Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
Pinball Expo 2025 was covered in post-show reports by Retro Refurbs, Pinball Magazine, Pinball News and Scorbit. The official 2025 Souvenir Guide and a highlights video are also available.
Event overview
Overview
Pinball Expo is the longest-running event dedicated to the pinball industry, taking place from October 14 to 17, 2026. This year, attendees can enjoy hundreds of pinball machines, arcade games, and various tournaments.
The event is organized by Pinball Expo, which aims to celebrate the art and culture of pinball. Families are welcome, with free entry for kids 10 and under.
Pinball Expo takes place in Schaumburg, USA. Venue: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: The longest-running pinball show, featuring hundreds of pinball machines and arcade games.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by Pinball Expo, a dedicated event for pinball enthusiasts.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attracts pinball collectors, enthusiasts, and families looking for entertainment.
- 4Entry / Access: Tickets available online and at the door; kids 10 and under enter for free.
Why visit
Pinball Expo 2026 is the longest-running pinball show in the world, returning to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel with hundreds of machines set to free play, plus homebrew reveals, vendor booths and a full tournament and seminar programme.
Why exhibit
Gain visibility among a dedicated audience of pinball enthusiasts and collectors. Showcase your products and services to a targeted market, engage with potential customers, and participate in a vibrant community of pinball lovers. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Pinball machine manufacturers, Arcade game suppliers, Parts and accessories vendors. Position your offer across pinball machines from various manufacturers, arcade games and consoles, pinball parts.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Pinball collectors and home arcade owners sourcing machines, parts and mods
Tournament players competing in Pinball Expo circuit events
Restorers and technicians buying playfield, board and cabinet components
Homebrew designers and programmers showing new games
Arcade and amusement operators evaluating pinball for location placement
Family and hobbyist attendees visiting the free-play floor
Hall of Fame and seminar attendees following pinball design history
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Pinball machine manufacturers launching new titles
Arcade and amusement equipment suppliers
Pinball parts, mods and restoration suppliers
Playfield, cabinet and board electronics vendors
Homebrew and aftermarket game makers
Merchandise, artwork and collectibles retailers
Tournament and league organisers recruiting players
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Pinball machines from various manufacturers
Arcade games and consoles
Pinball parts and accessories
Merchandise related to pinball culture
Homebrew pinball machines
Custom pinball mods and artwork
Location & Facilities
Venue
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Facilities
Parking
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Full Registration Package
240General admission
Three Days Admission
160General admission
Single Day Admission (Thursday or Friday)
55General admission
Single Day Admission (Saturday)
60
Who runs the show
Organisers
Pinball Expo
What's on
Programme
2
Seminar
1
Event days
8:15–8:15
Typical time
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026
8:15
a.m. - Jersey Jack Pinball Tour pinballexpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pinball-Expo-2026-Schedule-9.30.26A.pdf
Seminar
8:15
a.m. - Jersey Jack Pinball Tour","url":"https://pinballexpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pinball-Expo-2026-Schedule-9.30.26A.pdf","snippet":"pinballexpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pinball-Expo-2
Seminar
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2025
Completed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Pinball Expo 2025 was covered in post-show reports by Retro Refurbs, Pinball Magazine, Pinball News and Scorbit. The official 2025 Souvenir Guide and a highlights video are also available.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Schaumburg, USA
Why it matters
Attending Pinball Expo on 2026-10-14 to 2026-10-17 in Schaumburg lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
US Gaming Market 2026: Revenue, Popular Games, Streamers & Regulations
ReadPinball News | Pinball Expo
ReadX-Arcade at Pinball Expo 2026 | XR-MAX & a New Teaser
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ReadPinball EXPO 2026 Hype! What games will be there? w/ Rush ... - YouTube
ReadHomepage | Pinball Expo
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
On-site
Schaumburg Convention CenterHost venue and directly connected to the expo floor. Approximate nightly rate for mid-October 2026; confirm current rates, taxes and cancellation policy.
Hyatt Place Chicago/Schaumburg
Midscale
Schaumburg / WoodfieldFree breakfast and pool amenities in the capture. Short rideshare or shuttle ride to the Renaissance; confirm hotel shuttle availability.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg Woodfield
Midscale
Schaumburg / WoodfieldRated 4.0 in the capture with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pool and pet-friendly rooms. Confirm shuttle or rideshare options to the venue.
Wyndham Garden Schaumburg Chicago Northwest
Budget
Schaumburg / WoodfieldListed with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Confirm current rates and distance to the Renaissance.
Baymont by Wyndham Schaumburg Chicago Northwest
Budget
Schaumburg / WoodfieldListed with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pool, hot tub and fitness center. Confirm current rates and transport to the venue.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Uber publishes a dedicated ORD-to-Renaissance Schaumburg route page. Rideshare pickup at ORD is from designated zones; allow 10-15 min to reach the pickup area after baggage claim.
hotel shuttle / walk
Estimated costFree where the hotel offers a shuttle; walking is free
Best forWoodfield-area hotels to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Several Woodfield-area hotels sit within 1-3 miles of the Renaissance. Confirm shuttle hours with your hotel; walking is possible from some nearby properties but not all have continuous sidewalks.
local bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forPace Bus Route 905 serving Schaumburg
Pace Route 905 is listed in Schaumburg venue arrival captures as a local bus option. Use the Ventra app or exact cash; confirm schedules and stops near the Renaissance before relying on it.
commuter rail + bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forMetra Milwaukee District West to Schaumburg station, then Pace bus or rideshare to the venue
Useful for visitors staying in downtown Chicago. Metra schedules are less frequent on weekends; check return times before evening tournament sessions.
car / parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day for on-site or nearby lot parking; confirm current rates
Best forSelf-drive to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Parkopedia lists the on-site Renaissance parking lot plus free 2-hour customer lots at some nearby Woodfield hotels. Confirm event-day parking and hall access with the venue.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Schaumburg, Illinois in mid-October is cool continental autumn: daytime highs commonly around 14-17 C (57-63 F) and nights dropping toward 5-7 C (41-45 F), with a real chance of rain fronts and gusty wind. Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket for walks between the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel and Woodfield-area hotels.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have strong coverage in Schaumburg. International visitors should arrange an eSIM or local SIM before arrival; venue Wi-Fi may be available at the Renaissance but confirm access with the hotel. Power is 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs, so bring a plug adapter for non-US devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress and atmosphere
Pinball Expo is a community event with a casual, arcade-friendly atmosphere. Many attendees wear pinball or arcade T-shirts; business casual is fine for vendor meetings and seminars.
Tipping
Restaurant tipping in the Chicago area is typically 15-20%. Bar staff often receive USD 1-2 per drink, and hotel housekeeping or bell staff commonly receive USD 1-5 depending on service.
Cash and payments
Cards are widely accepted, but some vendors, tournament entries and coin-op machines may prefer cash. Carry small bills for tips and arcade tokens.
Machine etiquette
Ask before touching or playing a machine on display, especially in vendor areas where games may be for sale or not set to free play. Tournament machines and signed collectibles should only be handled with permission.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Book into Chicago O'Hare (ORD) for the shortest transfer to Schaumburg; Chicago Midway (MDW) is a secondary option if fares or schedules are better. Mid-October is not a major US holiday period, but booking 6-10 weeks ahead usually gives better fares. Confirm baggage, change and cancellation policies before purchasing.
Visa
International attendees from Visa Waiver Program countries typically travel on an approved ESTA; everyone else should apply for a B-1 business visitor visa. Bring proof of the Pinball Expo 2026 registration and the Schaumburg venue address to the interview.
Estimated cost: Approx. USD 185 B-1/B-2 MRV fee; ESTA approximately USD 21. Confirm live fees before applying.
Processing: Vary by consulate; check the U.S. Department of State business visa page and USCIS processing-time tool for current waits.
Use the USTravelDocs portal for appointment scheduling; keep a printed copy of the Pinball Expo registration confirmation and the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel address with your travel documents.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD). Allow road or rail time to Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel: Schaumburg Convention Center: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel; Schaumburg / Woodfield: Hyatt Place Chicago/Schaumburg; Schaumburg / Woodfield: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg Woodfield.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve Schaumburg and ORD. Rideshare pickup at O'Hare is from designated zones; allow 10-15 minutes to reach the pickup area after baggage claim. Approx. USD 35-60 one way to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel; confirm live fares in the app.
Public transit: Pace Bus Route 905 connects Schaumburg with the CTA Blue Line and ORD area, and Metra's Milwaukee District West line serves Schaumburg station from Chicago Union Station. Use the Ventra app for fares and passes; buses and trains run less frequently on weekends, so check return times before evening tournament sessions.
Parking: On-site parking is available at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, typically approx. USD 10-20 per day; confirm current rates with the venue. Some nearby Woodfield hotels offer free customer parking for limited hours, but do not assume event-day parking is free.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 5-17 C (41-63 F); cooler after dark
Seasonality: Mid-October is a transition period in northern Illinois: falling temperatures, periodic rain fronts and breezy days. No monsoon or tropical season, but a rain jacket is useful.
Packing: Layerable clothing, a compact rain shell, comfortable closed shoes for parking-lot and shuttle walks, and a warm layer for evening pinball tournaments and vendor-hall sessions that run late.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Pinball Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your ESTA or B-1/B-2 visa status on the U.S. Department of State site, book flights into Chicago O'Hare (ORD) where possible, and reserve a room at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel or a Woodfield-area hotel.
T-2
Lock in hotel dates for Pinball Expo 2026, typically check-in 13 October and check-out 18 October, and confirm the cancellation policy. Compare the attached Renaissance against Woodfield-area options such as Hyatt Place, Embassy Suites, Wyndham Garden and Baymont.
T-3
Download the Pinball Expo 2026 schedule PDF from pinballexpo.com and mark the Jersey Jack Pinball tour, seminar slots and tournament sessions you want to attend. Register for any tournament or tour that requires a separate entry.
T-4
Buy admission through pinballexpo.com/admission, choosing between the Full Registration Package, Three Days Admission or single-day tickets. Pack layers, a rain shell and comfortable shoes for walking between the venue and Woodfield-area hotels.
T-5
Fly into ORD, take a rideshare, taxi, hotel shuttle or Pace bus to Schaumburg, and collect your badge early so you can reach the Pinball Expo show floor and free-play area at opening.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Pinball Expo registration concourse
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 240 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 240 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Pinball Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Pinball Expo 2026?
Pinball Expo 2026 runs 14-17 October 2026 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, the show's long-standing Chicago-area home.
How do I register or buy tickets for Pinball Expo 2026?
Admission details and ticket options are published on pinballexpo.com/admission; the official site also hosts the 2026 game registration form for exhibitors bringing machines.
Is the show floor free play included with admission?
The expo is built around free play: the 2026 captures reference hundreds of pinball and arcade machines set to free play across the show floor, with a single admission covering the halls.
What is the Jersey Jack Pinball tour at Pinball Expo?
The 2026 schedule PDF lists a Jersey Jack Pinball tour starting at 8:15 a.m. as part of the official programme, providing registered attendees a factory visit alongside the main expo.
Where can I see the Pinball Expo 2026 schedule of events?
The official schedule of events is at pinballexpo.com/events-schedule, with dated PDF versions of the 2026 schedule linked from the site.
Is there a Hall of Fame and speaker programme?
Yes, pinballexpo.com maintains dedicated Hall of Fame and Speakers pages that list the inductees and the guest speakers appearing at the show.
How do I get to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel from O'Hare?
Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the primary gateway; visitors typically take a rideshare or taxi (Uber publishes a dedicated route page), and Parkopedia lists on-site and nearby Woodfield hotel parking for drivers.
Do I need a visa to attend Pinball Expo 2026 from abroad?
Visa Waiver Program nationals can travel on ESTA; others need a U.S. B-1 business visitor visa. Details are on the U.S. Department of State business visa page.
Glossary
- Free play
- Machines set to allow unlimited play without coin or card payment, the core format of the Pinball Expo show floor.
- Homebrew
- A pinball machine designed and built by an individual or small team rather than a commercial manufacturer; Pinball Expo showcases new homebrew titles each year.
- Hall of Fame
- The Pinball Expo Hall of Fame recognises figures who have shaped pinball design, manufacturing or competition; inductees are listed at pinballexpo.com/hall-of-fame.
- Jersey Jack Pinball
- A U.S. pinball manufacturer whose factory tour is on the Pinball Expo 2026 schedule as an official off-site programme item.
- Vendor booth
- A paid exhibitor space in the Pinball Expo vendor hall where manufacturers, parts sellers and mod makers sell directly to attendees.
- Tournament circuit
- The series of competitive pinball events held around Pinball Expo, culminating in finals during the show weekend.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Pinball Expo
- Pinball Expo 2026
- Pinball Expo Schaumburg
- Pinball Expo Schaumburg 2026
- Schaumburg USA
- Entertainment Schaumburg 2026
- Pinball machines from various manufacturers
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.