INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

International is the focus of this month’s IBI issue. After all, International Bowl Expo is happening the last week in June, bringing international visitors to our industry’s top learning and networking event.

Keeping with the international flavor, our cover story this month features an upscale center in Dubai that boasts an electric atmosphere, various international food choices, bowling, billiards, and a corporate business stream of revenue that’s hot and profitable. Dynamite pics from this story may lead to some inspiration if you’re looking to update your center’s look.

For those of you planning on heading to Orlando, FL, for International Bowl Expo, I encourage you to take a few minutes and look through this month’s “Sneak Peek” of what NOT to miss at the trade show. In this section, exhibitors share what they are showcasing in the expo hall, giving you a preview of new products and/or deals being offered. If you haven’t inked your travel plans yet, there’s still time to show up in the land of Mickey Mouse and connect with industry friends while discovering products and services that can elevate your business. Be sure to read Carey Tosello’s article on food, beverage, and spots of interest while you’re in the Sunshine State. Carey, of ebowl.biz, is IBI’s fan favorite when it comes to reporting on travel, tasty treats, and fun things to do.

“Amusement Alley” again this month!

Be sure to turn this month’s magazine over and check out the innovative “Amusement Alley.” This flip section features a variety of entertainment options that center operators might consider offering their customers. Whether your operation is a large entertainment venue, or a smaller, more traditional bowl, you’ll find something of interest in each issue. This month’s focus is all about the lively and profitable music scene. Read Ryan Vasko’s article on how other bowling centers have incorporated live music with fantastic results.

Here at IBI we continually look at how we can be of service to the industry and help operators maximize their investment. After much conversation and feedback from readers, IBI has recently launched the option of upgrading your IBI subscription to receive value-added marketing and management resources. IBI’s new Premium Subscription option is ideal for those who are serious about business operations. Included in the upgraded option is the “IBI Hot Topics Audio Series,” featuring interviews with experts on hot topics facing operators today. Subjects like finding and keeping employees, creating new organized play, premium pricing, and more are part of the audio series.

Also included in the Premium subscription are the bestselling book, “Fully Staffed” by Eric Chester, and IBI’s “Booze and Bites Collection.” If you’d like more details, visit us online or see the full description on page 64.

And finally, be sure to head over to www.bowlingindustry.com for IBI’s exclusive online-only content. An interesting article comes to us from AVS Companies, which shares how unattended retail shops called micro markets are growing in popularity with customers and staff. Another interesting article explains how updating your center has new revenue potential written all over it. US Bowling Corp takes on the subject of updating and the benefits that make it worth the effort.

I hope to see you in Orlando at International Bowl Expo. The IBI team will be there covering the show and connecting with industry friends, proprietors, and exhibitors alike. Stop by our booth # 750, and let’s chat!•

– Stephanie Davis, Publisher & Editor stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

PS: Don’t forget to sign up for the $30,000 giveaway. Register each month for your chance to win at www.bowlingindustry.com

Read These Top Stories Exclusively Online

The Benefits of a Micro Market

BY AVS COMPANIES

Micro markets are small, unattended retail shops that have become increasingly popular for food and beverage offerings. Micro markets typically offer healthier options than regular vending machines, with some of the popular items being fresh fruit, cold wraps, and smoothies. Read how AVS Companies explains the benefits of having a micro market for customers and employees!

Why Update my Bowling Center?

BY US BOWLING CORPORATION

Updating a bowling center might seem like it requires more work than it’s worth, but there are many benefits to it. There are a lot of different areas of the center that are available to update and once the center is updated there is new revenue potential. Read how US Bowling explains the many ways to update a center and the benefits that come along with it.

Inventory Management: Best Practices

BY REDEMPTION PLUS

Redemption inventory can get out of hand quickly, but it is not impossible to fix! Watch this webinar, featuring Megan Burtch and Josh Adkins from Redemption Plus, as they explain some tips and tricks for getting your redemption inventory under control.

It’s Time to Weaponize Facebook Reels!

BY TRUSTWORKZ

Now a days, almost everyone is on Facebook and it is a great tool to connect with future and past customers. Facebook Reels are quick, easy videos that can get a fun message out to your audience for free! Read how Trustworkz explains what Facebook Reels are along with the benefits to using them for your business.