Thanks To All Who Attended PRGE 2011!

by RecycledGamer on 10-12-2011

PRGE vintage living room display. Photo from user Chicago John on Flickr.

The Expo is over, but we have not forgotten the outstanding support we received from our attendees, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors. Saying thanks just doesn't seem like enough to show our appreciation to these fine people and businesses, but the Portland Retro Gaming Expo would not happen without their support.

Attendees

If nobody came to the Expo year after year, we wouldn't have a show now would we? By paying for admission to our event year after year you help put Portland on the map as a destination for video game fans. Our show is as large as events in much larger cities and it's all because of your support. Thank you!

Volunteers

From our board members to the individuals who donate their time, PRGE is an organization completely powered by volunteers. Operating an exposition of this size required many person-hours and many of the duties are decidedly NOT fun. In the end, over 100 people came together in 2011 to make the Expo happen and for that we thank them.

Sponsors

While volunteers do most of the tactical organizing for the Expo, it's the financial and in-kind support of our sponsors that allows us to grow in both size and scope. We received more help than ever in 2011 from these awesome businesses and organizations:

• Primary sponsor: Gamer's Edge


• Supporting Sponsors:
  • Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
  • Video Game Wizards
  • Commodore Computer Club
  • Game Trader
  • Game Gurus
  • Things From Another World
  • Retro Zone

Speakers and Entertainers

PRGE was very fortunate this year to host an awesome schedule of speakers and entertainers from all eras of video game history. Many of them assumed their own expenses to join us. Thank you all for the support and confidence you showed in us!

The 2011 speaker roster included:

• Thor Aackerlund
• Pat "the NES Punk" Contri
• David Crane
• Jesse Dyer
• Ed Fries
• Tod Frye
• John Hancock
• Garry Kitchen
• Robin Mihara
• Portland Alter Egos Society
• Bobby "Fatboy" Roberts and Cort Webber
• Bob Smith
• Chris Trimiew
• Rob Zdybel

Freeplay Arcade Contributors

In 2011 we enjoyed the largest Freeplay Arcade yes with over 30 arcade machines, over 40 playable consoles and even 6 pinball machines! we realize that moving heavy arcade systems is difficult and risky, but these amazing people stepped up to provide an awesome arcade experience with smiles on their faces the whole time. A special PRGE thanks goes out to the following:

• Portland Arcade Collectors (Darryl, Chris, Jeremy, Jeff, Toby, Rich, Corky, etc.)
• Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
• Envision Classics Arcade
• Best Bout Gaming
• Bill Carlton

Media

2011 was our best year ever in terms of interest from online and traditional media. The support was overwhelming and we apreciate everyone who helped spread the word.

• ThePunkEffect.com
• The Retro Hunters
• MetalJesusRocks
• Dangerous Kids Podcast
• A Jumps B Shoots Podcast
• Geeks with Wives
• The Portland Mercury
• KPTV Fox 12 TV

Coming in 2012

We are already at work planning for the 2012 Portland Retro Gaming Expo so watch for more information on this site.

PRGE will be sponsoring the Cowlitz Gamer's for Kids charity game expo in Kelso, WA for the 3rd year running. The event is expected to take place in April 2012 with more information to be posted here as it becomes available.

PRGE is also a supporter of the Seattle Retro Gaming Expo expected to take place in May of 2012. More information at SeattleRetro.org.

Finally, we were excited to discover that Vancouver, BC is stepping up to put on the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo on March 17, 2012. Several PRGE staffers and friends are already making plans to attend. More information at VancouverGamingExpo.com

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