Pinball Expo — Convention Hall 2026
Public collector show with dealers, displays and hobby activities.
At a glance
- When
- Oct 15 – Oct 17, 2026
- Where
- Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N Thoreau Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Schaumburg, IL - Who can attend
- Open to the public
- Admission
- Paid admission. Check the organizer for current prices and fees.
- Organizer
- Pinball Expo
Before you book
Open to the public with paid convention-hall admission Thursday through Saturday. Children 10 and under free; Wednesday welcome party is separately located at Enterrium.
Check the official page for current prices, availability, registration deadlines and what each pass includes. A general entry pass may not cover every activity. Price and professional eligibility are separate: free registration can still require industry credentials.
Dates, hours and access
- 2026-10-15 · Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel · Hours not confirmed · America/Chicago · Public attendance period
- 2026-10-16 · Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel · Hours not confirmed · America/Chicago · Public attendance period
- 2026-10-17 · Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel · Hours not confirmed · America/Chicago · Public attendance period
Announced attendance dates are listed with their access rules. Hours are shown only when confirmed. Check the organizer for pass-specific access and changes.
Decide what you want to play, trade or buy
Make a short wish list with preferred editions, condition and a spending ceiling. Bring a checklist for a collection rather than relying on memory. For playable activities, check the organizer’s schedule for any registration deadline or separately ticketed tournament.
Inspect before agreeing to a purchase
Ask the seller to describe condition and what is included. For cards and other collectibles, compare the item with its label and ask for a clear receipt. Store purchases in suitable sleeves, boxes or a protective case.
Leave time for discovery
Walk the floor once before committing your full budget, then return to priority vendors. Ask permission before handling displays, and check the event’s rules for attendee-to-attendee trading.
Build your visit around the public hall
Choose a hall day
The official admission page lists October 14 as setup, with the convention hall opening at noon October 15. Friday and Saturday are further hall days. Registration, seminars and tournament activities have separate timetables; use the current program to choose the experience your pass covers.
Make a three-stop first lap
Our suggested first lap is one familiar game, one unfamiliar game and one exhibitor conversation. Give each a purpose: compare feedback, learn a rule or ask about the design. Leave room to change your route when a priority machine has a long queue.
A booth shortlist
The new Exhibitor Spotlight section profiles Jersey Jack Pinball, American Pinball, Marco Pinball, Nitro Pinball and AtGames from public announcements. Read a profile before the show, then confirm the booth and current activities on the official floor plan. An announcement does not promise a particular setup at your arrival time.
Official planning resource ↗ · Source review 2026-10-12
Getting there and moving around
Your listed destination is Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. Confirm the correct building, entrance, parking, public transport and accessibility arrangements with the venue and organizer. Large venues may host several unrelated events on the same day. Allow time for check-in and walking from the entrance to your first stop.
Your show-day checklist
- Keep your admission confirmation and any required identification available.
- Check the organizer’s current opening hours and pass-specific entry.
- Review bag, personal-item, photography and re-entry rules.
- Save the program or floor plan and choose your first three priorities.
- Plan transport home and keep notes for useful follow-up.
Official sources and updates
Event facts come from the magazine’s reviewed directory record, checked 2026-10-10. Planning suggestions are editorial guidance; this guide is not a firsthand review or the organizer’s official program.
- Official organizer information ↗
- Official attendance and admission information ↗
- Reviewed event listing →
- Report a correction →
Dates, guests, policies and schedules can change. Use the organizer’s current information when making your final plans.