Official VGEXPO (A.K.A. Philly Classic) thread- ROLL CALL!

[GrandAmChandler]

Philly Classic is NOW "America's Video Game Expo".

November 12th & 13th 2005! Be there!
Here is the site! www.vgxpo.com
--------------------------------------------
UPDATE 10/7/2005:
DP FORUM MEMBER ROLL CALL! Post here if you are definitely coming or not!

GrandAmChandler - Vendor Table
K3V - Displayer Table
Rolenta - Ralph Baer and Bill Kunkel will be at the Rolenta Press booth
J2Games- Vendor Booth with homebrews!
DogP
ham and swiss
davepesc
Drexel923
Portnoyd
Schenley

[Sniderman]

I'm disappointed that no official word from the organizers has been posted here. I know a TON of DP members have been looking forward to this year's event - hence the 6 or 7 random posts asking for info. I would hope they'd begin posting here as well so folks will know what's going on and what arrangements they need to make. Especially considering the date/venue changes.

[K3V]

Don't worry, Chris and I will keep the DP Philly6 thread alive....right? ;)

Anyways, I plan on being there again this year, bigger and better than ever!


...cue the crickets chirping....

[Vigilante]

NOVEMBER??? ugh!

[GrandAmChandler]

K3V, wait until you see the surprises I am bringing this year, I am going to need double the room/table space I had last year!

[K3V]

K3V, wait until you see the surprises I am bringing this year, I am going to need double the room/table space I had last year!

Sweet, can't wait to see what you've got! Did you ever sell those huge game store signs? LOL

I should have some suprises myself - stay tuned!

[DogP]

NOVEMBER??? ugh!

Me too... Well, I guess I can wait :P .

DogP

[gamingnoise]

So, is free admission a good thing or a bad thing. I'm hoping that the quality doesn't go down as a result. My friend and I are driving 6 hours to be there... if it's free I can just see the non-gamers and just random folk strolling in.

Am I way off base? Will this actually help the event?

Thoughts?

Also, is it 100% in November?

Thanks,
-cd

PS: I frequently cover this event and I want to see it do well:

http://www.classicgaming.com/features/articles/phillyclassic2k2/

Man, that was a fun year.

[K3V]

I was thinking there will need to be a tighter reign on security if there is open admission. I know Chris ran into some trouble last year (which was quickly resolved, thankfully) and with any and everyone coming in, and not just collectors, that problem could escalate.

We'll see. More info got posted today as well, in regards to being in with the NBC Tech Expo:


Its what I refer to as "a show within a show" . NBC runs "Tech Expos" in several cities. NBC10 is our local affiliate and we've had a booth, more like a large area, for our philly classic exhibit two years running. We typically bring 10 tvs, 10 consoles, atari to xbox, and several arcade machines. We were so popular at the expo that now, 2 years later, we've been asked to piggyback on to their tech expo and do whatever we want, no strings, no "suggestions" about what we "should" have. It will be the same show we would have planned anyway.

there are a few downsides to sharing space but I prefer to discuss the positives:

1. we get a HUGE amount of space to do our show, imagine PC5 two or even three times as large!!

2. we can let people in for free now [something we've wanted to do since the end of PC4]

3. we get some free advertising and promotion

4. perceived credibility from our sponsors standpoint increases dramatically.

5. load in is easier

6. no black stained and cracked acoustic tile ceilings and no yellowing linoleum floors like at VFCC, oh and no HUGE ass columns every ten feet dividing up the space in weird ways [hate those things]

[RCM]

I don't think free admission is a negative. East Coast Gaming Expo is a free show and we got a great response. I'm sure PC6 will be great. I certainly enjoyed myself at PC5. I thought the size of last years PC was perfect. Bigger isn't always better, but I hope so in the PC6's case.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[DogP]

So who do we talk to about bringing arcades to the show? It was awesome how many were there last year, and I'd love to bring a couple of my own to add to it (I have no idea which ones though, since by November, who knows which games I'll have :P ). Is there usually a list of games that will be there available before the show, so we know which ones not to bring?

DogP

[GrandAmChandler]

I was thinking there will need to be a tighter reign on security if there is open admission. I know Chris ran into some trouble last year (which was quickly resolved, thankfully) and with any and everyone coming in, and not just collectors, that problem could escalate.



Wow K3V thanks for holding this thread up, I am gonna check it from now on as much as possible.

Yeah if any punk ass kids try to steal my Dragon Warrior III & IV carts again I am not gonna call security this time, they are gonna get a flying elbow drop from me off of my table!

Free admission has its ups and downs. I'd advise collectors who are attending the expo to get there EARLY the first day before the show opens that way they can have first crack at all the goodies...

As for MY goodies... Stay Tuned. Oh yes Kev, the complete original giant FuncoLand signage WILL be there again this year, as the deal I originally had for them fell through......

If anyone has any questions about last years show, feel free to ask!

EDIT: DogP - you probablly will want to become a vendor when they make some announcements.. I am almost POSITIVE that arcades are MORE than welcome, Philly Classic Loves to see Interactive displays, I try to come up with as many as possible. (Just don't play that crazy NUON display, It will bite you.) :-P Usually there is a list of arcade games that certain vendors bring, and if you register early enough with the games you are bringing I am sure they will post your list on their website, when they finally get it up and running.

-Chris

[DogP]

Oh, so you have to be a vendor to bring arcades? I don't really think I have much to sell, and wouldn't want to have to hold down the table (I'm there to play games :) ), I just figured I'd bring an arcade or two to add to the selection of games for people to play (so they're not playing the dedicated Major Havoc that was there last time *drool* :D ), but if not, whatever... less hassle for me ;) .

DogP

[GrandAmChandler]

DogP,

I guess I misunderstood originally! I would talk to the founders about displaying these, as they are the kind of thing you can just let sit there for the weekend lol. Email them when you get a chance, their emails can be found on www.phillyclassic.com

[DogP]

Okay... cool... I'll drop them an email when I get around to it.

DogP

[stevec1636]

i will be coming all the way from NC again for this one, 5 was awesome and i know this year will not disapoint. I can't wait see you there. :D

[GrandAmChandler]

i will be coming all the way from NC again for this one, 5 was awesome and i know this year will not disapoint. I can't wait see you there. :D

Steve It will be good to meet you! Hopefully we can create some Digital Press Name Badges as we have done in years past. Make sure to stop by my table, and K3V's if he decides to display!

-Chris

[GrandAmChandler]

Here is a link to a map layout of the Fort Washington Expo center if anyone is interested! Note the dimensions at the top of the page and the "drive in bays" on the left hand size of the larger hall. quite convienient. :D

http://www.fortwashingtonexpo.com/exhibitionhalls/exhibitionhalls.html

[K3V]

Well it looks like PhillyClassic is now America's VideoGame Expo:

http://www.vgxpo.com/

[K3V]

Ft Washington Expo on Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fort+washington+expo&ll=40.140331,-75.177705&sll=40.144775,-75.147255&spn=0.010557,0.015471&sspn=0.120117,0.228123&t=k&hl=en)

[K3V]

I am a tool who posts the same message three times. :embarrassed:

[GrandAmChandler]

Thanks K3V! I knew about this but was having trouble logging onto the forums! See top for all new information! Registration information for vendors in the marketplace will be posted on the vgexpo site on Monday!

Stay tuned!! 8-)

[K3V]

Looks like most of us will end up in the "PhillyClassic Market Place." Check it out:


For 'mom and pop' sized vendors, we continue to offer the PhillyClassic Market Place. Continuing our tradition, the Market Place is affordable for any sized budget. All vendors in the Market Place receive a table, drapery, electricity, carpet, web links, and a small ad in the expo guide.

Hmm..well we'll see what they're going to charge for that. Hopefully not too much for us small time guys :)

[GrandAmChandler]

Lol, I am sure the marketplace will be reasonably priced. If not I am sure they will hear about it! You know how video game collectors are! Everyone is a critic! :D

[rolenta]

Has anybody noticed the dates of the Dallas show? I was all set to drive down to Dallas until I saw that it's the same weekend as CGE.

[TheSmirk]

Very interesting! I'll be there for sure, admission wasn't bad to start with, but free is nice too....sometimes free attracts trouble also....but it should work out ok I'd think

November, not sure I like that, but thats how it goes...

[Amy Lee]

I'm supposed to be going to the Dallas Expo in August, and I want to get my hotel room booked ASAP. Unfortunately, the vgXpo website doesn't give ANY information about available hotels, discounts or ANYTHING!

Does anyone know how I can get in touch with whomever is organizing this event? I've been to phillyclassic.com and videogame.net, but all I can find is a postal address for whomever is in charge. I would appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction. Thanks! :) :) :)

[GrandAmChandler]

All the info you need?

411@vgxpo.com

I am sure you will get all your answers if you email them.

[DogP]

I just looked on the site and noticed that they're coming to DC the weekend before my birthday (and the week after CGE)! This is gonna be sweet! Two video game conventions in back to back weekends... WOOOOOOOT!

I'll still be going to the one in Philly though.

DogP

[GrandAmChandler]

Dog P,

Yeah I am highly dissapointed that I can not go to the DC one, I have plans with friends from out of town. But you better bet your bottom dollar that I am gonna be there setting up Early Friday in November!

Also, I am trying to get a DP get together Friday or Saturday night after show close. I have to see what I can do!

-Chris

[Mr Mort]

I'll definately be going to the DC one, most likely on the 27th. I've never been to anything like this before, any ideas what to expect? I'm trying to bring some $$$ so I can buy any goodies that I see. What kind of stuff do they have there? Mostly classic stuff, or do they also have modern goods? In addition to buying games, I'm also looking to get some video-game related goodies like action figures, posters, and the like.
I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.

[MegaManFan]

Well it's under a week until the Dallas show, I hope to see some of you there! I know Flack will be there, and hey bud if you see this check your PM's. :D

[googlefest1]

---sorry - i only scaned through the front page of posts---


im having my doubts that this one - comming in novemebr will be good

- the website sucks compared to the philly classic 5 one and the exibitors list is short

- i don't give a crap that NBC will be there - all i care about is the games -- show me a list of 1000 vendors!!

i originaly thought of getting a room near there to attend both days - but i get the feeling that it wont be worth it


EDIT:: whoops - i originly looked and posted in the wrong forum - thats why i didnt see anything

[GrandAmChandler]

---sorry - i only scaned through the front page of posts---


im having my doubts that this one - comming in novemebr will be good

- the website sucks compared to the philly classic 5 one and the exibitors list is short

- i don't give a crap that NBC will be there - all i care about is the games -- show me a list of 1000 vendors!!

i originaly thought of getting a room near there to attend both days - but i get the feeling that it wont be worth it

Well, I can say that I know of no video game expo that is open to the public that has 1000 vendors. I can assure you that I will be there with over 1000 games though from Atari to Xbox and everything in between! Bring cash! :-) Also, those are the main vendors, that doesn't include people bringing trades on their own.

If you can get down there at least one day and walk home with at least 1 game that you need for your collection it will be worth it. Admission is free, all you have to do is get there. What do you have to lose?

-Chris Chandler
VGExpo / PC6 Exhibitor

[googlefest1]

i was exagerating when i said 1000 vendors

I wouldnt agree that comeing home with one game is worth the trip especialy when gas will probbaly cost 60$

i realy liked the last one and was excited to go to this years - that i expected would be twice as good - and planed on making it an 2day trip

but the lack of news is disheartening

last year i almost lost 2 finger tips (true story - it took months to get feeling back) from the bags i was carying around from all the stuff i bought

this year i was hoping to walk away with double

serious question -- will carts be allowed in?

[GrandAmChandler]

Carts meaning shopping carts? I highly doubt it. just bring a duffel bag and a bookbag with you, or make several trips to your car. Also, I will have plenty of bags available if you need some. Hell, you can leave your stuff behind my table if you want, I will watch it for you.

Anyways, I believe it will be a great time, I am going to see if we can get some DP badges made, and maybe hang out for those who stay in the nearby hotel and have a little "afterparty" Sat. night. We'll see, keep checking back on this thread for more updates.

-Chris

[googlefest1]

no i didnt mean shoping cart

i ment small carts -- like the kind you see old ladies with carying groceries

- the problem i have with making trips to the car is : the heat

[GrandAmChandler]

I am not quite sure google fest. Most likely a basket or something will be allowed, I dont think there are any restrictions on this. The best thing to do is get there early before the show opens and ask if you can bring it in.


I don't understand your heat comment. It's going to be in November!!

[intvsama]

I don't wanna toot my own horn... but *toot* ECGXpo has a lot of the vendors from prior PhillyClassics signed on board to provide you with all sorts of gaming goodies. Microplay, Video Game Connection, Collector's House, Matt Teske, just to name a few.

It may be too short notice for you to make it up this weekend, but there's gonna be a ton of great stuff for sale, trust me. 8*)

[googlefest1]

I don't wanna toot my own horn... but *toot* ECGXpo has a lot of the vendors from prior PhillyClassics signed on board to provide you with all sorts of gaming goodies. Microplay, Video Game Connection, Collector's House, Matt Teske, just to name a few.

It may be too short notice for you to make it up this weekend, but there's gonna be a ton of great stuff for sale, trust me. 8*)

cant make it

do me a favor - dont let anyone buy anything - so i can get it all at the VGE LOL

[Mangar]

As long as they have a good selection of arcade games to play, the Phillyclassic will be worthwhile. Since i'm more of an arcade junkie, thats what i tend to love the most about these conventions. (Especially with the sad state of todays modern arcades)

Last year i went, and the chick i brought with me who was kind of dreading the idea of a "Classic Game Convention" -Ended up loving it, and standing around playing Burgertime for hours.

[intvsama]

As long as they have a good selection of arcade games to play, the Phillyclassic will be worthwhile. Since i'm more of an arcade junkie, thats what i tend to love the most about these conventions. (Especially with the sad state of todays modern arcades)

Last year i went, and the chick i brought with me who was kind of dreading the idea of a "Classic Game Convention" -Ended up loving it, and standing around playing Burgertime for hours.

*toot* 8*) We're expecting close to 50 coin-ops at ECGXpo.

[Mangar]

*toot* 8*) We're expecting close to 50 coin-ops at ECGXpo.

heh - If i wasn't moving on Sunday, i'd have been there.

[calthaer]

Anyone who has gone to the Dallas and / or D.C. expos want to give us some feedback? Was it for gamers or llamas? K3wl or = su><0rz?

I'm planning on going in November, but wanted feedback. No signs of "Game Jam" dumbness?

[GrandAmChandler]

The Philly show will be much more organized then the D.C. and Dallas shows. Organizers & Volunteers are closer to home, and the connections in the Philly area are better IMHO. There is a decent amount of sponsors and vendors this year, and it should be a great show! Try to make it out!

-Chris

[Flack]

a ton of vgXpo Dallas reviews and comments:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68525

vgXpo DC pix and review:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=69397

My pictures from vgXpo Dallas:
http://www.robohara.com/albums/vgxpo2005

My official review of vgXpo Dallas (from thelogbook.com)
http://www.thelogbook.com/phosphor/about/vgxpo05

Although I do have to say (and have said before), I doubt the Dallas and DC shows reflect what the Philly show will be like.

[K3V]

You guys/gals that are coming that have Nintendo DS'es should bring them along for multiplayer gaming and pictochat during the show. I'll definitely be bringing mine!

[Muscelli]

I will be there for sure, I went to phillyclassic last year (before I even used DP) and had fun even though I was like the only non-adult .. Got plenty of weird looks when I wanted to buy nes games... Looks like I am going to have a HUGE sale to save up money.. I blew 100 dollars last march.. and got there on the 2nd day (everything was gone)

The fort washington expo center is a lot better then the VFCC... I think itis air conditioned if i remember? Will there be a DP booth? oh, and grandam... You should gather up a junk box full of sega stuff... You can expect a sale from me :D


I just hope the (possibility of) high table prices dont draw away anyone..

Oh, and I would suggest getting a backpack, and parking close to the enterance and making a few trips.. Thats what a lot of PPL did at PC5...

Is there a DP booth? I would go there, but not mention myself.. I think I have quite a few haters on here :embarrassed:

Damn excited... when is the exact date of this?

[rolenta]

Is there a DP booth? I would go there, but not mention myself.. I think I have quite a few haters on here :embarrassed:

The last I heard, DP won't have a booth this year. Hopefully my info is outdated and they will be there.


Damn excited... when is the exact date of this?

November 12 & 13

Don't forget, both Ralph Baer and Bill Kunkel will be at the Rolenta Press booth!

[GrandAmChandler]

Okay Guys & Gals! It's about a month away! Who is going? Who is not? Post here.

I am going to see if I can get name badges printed out for us!

DP Represent!

Also, now would be an EXCELLENT time to post what you are bringing for trade, what you will be looking to purchase, etc. Here is what I will be bringing:

---A ridiculous amount of systems. Everything from TI-99 -to Saturn. With everything in between.
--- Hundreds of games from Atari to Xbox. (Mostly Classic Stuff)
--- A couple game stations. For YOU to play!
--- A couple surprises up my sleeve 8-)

What I will be looking for:

---Anything that catches my fancy at the time
---Vectrex System in good cosmetic & working order w/ some games.
---Complete Game Boy games
---Complete Game Gear games (not Majesco crap)
---Complete 32X games that I don't obtain between now & Philly.

Let's hear from you people!
-Chris

[ham and swiss]

I will also be looking for a decent Vectrex with games - also a Colecovision with games - and of course filling out my 2600 collection.

Hopefully some of the cabs will be for sale this year.. Be nice to take home one..

[K3V]

I will be there. Bringing along a NUON display and 2 Jaguar displays, showing off titles-in-development for both (Invs, Katapila, & Mystery NUON game / Gorf, Mad Bodies, MightyFrog for the Jaguar).

I won't be selling anything but will be on the lookout for maybe a VB hard case, Vectrex goodies (already have the system so games/accessories), and whatever else catches my eye. I'm still glad I grabbed that Zelda Collectors Edition and PacMan Vs from Grandma Chandler last year ;)

Oh also looking for Jag/NUON stuff that I don't have (I've got a ton but you never know) and DS games.

[DogP]

I'll be there... I'll probably just be playing a bunch of games, maybe picking up some common fun games for some of my older systems (O2, 2600/7800, etc).

Oh, I've got a few VB hard cases... I had sold a few in the past BIN for $100 on ebay, but feel free to make an offer too.

DogP

[K3V]

I'll be there... I'll probably just be playing a bunch of games, maybe picking up some common fun games for some of my older systems (O2, 2600/7800, etc).

Oh, I've got a few VB hard cases... I had sold a few in the past BIN for $100 on ebay, but feel free to make an offer too.

DogP

Wow, $100 eh? Well I'll keep my eye out for a deal, not really looking to spend a bunch on one.

[adventurevision]

What happened to the PhillyClassic website? :image:
http://www.phillyclassic.com

[K3V]

Must not have renewed the domain name and it got picked up by somebody else. For a while it had a link up to VGXPO.com.

[adventurevision]

Ah... forgot about the VGXpo name thingy. ;)

[davepesc]

I'll be there at least on Saturday. Might come back Sunday and bring the kids.
I doubt I'll be in the market for anything big-ticket. Just filling in holes in the SMS collection and cherry picking a few 2600 titles. But who knows, I always come back with something unexpected.

I have been thinking about a 7800 lately!

[J2games]

J2Games.com will be attending the 2005 Philly Classic and bringing with them two hot new releases!

Both in limited edition and in partnership with Good Deal Games, we are pleased to announce the releases of:

Arcade Ambiance 1986: All the sounds you remember from your arcade days in '86!

Mighty Mighty Missile: A BRAND NEW release for the Sega CD system, Mighty Mighty Missile is a strategy puzzler sure to keep you occupied for hours on end! Complete with unlockable mini-games and hidden bonus content!

We figured if we were going to attend the show, it needed to be with a "bang!" Stay tuned for more exclusives that will ONLY be available at the J2Games.com booth!

[Lady Jaye]

Well, I'm not going to be at PhillyClassic 6, since on Nov. 12 it's the CCJVQ quaterly swap meet in Montreal. Besides, I'll be at the Arcadia videogame convention the previous weekend in Montreal, so 2 conventions in a row is a bit much.

[Schenley]

I'll be there... Can't wait!

I've got a couple of systems that I could sell or trade, but I'm confused - the "Mom and Pop" or collector's form (http://www.vgxpo.com/non-profits.pdf) states that sales are prohibited.... What's up with that?

How would I be able to sell or trade systems? I'll probably have about a dozen systems.

[GrandAmChandler]

There are two types of tables. Collector tables which are just for displays. And Vendor marketplace tables which actually have people selling things. I am a Vendor, therefore I will be selling things.

Bring stuff to the show! There will be a trade room area too. I'd be interested if you have anything fun!

-Chris

[Schenley]

There are two types of tables. Collector tables which are just for displays. And Vendor marketplace tables which actually have people selling things. I am a Vendor, therefore I will be selling things.

Bring stuff to the show! There will be a trade room area too. I'd be interested if you have anything fun!

-ChrisOh, I see... I'm thinking of bringing a printout of things I have available instead of lugging all this stuff around. I could leave the stuff in the truck and get it as needed. Think that'll work?

I'm going to have a lot of hardware - Dreamcasts, Saturns (one modded), SNES, O2's, 2600 Jr.s, Atari XE.

I'll be looking to trade for stuff I don't have mostly hardware, but some games too.

[slapdash]

Mighty Mighty Missile: A BRAND NEW release for the Sega CD system[...]

My apologies if I asked this question in another thread; I'm thinking possibly I forgot to hit Submit in this one...

How is this new? I already own a copy of MMM that I picked up at CGE 2004 (IIRC). Is this different at all?

[K3V]

There are two types of tables. Collector tables which are just for displays. And Vendor marketplace tables which actually have people selling things. I am a Vendor, therefore I will be selling things.

Bring stuff to the show! There will be a trade room area too. I'd be interested if you have anything fun!

-Chris

That's cool, I didn't realize they were going to have a trade room. I'll definitely bring along my few boxes of goodies then :)

[GrandAmChandler]

EDIT: I THOUGHT there would be a trade room. It was mentioned somewhere, not sure what is up with that. bring stuff anyways, you can always try to trade with me or others!!

-Chris

[Sniderman]

Uh oh. Is THIS what the Expo's become? :hmm:

http://www.nbc10.com/consumerexpo/index.html

[le geek]

Uh oh. Is THIS what the Expo's become? :hmm:

http://www.nbc10.com/consumerexpo/index.html

Yeah, I'm less and less sold on going now. :( (it's quite a drive from Atlanta)

[Schenley]

Uh oh. Is THIS what the Expo's become? :hmm:

http://www.nbc10.com/consumerexpo/index.htmlI thought that it was a totally seperate show, and they were just sharing space...

[K3V]

Uh oh. Is THIS what the Expo's become? :hmm:

http://www.nbc10.com/consumerexpo/index.htmlI thought that it was a totally seperate show, and they were just sharing space...

Yeah that's my understanding. Not as good a match as a Tech expo would have been, but oh well...

[Lady Jaye]

Because we all know that the following list and videogames are all part of the same stuff, right?


Lower your credit card interest rates
Find Unclaimed Funds

Learn how to improve your credit score and get your free credit report

Get your Car Seat Inspected

Learn how to protect your children from falling furniture

Prepare backup data in case your wallet is stolen or lost

Learn what should be in a contract when you hire a contractor

Shred your personal documents and learn other ways to protect yourself against ID theft

Learn how to prevent foreclosures and get out of debt

Learn how to read your phone bill properly

Sign up for the DO NOT CALL list

Learn how to winterize your home for energy efficiency

Learn tips for travel safety

Learn about medical assistance programs


At least a tech expo would have made it like a small-scale public old-style CES...

[rolenta]

I don't think this is necessarilly a bad thing. In the past, Phillyclassic has attracted a large following without the benefit of being tied in to any other show. What Ed did joining up with NBC sounded like a sound idea but we shouldn't think that just because the people going to the NBC show don't care about videogames, that there will be a small draw. Hopefully there will be many people attending the videogame show who couldn't care less about the consumer fest.

As we saw in Dallas and DC, being joined with a tech expo didn't necessarilly bring in a crowd that cared about videogames. I think we should forget the NBC aspect and think of it as Phillyclassic and hope that the same crowd that attended that show the last five years will return again. I don't agree with the reasons that some vendors decided to bolt, and I really don't think it has anything to do with the ConsumerFest. What is happening is that a few vendors are scaring everybody else.

[K3V]

Ed just posted this over on AA:


Hi folks,

VGXPO is quickly approaching and I wanted to drop in a quick line about the show and clear up a few things.

First, VGXPO is not PhillyClassic. It really is a new show, one that covers a wide range of gaming topics, including our roots - classic games. To make the show appealing to a larger base of people we teamed up with NBC to promote the expo. Some of you have been saying that it was a mistake to mix PhillyClassic and an NBC event together. But realize, VGXPO is not PhillyClassic - it is its own show, with a new and larger mission.

The truth is, running a game show is hard. We've been trying to figure out how to make the show work. When we signed on to work with NBC as a partner the original plan was for NBC to run a technology event. In April 2005, their plans changed and the event became a Consumer Fest, and then in late September 2005, it was renamed to Consumer Expo. Since May 2005, we’ve been promoting our involvement with NBC10 in Philly as a consumer event. We believe that the event will bring many people out to the show. It is true that NBC hasn’t done such a good job with its website. But, I’ve been promised that it will be updated soon to better reflect what we are bringing to the show and some of the other things that the show will include (including video games and technology), not just info about money management. In addition we are doing a number of own marketing efforts, outside of NBC’s promotion. These include magazine, news paper, internet and retail POS marketing. Through these channels we expect over 250,000 impressions.

The reality is, we are gearing ourselves to offer a gaming experience for both hard core and casual game players. The effect is bringing more people in to our hobby, teaching them about the video game industry and warming them up to be included in the video game collecting hobby. Working with NBC is not negative, it is bring more people into the hobby who might otherwise never been part of it.

We plan to make VGXPO the main consumer videogame event in the US, and we want it to be our full time jobs. To do this we have to grow the show into something that attracts mainstream public and something that is attractive to the likes of Nintendo, Sony, EA, Microsoft, SNK, Capcom, Atari, and the many other game publishers. To do this they expect 25,000 or more people to participate in such an event, it’s a high stakes game and they just aren’t interested in getting involved in small shows. We plan to grow into an event similar to Wizard World, Comicon, DigitalLife, IGN Live, G.A.M.E, GameLive Events, and eventually Tokyo Game Show. But we are humbled by are origins – we know that we cannot grow without standing on the shoulders of others, NBC provides us that first step.

PhillyClassic was a great show. It attracted nearly 3000 hard-core gamers. VGXPO plans to replicate the same success, but please bear with us through our first few events. It's true that we are having some growing pains, but we are working to fix those issues. There is a lot that we want to do - and we can only do it with your support.

I'm still going and plan on having a good time, however things turn out. At the very least I'll get to meet up with some friends, play some games and hang out. And kick some ass in the Halo 2 tourney :D

[Schenley]

Ugg... I don't like the sounds of this...

I'd rather have a show with 3000 hardcore gamers than a show with 25,000 soccer moms.

[Flack]

Just a few random comments:


As we saw in Dallas and DC, being joined with a tech expo didn't necessarilly bring in a crowd that cared about videogames.

At least in Dallas, the NBC part wasn't a tech expo. It was more similar to what they are talking about for the DC show. The NBC part of the Dallas vgXpo was filled with stray pets for adoptions, food, RV's and more. By "tech expo" I was expecting something like Comdex or E3, not booths selling homemade jewelry and handing out information on dental care.


I don't think this is necessarilly a bad thing. In the past, Phillyclassic has attracted a large following without the benefit of being tied in to any other show. What Ed did joining up with NBC sounded like a sound idea but we shouldn't think that just because the people going to the NBC show don't care about videogames, that there will be a small draw. Hopefully there will be many people attending the videogame show who couldn't care less about the consumer fest.

I agree with this. Just because the two events happen to take place in the same venue shouldn't stop vendors or people from attending.


I'd rather have a show with 3000 hardcore gamers than a show with 25,000 soccer moms.

Again, I can only speak to the Dallas event, but I can't imagine 3,000 people showed up. Some of the vendors I spoke with estimated numbers closer to 300-500 people. With free admission and the mixing of two crowds, we will never have an official attendence count, although I tend to believe the people who were working tables over PR people. Like Rolenta said, the mixing of the two events sounded like a good idea, but at Dallas I saw those "soccer moms" dropping their kids off at the game area while the moms walked around the rest of the show. As many vendors learned, kids don't spend money. I also saw quite a few older people (senior citizens) walking around, either out of curiosity or because they were lost -- either way, they weren't spending money either.

-

In Ed's post quoted by K3V, it's clear what the intentions of vgXpo are -- to become "the main consumer videogame event in the US". The vision he projects is one of a large videogame show, where 25,000 people will show up and major companies like "Nintendo, Sony, EA, Microsoft, SNK, Capcom, Atari, and the many other game publishers" will participate. However, if you look at it, it just doesn't add up to the sum of its parts. While I understand that teaming up with NBC might have sounded like a good idea, I don't see how it benefited vgXpo at all. As I stated in my review, I talked to lots of videogame people in Dallas who had no idea about the Dallas show. I don't think 25,000 random people is the same as 25,000 videogame fans.

I'm losing my train of thought here. My point, if there is one, is that I don't understand how combining a small retrogaming show with a completely unrelated NBC home expo equals the largest videogame show. And what's worse is, it looks like by doing this they're getting away from the PhillyClassic model, which is too bad as I know that's why a lot of people attended vgXpo in the first place.

Every time I get to talking about vgXpo it comes out sounding negative and I don't mean it to. I highly recommend anyone local to the Philly show attend. Without attendees, it will surely fail. At least give the show a chance.