Thanks to everyone who put this together. I really enjoyed it, as did my kids and wife.
For a first show to go so smoothy is really an amazing compliment.
What I liked:
1. Quality of games. Most games played nearly 100%, were clean, and had decent flipper power. Comparing this show to Allentown you totally blow it away (well at least what Allentown was like the couple of times I attended). At Allentown most of the games are from vendors for sale and are typically unshopped. Many are even really dirty or with broken flippers.
A lot of the really nice games are set aside and are out of the free play area (or at least made to look that way) to keep plays down. Your show had none of that BS. I tried to play nearly every pin there and cannot think of one that was so bad I just stopped after one ball (a common occurrence for me at Allentown).
2. Not overly crowded. Again comparing to Allentown -- it can be nearly impossible to get a game in on some machines there. I was able to play everything I wanted. Very good game to person ratio.
3. Venue - Very nice hotel, not too expensive either. My kids absolutely loved the pool, slide, and lazy river. They were there almost all weekend. Good hotel location too.
What could be better:
1. Drinks - When I go to a show...I am all about playing games like crazy. So it was a drag that there was no place nearby the show to get bottled water, soda, or beer. I spent most of the show being incredible thirsty. So that was a drag. Also when playing at night, what goes better with arcade action than beer?
At the Texas Pinball Festival they have a vendor set up right in the middle of the show selling beer, wine, water, sodas, and food such as wrap sandwiches. They also have tables nearby, so you can eat without making a big mess. I also imagine this could be a great way for you to make some more $$$. I figure you would get a cut out of this from the hotel or whomever catered that part.
2. Food - Same as above. To eat required walking a good distance from the show. At shows like this, I want to fit in as much game action as possible.
3. Hours - Being open till midnight was nice. But staying open till 2 AM would have even been better. The TPF does that and from 12 AM till 2 is often the best time to be there (no more kids, fewer players, wife is in bed and you can just focus on the games).
4. Sounds - The volume on many games was way too low. They probably would have been perfect in a normal environment, but at the show you could barely make out any volume on most games. So a crucial fun-factor was missing on most games.
5. Atmosphere - The TPF at night cranks out the old music (typically 80's stuff) and kicks on disco lights. That makes for a more party atmosphere and it adds to experience.
6. Game placement - The games appear to have just been put out at random. They could have been placed in some order...for instance Spy Hunter video next to Spy Hunter pinball. Classic Atari vids all in a line, etc. At the TPF they have a line of classic Stern pinballs and that is always a highlight.
7. Awards - Awards for best of show for people that brought games is a nice way to get them attention and encourage people to bring unique/pristine/interesting games.
8. Raffle - TPF has raffle awards. I bet you could have gotten plenty of free stuff from the group to give out. I have plenty of arcade related books, pinball decals, plastics, or even free downloads of my Pinball iPad app. Another nice thing to advertise and get people excited to be there.
Thanks again for the great show. Will certainly be attending next year!
- Kevin
