Episode Details

Sponsored by Intercard!

On this week's show, Brandon is joined by Kevin Williams and Adam Pratt for a special Guest Gab review of the Bowl Expo 2025 experience, examining the state of the bowling industry and the growing influence of competitive socializing on traditional bowling centers. The future of bowling centers depends on embracing tech innovations and diversified entertainment offerings beyond just lanes.

• Bowl Expo 2025 suffered from lower attendance due to its scheduling just before July 4th holiday
• Tradeshow layout revealed many empty spaces with most vendors downsizing to minimal booth sizes
• Notable absence of complementary attractions like billiards tables despite their natural pairing with bowling
• New social entertainment offerings included Puttify (tech-infused mini-golf) and Singa (drop-in karaoke solution)
• Bowling industry faces a growing divide between traditional centers and boutique/social entertainment venues
• Industry insiders suggest future shows need better timing and more compelling reasons for vendors to participate
• Technology integration becoming essential for bowling centers to attract and retain modern customers
• Multi-location security solutions from companies like Intercard increasingly important for operational stability
• Growing trend of bowling centers converting underutilized spaces into additional revenue streams
• Successful venues now focusing as much on food, beverage and atmosphere as they do on bowling itself

Join us next week for our regular programming featuring Arcade Corner with Adam Pratt, Promo Pro Tips with Chuck DeMonte, Open and Shut with Kevin Williams, and another Road Trip with Clint Novak.

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