Holiday greetings pinball family!
Well… We were hoping the world would have started opening up by now and be on track for a full recovery by the end of 2020. That has not happened yet… so we wait.
We were planning to get things rolling for 2021 by the end of October, but have decided to just open everything up (new guest & exhibitor registration, merchandise sales, etc.) when we are confident #TPF2021 is in the clear.
Currently there are still too many restrictions and unknowns. We are holding out for a Christmas miracle. As we said before, a pinball show is easily one of the most personal, get in close, game touching, hand shaking, friends hugging, party having, picture posing, and germ swapping events there is. There is no way a show the size of TPF can logistically happen if we have to socially distance, wear masks, sanitize, etc. Most importantly, we want and need EVERYONE at TPF.
On Thursday, November 12, 2020, we had a productive meeting with representatives from the Embassy Suites Hotel and Frisco Convention Center and the City of Frisco’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. They are behind TPF and willing to assist however they can. They paid us a great complement, saying that TPF is Frisco’s largest weekend event of the year, and they are really looking forward to TPF2021. That said, we all agreed that everyone’s health and safety is the number 1 priority.
January 5, 2021 is our “line in the sand”. If by January 5th, things are rapidly clearing up, people are feeling good about traveling, and EVERYONE is ready for TPF2021, that will give us (and you) a little over 2-1/2 months to plan, promote, and get ready for the greatest pinball show on earth!
If things have not cleared up by January 5th, we will likely have to again roll the show to 2022… which would again break our hearts. We don’t know what else we could do. There are too many variables, considerations, and other shows to move TPF to a later date.
Again, we know many of you would show up no matter what, and we love you for that. But we really need 100% participation, and we want to see ALL of your smiling faces!
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Your TPF Team