Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo / Valley Forge

ruzel78

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
As an avid pool player I have been to my fair share of events but I have never been to the Super Billiards Expo. Would going for 3 days (Friday - Sunday) to shop, cheer on friends and watch matches be too much?

I am debating if driving up from Virginia and getting a hotel (along with all the expenses i.e. gas, toll, entry fee's to the expo, food and lodging) would be worth it.

It would be nice to hear some input and some experience from you all.

Thanks!
 
Absolutely worth it. The SBE is the best consumer trade show for everything pool, anywhere in the world...and people come from all over the world to attend. I've been there 8 out of the last 10 years, and will be there all four days next week.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
I was there last year and if you want to save a little$$ there is a extended stay a mile or less up the road from the convention Center so youcan get ur groceries and not pay out in food so much. The room last year was $50 a night I think VERY cheap compaired to the Scanacon or whatever its called.
As far as therest of it I had a blast, I got alot of business done and also gor to watch some great pool too. Thats my 2 cents.
 
I would say do not miss this terrific even. This expo will be my 5th and it seems to get better each year. The following is my letter that they posted on their "fan letters" section at www.superbilliardsexpo.com


I have been knocking around pool halls longer than I care to remember and am an avid admirer of Allen Hopkins. I heard about the annual Valley Forge event and finally decided to attend your just completed show, Superbilliards Expo 14, March 2006. WOW! I can't tell you how much fun I had. I brought some cues with me that were in need of repair and left with beautifully restored treasures. The hardest part was choosing which of your many vendors would do the work. Talk about choices.....oh man! I got so swept up in all the excitement that I even bought two more magnificent cues, a Tim Scruggs and a Mike Capone. I guess I'm out of equipment excuses now. ;-) It was heartening to see so many youngsters competing; preparing to carry on the torch. The highlight for me was in attending the Pro matches. Seeing the game played on such a high level and so close from the VIP section gave me goosebumps. Considering the Expo's immense turnout I must say, everything seemed to flow really well. There were so many fun things to see and do. I also got to chat with Stefano Palinga and see some of his outrageous trickery.....man, can that guy bend a cue ball ! I even got a photo of Stefano and myself to hang on my rec room wall. There is no doubt that I will be attending as many future Superbilliards Expos as I possibly can. Kudos to Allen and Dawn for putting on such a wonderful show. Everyone, including the vendors, must have been very pleased.
Best Regards,
Brian C. in CT
 
Mark...Are you talking about the Homestead? Their rates are listed for $100/night. A couple of years ago, because of a tip NoStroke gave me, I was able to get that place on Priceline for $50, but it was a one time thing. If it's not the Homestead, which place is it, and where do you call? Cheapest I've seen, close to VF is Motel 6, and it is $75/night.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I was there last year and if you want to save a little$$ there is a extended stay a mile or less up the road from the convention Center so youcan get ur groceries and not pay out in food so much. The room last year was $50 a night I think VERY cheap compaired to the Scanacon or whatever its called.
As far as therest of it I had a blast, I got alot of business done and also gor to watch some great pool too. Thats my 2 cents.
 
Best deal for Valley Forge

I spent an entire evening shopping around a few weeks ago for a room for Valley Forge.....cheapest available within a reasonable distance (free shuttle service) was the Sleep Inn. We booked for $80 per night.


8 more days I can't wait this will be my first time there and I already have a full schedule of Between running the booth playing in the amateur 9 ball and business meetings. Hopefully I will have time to meet some AZer's there too.
 
Thanks!

I want to thank you guys for responding. All the positive feedback took away the little doubt I had.

Is photography allowed at the expo? Does anyone know the stipulations?
 
Ruzel,

It is a great experience. I will be there Fri-Sun but wish I could have entered some of the events. The expo gives me a chance to meet and talk with friends I normally don't see in the pool world due to the distance between us.
 
ABSOLUTELY GO its worth every minute and dime.....you will enjoy yourself for sure
 
Its very worth it. Its a lot of fun. Tons to watch & buy. Its a great time and you're missing out if you don't go.
 
Absolutely, go. You won't regret it.

If you take pictures make sure the flash is OFF!!!

MM
 
There really is a lot to see. You have the pros, countless amateur tournaments, vendors and the action tables. If you like that sort of thing, the action tables can be quite entertaining.

Every pool player should go at least once.
 
Its the stone nuts....a must.. My one trip a year that is a no miss...even if i have to burn vacation...ps bring alot of cash your going to need it...lol
 
Sure is worth it!
I will be driving up from VA as well.
First couple of years, did a day trip.
That was not enough and the last two years were 3 days of SBE.
Still not enough and I will be there for the entire 4 days this year.
Sure worth the trip and cannot wait for the day to arrive.
 
I made hotel reservations 2-3 months in advance for last year. We were to stay at the Mainstay Suites. As soon as we walked into the room, we saw about 10 cockroaches. 5 minutes later, we were refunded the money and on our way to the Dolce. The price was $10 less, at $100 even, and the place was a hell of a lot classier. Also has a pretty decent 8 ft Olhausen downstairs in the bar. Don't eat breakfast there, though... For 3 of us, it cost $50.. That's more than the 3 of us spent on food for the whole weekend.
 
Sure is worth it!
I will be driving up from VA as well.
First couple of years, did a day trip.
That was not enough and the last two years were 3 days of SBE.
Still not enough and I will be there for the entire 4 days this year.
Sure worth the trip and cannot wait for the day to arrive.

4 days??? Pfah!

Scott <<== 5.375 days at VF..... :p
 
Sure is worth it!
I will be driving up from VA as well.
First couple of years, did a day trip.
That was not enough and the last two years were 3 days of SBE.
Still not enough and I will be there for the entire 4 days this year.
Sure worth the trip and cannot wait for the day to arrive.


Hey Myron,
when you will arrive :confused:
I will be there again from wednesday evening until sunday, so let me know where we could meet best. :grin:

And for all that never where at the EXPO, I am from Vienna (Austria) and take an 11 hour fligth each year for it.
This is by far the greatest event out there and you all have to see it, and be there. :eek:

Erich
 
Sure is worth it!
I will be driving up from VA as well.
First couple of years, did a day trip.
That was not enough and the last two years were 3 days of SBE.
Still not enough and I will be there for the entire 4 days this year.
Sure worth the trip and cannot wait for the day to arrive.
Hey Myron, I know that Day you will arrive, you get a NEW Szam:grin:
Wish you a nice Trip my Friend.
Ralf
 
Sbe 2010

Hey Y'all, stop by booth L13 downstairs and "set a spell", BS and hit a few balls on my rented table. We can discuss your needs and maybe do some business. This show is the best there is to see and stock up on pool stuff. Introduce yourself from AZB and I'll pay the state sales tax on your Triple Cross Cue purchase. That's better than nothing from other vendors.

I'll be lookin' for ya' real soon.
Tom Gedris, Triple Cross Cues
 
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