Pinball Expo 2026?

October 14 to 17, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173, in the Chicago area (United States).

Is Pinballs Store really an exhibitor?

Yes: Pinballs Store appears on the official exhibitor list ("Pinball Expo 2026 Vendors") published on pinballexpo.com. This is our first time exhibiting. However, our booth number is not yet known: the 2026 floor plan had not been published as of July 13, 2026.

How much does admission cost?

As of July 13, 2026, the Admission page lists $55 to $60 per day, $160 for a 3-day pass, and $240 for the full package (includes seminars, Bumper Blast, and the Stern factory tour). Free for children 10 and under. Pre-registration is recommended.

What will I see at the Pinballs Store booth?

Our FPGA-based replacement boards for Gottlieb System 1 and System 80/80A/80B, Williams System 3 through 7, and Bally (1977–1985). You can see them, handle them, ask questions, and describe your pinball machine's problem to get an assessment. We only sell boards: no machines, no toppers, no accessories.

What is the warranty on your boards?

6-month warranty (parts and labor) against any failure not caused by misuse, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Technical support is free.

Where can I find the detailed expo schedule?

On the Schedule of Events page of the official website. Note: the schedule is built throughout the year, as speakers and events are confirmed. The organizers recommend checking back starting at the end of summer.

Sources & Official Information

Information verified on July 13, 2026, at pinballexpo.com. As the 2026 schedule is still being finalized, some details (hours, speakers, floor plan, prices) may change before October.

Back to blog

Nos produits

View all