The past, present, and future share a show floor at Pinball Expo 2026

As October arrives in the Midwest, the pinball community gathers in Chicagoland for the annual Pinball Expo, a gathering that once seemed destined for decline but has experienced a resurgence in recent years. During my visit to one of Chicago's remaining vintage manufacturing firms, I journeyed to Stern Pinball's headquarters in Elk Grove, Illinois, to witness the company's innovative creations firsthand.

Before heading to the convention in nearby Schaumburg, Illinois, Gary Stern welcomed me to the company's offices and factory floor in Elk Grove. The air was bustling with excitement as hundreds of pinball enthusiasts arrived for tours, forming an early-morning line outside of Stern HQ. Upon entering the lobby, we were greeted by none other than Gary Stern himself, who regaled us with stories from the company's 40-year history.

As we departed the lobby, our tour guide, George Gomez, a legendary game designer at Stern, briefed us on the tour rules and answered our questions. Gomez shared that Stern currently controls approximately 90% of the current pinball market, with the remaining share divided among competitors. With the silver ball as our guide, we delved into the world of pinball, witnessing the transformation of raw parts into licensed creations ranging from classic favorites like Jaws to the latest addition, Fallout.