My 2024 Retro Gaming Convention Schedule for July - October -- Brett Weiss

 Here's myconvention schedule for the next few months. October is going to be packed!

Classic Game Fest- July 19-21 (Austin, TX)

This fantasticshow is hosted by my good buddy David Kaelin of Game Over Videogames, who hassupported my writing career since the beginning. Classic Game Fest is anawesome celebration of retro gaming, featuring a vast array of classic video games, consoles, and memorabilia. With numerous vendors, panels, andtournaments, and even live music, it’s an event that brings together gamers ofall ages to relive the golden era of gaming. The guest list this year isimpressive and includes Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, E.T. and Yars’ Revengeprogrammer 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 theoriginal retro gaming conventions, this event is a must-visit for any videogame fan. The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is beloved for its extensive exhibitorhall, packed with rare games, consoles, and accessories. Additionally, itoffers an impressive lineup of speakers, including industry veterans and gaminghistorians, as well as educational and entertaining panels and a super funauction. 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: DanielPesina (Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero, Scorpion), Ho-Sung Pak (Liu Kang, Shang Tsung), ElizabethMalecki (Sonya Blade), Richard Divizio (Kano), and Carlos Pesina (Raiden). I’llbe a guest as well, doing a panel on the market crash of 1983.

Houston Arcade Expo – October 11-13

Known for itsparty-like atmosphere, this expo features live rock and pop music and runs intothe crazy hours of the night. The Houston Arcade Expo offers a uniqueexperience with numerous arcade games and pinball machines set to free play,allowing attendees to enjoy endless gaming, as well as a little drinking andcarousing. The event also includes tournaments, cosplay contests, and a Saturdaymorning swap meet, making it a highlight of the year. I’ll be a guest at theshow, autographing and selling my books, and I’m looking forward to seeing theother 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 ofVideo Game Summit and the long-running Pinball Expo, one of the oldest events ofits type in the country, this gathering promises a fantastic blend of bothworlds. Attendees can explore a wide range of video games and pinball machines,attend informative panels, and participate in exciting tournaments. The eventattracts collectors, gamers, YouTubers, pinball experts, and more, offering a funopportunity 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 mostDallas-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 YouTubeguests and a fantastic vendor’s room. The swap meet-like atmosphere makes it afavorite among retro gaming fans—you will definitely have great opportunitiesto add to your collection and probably find some good deals. I’ll be thereeither as an attendee/fan, a vendor, or working at the Heritage Auctions booth—thatremains 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 youat one of these conventions! Each event offers something unique, and they’reall fantastic opportunities to celebrate the rich history of gaming.