Pinball University 2025
This year we have a full schedule of amazing Pin-U speakers and sessions at Golden State Pinball Festival 2025!
Thanks to our partners DRI374 & Erika’s Pinball Journey, we will be recording as many sessions as possible and posting them online on our YouTube channel after the show!
Saturday, May 17th – 11:30am-12:30pm
Jerry Kelley & Christian Marche, Masters of Pointy People – A Pacific Pinball Museum Special Exhibit
presented by
Founder, Michael Shiess & Executive Director, Evan Phillippe
Join Founder Michael Shiess and Executive Director Evan Phillippe for a special Pacific Pinball Museum presentation celebrating the iconic art and legacy of Jerry Kelley and Christian Marche, the visionary artists behind the “pointy people” style of pinball design.
Saturday, May 17th – 1:00pm-1:30pm
The Little Flippers Tournament Strategy for Kids
presented by
The Little Flipper Ambassadors
Get ready for The Little Flipper Frenzy Tournament with quick and easy pinball tips — taught by fellow young players! This session will cover basic strategy to help kids feel confident and have fun competing. After the instructional session, all tournament competitors will gather here for a review of tournament rules, a group photo, and then head together to the tournament area in the main hall.
Saturday, May 17th – 1:00pm-3:15pm
Full Little Flippers Saturday Schedule
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: The Little Flippers Tournament Strategy for Kids
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Flipper Frenzy Tournament Instructions
1:45 PM: Group Photo followed by walk to the main hall to begin playing!
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Tournament at The Flipper Room Booth
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Trophies & Prizes
Saturday, May 17th – 3:00pm-4:00pm
Exploring The Spike 2 System
presented by
Chris Kuntz, Pinball Pirate & Kyle Spiteri, Stern Pinball
Get an inside look at the technology behind Stern’s Spike 2 system with Chris Kuntz (Pinball Pirate) and Kyle Spiteri (Stern Pinball). This session will cover the system’s modular design, engineering advancements, and how Spike 2 enhances the performance, reliability, and capabilities of modern pinball machines. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and pinball fans curious about the systems driving today’s innovations.
Saturday, May 17th – 4:30pm-5:30pm
Looking Inside a Multimorphic P3
presented by
Manu Smith, Mystery Pinball Theater 3000
Ever wonder what a P3 looks like inside? Join Manu Smith (Mystery Pinball Theater 3000) as he opens up a Multimorphic P3 machine and walks through the groundbreaking engineering that sets it apart from other pins. Explore how the P3’s modular playfield system, dynamic interactive screen, and innovative technology come together to create a completely unique style of pinball. A perfect session for those curious about the design, functionality, and future of hybrid pinball platforms.
Saturday, May 17th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
Get Connected with Stern Army
presented by
Michael Grant – Stern Pinball, Cory Casella – Socal Tournament Director, Debbie Courson Smith – Idaho Pinball Museum
Are you passionate about pinball and ready to level up your involvement in the community? Join Michael Grant and local Stern Army members for an inside look at what it means to be part of the Stern Army — Stern Pinball’s grassroots street team and brand ambassador initiative. This seminar dives deep into the mission and mechanics of the Stern Army, a nationwide network working to promote pinball culture, host competitive events, and amplify Stern Pinball’s presence in public spaces. Learn how this vibrant collective collaborates with the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) to organize tournaments and leagues that draw new players and energize veteran competitors alike. Whether you’re a casual player, a tournament enthusiast, or someone eager to give back to the hobby, this seminar will inspire you to take the next step and get connected.
Saturday, May 17th – 7:30pm-8:30pm
Cobrapin Serial LEDs and Custom LED boards
presented by
Thomas Fulenwider, CobraPin
Learn about Serial RGB full color LEDs. What they are, How to drive them, Where to buy them, and How to make your own custom LED boards. Check it out for lighting mods, custom games, or your game room. Whether you’re lighting up a dark playfield or adding flair to a custom game, this seminar will show you how rewarding and creative lighting mods can be. Perfect for anyone interested in pinball mods, custom games, or DIY projects!
Saturday, May 17th – 9:00pm-11:30pm
Pinball Movies
curated by
ImotoArcade
Pinball 101: A Beginners Guide to Pinball (70min)
The Cary Carmichael Collection (20min)
The Pinball Degenies 2025 Greatest Moments Side Shows (30min)
Sunday, May 18th
Sunday, May 18th – 10:30Am-11:30Am
What’s in my Toolbox and Why…
presented by
David Volanksy
“I carry a lot of tools. It’s a burden, but having the right tool for any task makes the job faster and more enjoyable and also causes fewer issues.” – David Volansky
During this talk, David will talk about most of the tools and supplies that he carries and what jobs they are especially useful for. While few items are specific to EM or SS or newer games, David will highlight tools used in servicing all sorts of pinball games and why certain tools make the task go smoother.
Sunday, May 18th – 12:00pm-2:30pm
Monterey Flipper Pinball Presents: Sunday School!
presented by
Monterey Flipper Pinball
Get ready for a fun, hands-on afternoon at Sunday School, hosted by the energetic Monterey Flipper Pinball crew and friends! Choose your focus—Gameplay Skills, Pinball Repair and Maintenance, or even Livestreaming & Content Creation! Learn directly from passionate coaches and industry leaders. Small group settings. Whether you’re a player, a tinkerer, or a creator, you’ll leave with new skills, great memories, a certificate of completion, and a Marco Pinball goodie bag to celebrate your achievement!
Schedule:
12:00PM – Welcome, meet the coaches, and overview of class options
12:10PM – Break into interest-based groups
12:30PM – 2PM – Class sessions (60-90min depending on coach & session type)
2PM – 2:30PM – Students Group Share, Graduation & Certificates of Completions
Lock in your Sunday School Subject Student Slot today!
Fill out the form to confirm your registration for FREE & AWESOME schooling: https://forms.gle/JamZZipSyEhMEBUK8