Here's my convention schedule for the next few months. October is going to be packed!
Classic Game Fest - July 19-21 (Austin, TX)
This fantastic show is hosted by my good buddy David Kaelin of Game Over Videogames, who has supported my writing career since the beginning. Classic Game Fest is an awesome celebration of retro gaming, featuring a vast array of classic video games, consoles, and memorabilia. With numerous vendors, panels, and tournaments, and even live music, it’s an event that brings together gamers of all ages to relive the golden era of gaming. The guest list this year is impressive and includes Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, E.T. and Yars’ Revenge programmer Howard Scott Warshaw, and Pitfall! and Freeway creator David Crane. I’ll be a guest as well, selling and autographing my books.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo – Sept. 27-29
One of the original retro gaming conventions, this event is a must-visit for any video game fan. The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is beloved for its extensive exhibitor hall, packed with rare games, consoles, and accessories. Additionally, it offers an impressive lineup of speakers, including industry veterans and gaming historians, as well as educational and entertaining panels and a super fun auction. It’s the closest thing we have to the late, great Classic Gaming Expo. The guest list this year is long and includes the original Mortal Kombat crew: Daniel Pesina (Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero, Scorpion), Ho-Sung Pak (Liu Kang, Shang Tsung), Elizabeth Malecki (Sonya Blade), Richard Divizio (Kano), and Carlos Pesina (Raiden). I’ll be a guest as well, doing a panel on the market crash of 1983.
Houston Arcade Expo – October 11-13
Known for its party-like atmosphere, this expo features live rock and pop music and runs into the crazy hours of the night. The Houston Arcade Expo offers a unique experience with numerous arcade games and pinball machines set to free play, allowing attendees to enjoy endless gaming, as well as a little drinking and carousing. The event also includes tournaments, cosplay contests, and a Saturday morning swap meet, making it a highlight of the year. I’ll be a guest at the show, autographing and selling my books, and I’m looking forward to seeing the other guests, including my buddies Brian F. Colin (Rampage) and Tim Kitzrow (the voice of NBA Jam and NFL Blitz).
Video GameSummit/Pinball Expo - Oct. 17-19 (Near Chicago)
A melding of Video Game Summit and the long-running Pinball Expo, one of the oldest events of its type in the country, this gathering promises a fantastic blend of both worlds. Attendees can explore a wide range of video games and pinball machines, attend informative panels, and participate in exciting tournaments. The event attracts collectors, gamers, YouTubers, pinball experts, and more, offering a fun opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Along with yours truly, guests include “The Immortal” John Hancock (YouTuber), Michael Thomasson (historian), Brian F. Colin (Rampage), and Paul Niemeyer (Mortal Kombat artist), all good friends of mine. Yes, I will have a supply of my books with me.
Retropalooza – October 26-27 (Fort Worth, TX)
I've attended most Dallas-Fort Worth Retropaloozas since its inception in 2013, and also to a couple in Houston. Hosted by the Game Chasers, this event is always a lot of fun. Retropalooza features YouTube guests and a fantastic vendor’s room. The swap meet-like atmosphere makes it a favorite among retro gaming fans—you will definitely have great opportunities to add to your collection and probably find some good deals. I’ll be there either as an attendee/fan, a vendor, or working at the Heritage Auctions booth—that remains to be seen. The guest list thus far is comprised mostly of voice actors and YouTubers, the latter including familiar faces Boogie2988, the Game Chasers, and 8-bit Eric.
I hope to see you at one of these conventions! Each event offers something unique, and they’re all fantastic opportunities to celebrate the rich history of gaming.
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