Page 8 - BCM May 2024

MESSAGE FROM BPAA

The Magic That Is Bowl Expo

A behind-the-scenes look at our industry’s premier event in Denver.

egular attendees say the networking, education and speakers, thought leaders and topic experts that come
R getting out of their business to work on their business together at Bowl Expo is incredible. e Expo Committee,
are the best reasons for attending International Bowl Expo. BPAA Education Department and Board of Directors are
If you want to be good, get better and be pro table in the all discussing the top presenters months, if not years, in
bowling entertainment industry, show up at Bowl Expo next advance to ensure we get a high-level, on-trend, interesting
month in Denver. and inspiring mix of information. We know it’s the inspira-
I understand that’s a simplistic view tion that will carry the information you learn back to your
when we’re knee-deep in business opera- centers to be implemented.
tions, sta ng, regulations and so on. But e trade show oor may be the most important place
you should know that BPAA’s Bowl Expo to be at Bowl Expo. Never underestimate the power of
Committee works year-round to create an visiting with existing or future vendors face to face. ese
environment that makes the decision to relationships and the ability to call on them when needed
MANDY attend easy. When you have an entire sta , is priceless. Any issue I’ve ever had has always been worked
HAWS committee and industry aligned to set up out at Bowl Expo, where the right people are all available in

our members (and vendors) for success at one place. If you are new to the industry or a rst-time Expo
Bowl Expo, that’s dedication I want to be involved with. visitor, don’t miss the trade show.
As conventions go, we’re a large group and we like to stay A word to rst timers: Don’t be shy. e best of the best
together in a fun place. at means the locations and ven- in our business are all around you and more than willing to
ues have been scouted, contracts hashed out, and details share their successes (and failures). I knew nothing about
in the works for four to six years before you arrive at a given this industry when I attended my rst Bowl Expo. I showed
year’s Expo. A large committee of sta and experienced up not knowing one person. I got invited to a meeting while
volunteers will discuss (and standing in a lunch line, and
sometimes fuss) about all the the rest of my BPAA experi-
details up to a year in advance. ences unfolded for me after that
We start with a macro view of The caliber of speakers, thought because I attended that meeting
the site location, proximity to leaders and topic experts that of other young proprietors.
the trade show site and meeting appear at Bowl Expo is incredible. Our industry is full of incred-
space, and then dive into details ible people, and some of my
of food-and-beverage availabil- favorite and most inspiring
ity, gathering spaces, meeting moments occur during the
spaces, trade show oor layout, sta meetings, work and industry award presentations. When you see people who
registration spaces, things to do in the city we’re visiting and are willing to give back voluntarily to our industry, it should
entertainment. tell you there’s something special here. Entire lifetimes in
Everyone wants our members to have the best experienc- the bowling world are cast up on big screens set to music,
es at Bowl Expo. We want the “wow” factor, too. If everyone and it dramatically demonstrates how willing people in our
has a great time and takes back actionable items that make industry are to help each other. It’s more than a commu-
their centers more pro table and better places to visit and nity; it’s a family.
work, then we consider Expo a success for proprietors and It will never be easier to bring your whole family to Bowl
our vendors. Expo than this year. I am so excited about the site and all
We know our folks like to gather, so when you hear some- the family and gathering opportunities it o ers. Make this
one mention networking, it’s the gathering spaces that play the year you commit to coming to Bowl Expo, either as a
a big role. If we can get good spaces to eat, drink and chat, rst timer or a returnee. You won’t regret it. You’ll wonder
the most magical networking in the world can happen. For how you survived without it.
me, the most valuable times and takeaways from Bowl Expo
have happened in that environment. Mandy Haws is the proprietor of Sooner Bowling
Just like the networking, our education environment Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and chairs BPAA’s Bowl
is the best in the entertainment industry. e caliber of Expo Committee.

6 • BCM • MAY 2024 www.bcmmag.com

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