Thanks Korn for dropping by with all the info, much appreciated - Vegemite Nick on RGP.

Heya Nick, long time no type!  I'd ask where you've been, but I think I already have the answer.

We had an "expo" in 2009 and while well attended, in was a facade for an auction of container pins. There is massive potential for properly run show, like the shows you guys are lucky enough to have in the USA. I'm sure it will happen, with the right people involved.

Now that you mention it, I sort-of (kind-of) remember hearing about that.  Thanks for the reminder!

I think putting on a show might be easier than some of you think.  There are lots of unconventional places where pinball shows can work, not just hotels.  For example, pinball at the zoo takes place at the county fairgrounds.  The MIpinball (detroit, really) show takes place at a student center at a university during their spring break.  The south florida APE show also takes place at a university.  And the ohio show takes place at -- of all places -- an abandoned supermarket!  In other words, there are lots of 'unconventional' spots to hold shows that aren't all that expensive to rent (especially in the case of the supermarket), which cuts down on the cost of the show considerably.  Obviously it's not a zero-cost operation, but with a few dedicated people it can happen fairly easily.