Who we are

MRGE started innocently enough, with a question between Kris from the YouTube channel GameDad Show and Jay from the YouTube channel Square Pegs: “How would you run a convention?” After attending numerous shows together and seeing things they loved and things they felt they could improve upon, they started a shared document to jot ideas down on, and promptly forgot about it.

But over the next couple of years, they kept coming back to the idea, until eventually roping in Jay’s wife Meridith, which really turned the concept into a fleshed out idea. Eventually, this led to where we are today, with the advent of the 2026 Michigan Retro Game Expo.

And while we mention Retro gaming in our name, MRGE is truly a celebration of all things gaming. From your favorite retro games like PAC-MAN, Super Mario Bros., and Bonk’s Adventure to today's hits like Death Stranding, Mario Kart World, and FORZA Horizon 5, this is a convention founded by gamers and for gamers. And it doesn’t stop with video games - we’ll also have tabletop gaming, board games, POGs, and CCGs, because ALL games are worth celebrating.

We look forward to seeing you with us in Kalamazoo on August 29th, 2026!

A colorful caution sign with a yellow and brown border, gray background, and black arrow pointing upward on a green background. The sign features a black d-pad, two purple buttons, and the letters "MRGE" in bold brown letters.

meet the team

  • Image of Kris, the CEO of MRGE

    kris

    CEO - @GameDadShow

  • Image of Jay, the CCO of MRGE

    jay

    CCO - @SquarePegs

  • Image of Meridith, the CFO of MRGE

    meridith

    CFO

  • Image of Lindsay, the Communications Lead of MRGE

    lindsay

    Comms Lead - @LLCoolGames

  • Image of Karmadillo, the Designer for MRGE

    karmadillo

    Designer - @Karmadillo.co

  • Image of Hey It's Thor Logo

    thor

    Staff Coordinator - @Hey_Its_Thor