Retro Festival in November

[Synoptic]

Hi everyone!

I'm organizing a second Vintage Computer Festival this November on Montreal's South Shore, at Champlain College. I have lots of space there, and I was wondering if some of you in the area would be interested in showcasing your pinball or arcade machines. Since this is a test of interest, exhibiting would be free of charge.

You can DM me for more info, ask here, or visit the event page at https://cvcfed.org/vcf-montreal-2-0/

In short, it's a weekend where exhibitors showcase their vintage computing gear (machines, software, homebrew software and devices, etc.). We also host talks with very interesting speakers.

[semicolin]

Oh! Excellent! I attended VCF Montreal last year (as did others in this forum) and it was a wonderful experience. I could definitely be convinced to bring a couple of games down.

This complicates my life. How dare you.

[cait001]

The link is not working for me right now, what date is this?

[Azatotht]

The link is not working for me right now, what date is this?

VCF Montréal 2.0 — 7 et 8 novembre 2026, Saint-Lambert

[semicolin]

You can DM me for more info, ask here, or visit the event page at https://cvcfed.org/vcf-montreal-2-0/

If I bring pinball machines to this, I will need to unload a trailer and park it for the three days. Do you have special exhibitor parking arrangements that can accommodate this?

[Synoptic]

You can DM me for more info, ask here, or visit the event page at https://cvcfed.org/vcf-montreal-2-0/

If I bring pinball machines to this, I will need to unload a trailer and park it for the three days. Do you have special exhibitor parking arrangements that can accommodate this?

There's a public parking close to the cegep where you can park your trailer there, which is free. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PPNPwJQLrsai4wxv7

There's also a very nice loading ramp at the cegep

[semicolin]

Excellent! Would people exhibiting pinball machines be permitted to sell/trade them? I know that puts other exhibitors in a different category for VCF.

[Synoptic]

Excellent! Would people exhibiting pinball machines be permitted to sell/trade them? I know that puts other exhibitors in a different category for VCF.

Maybe in a future event, but for this one, I want to gauge the interest first.

[semicolin]

Hrm, that might put a damper on things. I definitely would have to bow out, personally.

Normally when I bring a few machines out of the basement, the idea is that at least one of those games finds a new home so that the proceeds can pay for the cost of the weekend, trailer rental, hotel, wear and tear on the machines, etc. Also, it helps get new people into the hobby.

Having hundreds of guests play machines on free play for two days can carry a cost for the operator. A pinball machine isn’t a fully solid state device, so it’s not unusual for us to be whipping out the soldering iron and spare parts bin on a show weekend. These games have an internal projectile; they aren’t a Commodore 64.

If we’re not permitted to sell or trade our own equipment, the value angle is significantly reduced. I’d rather come and see the show for a day without machines and pay admission, and then head back to Ottawa on the same day. Getting in free to the show is a nice perk, but I don’t need to save $20 when I’m spending $500 on travel. I’d rather pay the admission.

[Mrhide]

pm !

[cait001]

Having hundreds of guests play machines on free play for two days can carry a cost for the operator. A pinball machine isn’t a fully solid state device, so it’s not unusual for us to be whipping out the soldering iron and spare parts bin on a show weekend. These games have an internal projectile; they aren’t a Commodore 64.

I want to second this. Bringing arcade machines is a big ask and the community is often quite enthusiastic to do so but limiting their ability to sell/trade machines frels arbitrary and discouraging.

I am hoping I can make it, last VCF was awesome. So much cool and rare stuff.

[Synoptic]

Ok. I see the point of being able to sell which makes total sense.

I am willing to allow this for this show.

Here’s how the financial model works :
Exhibitors not selling are paying 20$ for 1 table, 30$ for 2 and 35$ for three.
Creators selling their homebrew stuff pay 20$ per table , non-regressive. Regular Vendors pay 30$ per table.

@Lowrent told me about how pin all shows work, ie: free if you bring a machine.

However, my show is still very small, only its second edition and I cannot pay for it only on attendance ticket sales, which is 35$/day.

That being said,
What would be a good equivalent for pinball machines?

[cait001]

That being said,
What would be a good equivalent for pinball machines?

Can you please specify what you're asking about here?

Thanks for listening to feedback.

[Synoptic]

That being said,
What would be a good equivalent for pinball machines?

Can you please specify what you're asking about here?

Thanks for listening to feedback.

How much are people willing to pay to be able to sell their machines, considering the points from my previous post.

[mrmikeman]

That being said,
What would be a good equivalent for pinball machines?

Can you please specify what you're asking about here?

Thanks for listening to feedback.

How much are people willing to pay to be able to sell their machines, considering the points from my previous post.

In the pinball world we pay nothing. PInball machines are heavy, complex, high maintenance machines. Collectors do not pay to bring them to a show. The show “pays” the collector by providing free admittance. The ability to sell is just part of the whole aspect of bringing it in public.

[cait001]

Yes, what Mike said. You are asking people to bring their 300 pound vintage machines to be lovingly abused by a large audience for an extended period of time.

[Synoptic]

Yes, what Mike said. You are asking people to bring their 300 pound vintage machines to be lovingly abused by a large audience for an extended period of time.

Ok. I get it.
I will give entrance for free for pinballs and you will be able to sell. I will open up space later this fall and create a special registration for it.

Stay tuned.

[semicolin]

I’ll keep an eye out!