PRGE 2020 is cancelled

posted on 3-20-2020

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that the 2020 Portland Retro Gaming Expo is cancelled due to the uncertainties associated with the Coronavirus pandemic. It was a very tough decision and was not made lightly. This is the first time in 15 years that we have ever even considered not having the event.

Our concern is that we can't provide the same high-quality show while protecting our attendees and speakers. Specific challenges include:

We are a 100% non-profit, volunteer-run organization and do not have the resources to accomodate pandemic-related changes to our existing show management process.
Recruiting enough volunteers to staff the event is a challenge due to anxiety over the pandemic.
Many of our arcade and pinball game partners are justifiably unable to volunteer games due to anxiety over the pandemic.
There is public apprehension about being in crowded spaces and it's not clear that this concern will be reduced by August. Even a moderate reduction in attendance would put our event at financial risk for the future.

I already purchased tickets. Will I get a refund?

Over the next few weeks, PRGE will be refunding 100% of admissions to PRGE 2020. We are working with Showclix to process these refunds as soon as possible. Please watch this space or our social media acccounts for information as it becomes available.

I'm an exhibitor. What does this mean for me?

Exhibitors who have already paid for their booth will be offered the option to either receive a full refund or to apply their booth fees to next year's event. You will receive an email from the volunteer coordinator with details.

Is the Classic Tetris World Championship also cancelled?

While we will not be able to accomodate the CTWC at our event this year, they're still looking for ways to continue their event. Watch the CTWC web site for details as they emerge.

Do you have dates for PRGE 2021?

We are currently working with the Oregon Convention Center to lock in dates for 2021. Check back to this page for more information as it becomes available.

What can I do to keep the retro gaming dream alive in 2020?

As of now, PRGE is still 100% committed to bringing the same amazing retro arcade action to the Rose City Comic Con that we do every year. We'll keep you posted as it gets closer to that event.

Also, we may host smaller events where fans can volunteer to help us organize and service our console and arcade inventory in our warehouse space. Stay tuned for info on this in the summer.