Jersey Jack Pinball-founder Jack Guarnieri was one of the special guests at the first edition of the Melbourne Pinball Expo. Below are some words by Jack and some photos of the event.

by Jack Guarnieri

Around May of 2024 I received a text on what’s app from George who I met last year at a pinball show in Queensland Australia. He said he was planning for a new pinball show with his mate Shannan in Melbourne later in the year and would I come? I said yes.

Paul (Pinball Sales Australia), Jack, and George

Fast forward to October where George is selling tickets online for the new Melbourne Pinball Expo. One thing I noticed is that the dates were November 30 to December 1st, the first day of Summer in Australia. George had already announced me online as a special guest and he sold hundreds of tickets, I was going! My only problem was that to be there before November 30th I need to leave New Jersey on the day before Thanksgiving which is one of the worst travel days of the year. 

Instead I picked Tuesday November 26th.  After a long layover and a delay, thirty four hours later, I was in Melbourne. First time I missed Thanksgiving with my family but I felt a connection to my Australian family. No turkey in Australia but my distributor Paul looked after me with some great Crayfish. 

The show was divided into sessions with almost 1,500 attendees which is huge for a show in Australia. Perhaps the biggest show ever. 

Shannan, Daniel, Wayne (Mr. Pinball Australia), Zak, Paul (Pinball Sales Australia), Jack Guarnieri (Jersey Jack Pinball), Mike Kalinowski (Homepin), and George

Other Vendors and guests included Paul from Pinball Sales Australia, Wayne from Mr. Pinball Australia, Mike from Home Pin, Zax Amusements

A new in box Toy Story 4 Collector Edition was the door prize. It was won by Jordan and his family. They were not in attendance but I called them to give them the good news and ask if they could return to the show to claim their prize. They were thrilled as earlier in the day Jordan ordered an Avatar Collector’s Edition after playing it in the exhibition room. 

Jack calling the winner of the Toy Story 4 pinball machine
Shannan, game winner Jordan and his family, Jack, Paul, George

George and Shannan have tentatively scheduled the 2025 show for the weekend of November 8 & 9th at the same venue. More details to come.