UPGRADES DELIVER That
Quality Products Making an Impact From Budget to Brilliance
THAT UPGRADES DELIVER
From Social Media Buzz to Gamified Fun, Elevating Experiences with Trendsetting Upgrades
By Ryan Vasko
The thing about progress is it's always progressing. Our job is to keep up. Technology advances and enters the market at lightning speed, and today's consumers expect the businesses they frequent to be players in that game. With consumers having access to many entertainment options at home and other location-based entertainment facilities, offering an outdated experience risks losing relevance and, subsequently, customers.
Experiences Sell!
Welcome to the experience economy, where memories are the currency of choice. Especially for Millennials, who currently comprise America's largest generation and heads of household. A 2023 survey conducted by Harris and Eventbrite found that 78% of Millennials prefer experiences over products. And for these consumers, if it's worth doing, it's worth posting about – but more on that later.
Whether incorporating cutting-edge technology, revamping attractions, upping your customer service game, or enhancing existing amenities, improving the experience for guests while streamlining operations is a smart business approach.
Let's look at a few innovative products making waves in the bowling entertainment arena because they deliver what
something like Neoverse, the new vivid, multisensory experience offered by QubicaAMF. It's a fully overhauled environment that uses sights, sounds, and sensations, anchored by a centerwide LED wall and smartly integrated systems for a captivating trip your guests will want to come back for. Or consider what Brunswick has brought to its partners with its immersive Spark bowling system: a mesmerizing, augmented reality approach that brings animations, ball-trail effects, user photos, and fan-loved IP to your lanes. It provides a unique visit with new surprises whenever the guest returns.
But upgrading isn't just about flashy gadgets. Your staff can make or break the experience. A positive interaction can spark a 5-star review, while a negative one might become an online saga. The good news? Training your team has never been easier, thanks to online coaching and programs tailored to the industry. Whether you're looking to grow a positive company culture to retain more staff or educate your employees on insurance, redemption, marketing, and more topics, it's all conveniently available online to you and your staff. It can have a significant impact on guest satisfaction.
Where Should You Start?
Upgrading means different strokes for different folks. The right upgrades are the ones that fit your specific needs and keep you at the forefront of change. They not only pay big dividends, but they can also change people's perspective of your center. As customer interests and wants constantly evolve, progressive operators will benefit from keeping their eyes on trends that will keep guests coming through their doors repeatedly while spending more and more.
Embracing Technology
The most direct way to modernize your business is to invest in technology that elevates you into the sort of current-day enterprise that customers expect to find everywhere, from fast food restaurants to airport check-ins. These can be dramatic, complete overhauls or more targeted, specific approaches that better cater to your available space and budget.
Streamlining ways to make doing business with you easiest is a surefire way to make guests happier while adding more to your bank account. From offering online reservations to ordering and payment options, you'll drive more to the bottom line without additional labor. Today's guests appreciate being in control of their experience; from booking to payment to ordering onsite, the world revolves around self-sufficiency.
Captivating Younger Crowds
But it's not just about tech—it's about creating moments worth sharing. Creating moments worthy of social media posts is a big driver for guest engagement. Even a tiny, forgotten space in your center can be retrofitted into a photo op. Bars, in particular, have learned in recent years that a few pieces of unique, contemporary furniture or a neon sign message to pose with can be a draw solely for social clout. It may not
seem like much, but if you get enough traction online, you'll be surprised how many people will come in to snap a picture with their friends on a chaise under a neon sign.
Social listening sites have also noted the rise of themed parties in the younger Millennial and Gen Z crowds. Western Goth, Coastal Grandma, Garden Disco, the Masters Golf Tournament—all of these and more have trended recently on X, Instagram, and elsewhere as go-to party themes for these demographics. And for people who don't have the space or ability to throw the event themselves, your center could serve as host.
Gamify Everything!
If you're looking for something a bit more out of the box, the best upgrades might be the ones that bring competitive social play to just about anything you offer. From pinball tournaments to watch parties, turn every moment into a chance to compete and connect. Because in the age of endless options, experiences leave a lasting impression. Centers around the country are having success with competitive special events surrounding billiards, shuffleboard, trivia, cornhole, pinball, darts, horseshoes, giant Jenga, and more, drawing crowds of varying ages. Whatever you can do to expand your definition of being an entertainment center only adds new dimensions to your identity and creates opportunities to establish new loyal, regular customers.
Eyes Forward
In the world of entertainment, standing still isn't an option. Keep evolving, keep learning, and keep delighting your guests. From tech upgrades to creative staffing solutions, the only limit is your imagination.
IBI connected with the industry's trailblazers to discover the latest innovations revolutionizing guest experiences and operational efficiency. Dive into the following pages for inspiration and learn how to transform your center into the ultimate entertainment destination in town.•
Ryan Vasko is a writer based in Portland, OR, with 20 years of experience as a journalist, speechwriter, and marketer. Growing up in his family’s bowling center, Ryan spent significant time bowling with his dad and grandpa and working at the center. His dog is a good boy.
Inclusive Upgrades Feels Welcome EVERYONE Making Sure Is Good Business!
By Daniel Ellman
In the vibrant world of family entertainment, where laughter echoes and memories are made, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun is paramount. Yet, for individuals who rely on wheelchairs or other medical devices for mobility, the simple act of having fun with friends can often be fraught with challenges.
The following article is by Daniel Ellman, a contributor to IBI who shares his experiences navigating life from a wheelchair. Daniel's candid insights make you think about how inclusive your center really is and how you can make it even more welcoming for everyone.
Sometimes, having fun and hanging out with friends aren't as easy as they sound. In fact, for those who use a wheelchair for mobility, doing those two things can be downright challenging at times.
That became strikingly clear to me when I was growing up. So many things my friends were doing to have fun weren't accessible to me.
Laser tag? Try wheeling around with the vest on and a laser gun in your hand.
Miniature golf? I would do it, but jumping my chair over brick ledges or up and down steps throughout the course was always challenging.
Go-karts? Not happening.
Ropes courses or ninja warrior courses? No chance.
Even arcades have a limited number of games that someone seated can play.
On a bigger scale, rollercoasters are pretty much off-limits. You must be a certain height, use your legs, or have no back issues even to be allowed on.
Shooting hoops was fine, and I played wheelchair basketball as a kid (and now coach the sport as an adult). But it's still nearly impossible, let alone fun, to play one-on-one or three-on-three with able-bodied friends.
But there is one activity that changes everything….Bowling!
Yes, bowling. It's one sport where I don't need special equipment. And since it's an individual activity, you can compete one-on-one, whether you use a wheelchair or not. There's no substitute for that feeling of belonging and inclusion.
I was reminded of that feeling recently when I went bowling with my wife and two of our friends. We all had fun together, supported, and heckled one another – and yes, we were competitive, too. (I may still be angry that I came in last place.)
But in the end, I didn't need to apologize for my chair. Or feel awkward when it was my turn to go. For an hour on the lanes, we were all equals. All I needed was the access to do it – and the center we visited had a bowling area that was fully wheelchair accessible. There were no steps from the main concourse down to the couches. And no step up from the seating area to the lanes themselves.
If that had not been the case, the apologies would've come out. We probably would've been placed on a lane near the end of the bowling area (nearest to a ramp), or I would have had to ask other bowlers to pause their games while I wheeled in front of them to get to my lane each time.
Instead, we could bowl on any lane at any time.
Inclusive design is so simple but so important. And it works not just for wheelchair users. It may benefit a parent with a stroller or somebody who walks but has an injured leg or a disability that doesn't allow them to navigate stairs easily.
You're also opening up your world – and your center – to those people. And they'll pay you back in return because my friends and I will be back bowling soon enough. And that center will reap the rewards of our business — and its inclusivity.•
Daniel Ellman has spent most of his life in family entertainment centers, following around his father, Howard Ellman, as he redesigned facilities in his role as owner of Dynamic Designs. While he no longer spends hour upon hour inside centers, he keeps his proverbial foot in the door as a freelance writer for IBI. For his day job, Ellman works as a corporate communicator for a health care organization in Michigan.
UPGRADES THAT DELIVER
Unleash the Power of Summer: Drive Traffic, Boost
Revenue, and Supercharge
Your Data!
Envision your center buzzing with activity this summer; the laughter of happy kids and the thrill of secondary spending. That's the magic of the Kids Bowl Free program. It's not just about bowling; it's about maximizing summer traffic, boosting revenue, and building invaluable customer data for future growth.
For 17 years, the Kids Bowl Free program has been the secret sauce behind thousands of participating centers' success stories.
A fully automated system drives traffic to your center and gathers essential customer data, paving the way for targeted marketing strategies. Operators choose the timeslots they want to offer, and voilà! The rest is taken care of, including additional cash flow through Family Pass sales.
New in 2024! Introducing the StormXperience, the cherry on top of an already irresistible program. KBF youth bowlers are automatically enrolled in the StormXperience, a revolutionary initiative by Storm Bowling, and Kids Bowl Free at no extra cost to centers or families. The StormXperience is about nurturing youth leagues and school teams, setting the stage for higher youth participation.
"BBBI's added features make the Kids Bowl Free Program even more valuable each year. Our center's youth participation has skyrocketed, and the new StormXperience is a game-changer."
– Lew Sims, Dynasty Lanes, Willard, OH
"In 2023 alone, KBF registered nearly 3 million children in centers across the U.S. and Canada. Our dedicated KBF team helps centers leverage data year-round with automated promotions, resulting in phenomenal results with less effort and investment."
–
Bruce Davis, President of Bowling Business Builders International/KBF
For more information contact Andy Vasko at andy.vasko@kidsbowlfree.com or call 1.877.841.4590.
GAME ON! Thriving Arcades Drive Business and Profits
Picture this: the sounds of pins crashing, the laughter of happy patrons, and now, the electrifying buzz of a busy arcade space!
A well-planned arcade attracts new customers and increases dwell time and repeat visits, resulting in significantly higher profits, an expanded customer base, and more ways to entertain guests.
Rely on the Experts
Transforming underutilized spaces into thriving profit centers is now a breeze. The seasoned professionals at Player One Amusement Group (P1AG) are here to guide you, ensuring your game space is up and running in no time at all with minimum effort on your part.
Revenue
Share = No Out-of-Pocket Expense
Our revenue share model is perfect for operators who want to dive into the excitement of today's top games without upfront costs. P1AG will help in the game selection process, guaranteeing the best-performing games for your customer demographic. And the best part? P1AG takes care of all the maintenance of the games, giving you peace of mind.
"P1AG has been a key part of our success. When we were new and small, we partnered with P1AG on a revenue share program that added $600,000 to our first FEC. When we grew and added our second location, we obtained games from P1AG. "
– Chris Rhett, Area 254 Xtreme Adventure Park
"P1AG works with many bowling centers to upgrade their gaming space", says John Kolliniatis, CEO of P1AG. We have seen firsthand the positive effect an arcade has on a center."
– John Kolliniatis, CEO of P1AG
To learn more, visit us at winwithp1ag.com or email us at GetAnswers@winwithp1ag.com.
Revolutionize Your Bar Menu While Unlocking Profitable Trends
The hospitality industry has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with customers increasingly seeking unique and health-conscious options. As a savvy bar operator, embracing this shift can attract new patrons and enhance revenue streams.
Including hemp-based products in your bar offerings presents a unique and profitable opportunity worth exploring. These treats are versatile additions to your 21-and-over menu, appealing to a diverse range of guests. Integrating hemp-based options can create an innovative revenue stream, especially given the growing popularity of CBD and hemp-infused products.
Is this Progressive? Absolutely, and It's Incredibly Popular!
Consumers are turning to hemp-based products as alternatives to alcohol due to the health benefits associated with hempderived compounds. With the rise of wellness trends and a desire for mindful consumption, hemp-based products offer a viable option for those looking to relax and socialize without the typical drawbacks of alcohol consumption.
Who Can You Trust?
The experts at Know Naturals are knowledgeable in this field! You can rely on their team of specialists for guidance on legalities in your state, product details and usage, revenue projections, and other common inquiries.
A Fresh Revenue Stream
Just as new tastes in beverages attract attention, offering Know Naturals products is an innovative way to tap into a growing market, distinguish your bar, attract new customers, and foster loyalty among existing patrons, injecting new vitality into your bar business.
"Many bar operators report over a third of sales from hemp-derived THC products. The demand from consumers is strong, but operators have questions. Our team offers free consultations to see if this is a fit for your business."
– Nick Zavakos, Know Naturals
For a complimentary consultation or to learn more, visit www.knownaturals.com or call 843.475.5604 to speak with one of the knowledgeable specialists at Know Naturals.
Convert Website Visitors Into Paying Customers Automating Your Digital Marketing Drives Results
In today's digital age, the potential for generating revenue from your website has never been greater. One of your marketing arsenal's most powerful yet underutilized tools is sitting idle instead of working hard on your behalf.
With the right technology and strategies, your website can drive more bookings, leads, and revenue to your center. While user-friendly navigation and having a site that's mobile-friendly is critical, the real key many operators miss out on is automation.
Once a website captures valuable data from your visitors, automation will keep consistent messages going out to your potential guests. Capturing data is not enough in today's competitive landscape. Regularly using data is the key to unlocking big profits, but it can be time-consuming.
That's where the bowling marketing and tech experts at Bowling Marketing Solutions come into play. Founder Darin Spindler and his team help busy proprietors grow their businesses with automated marketing, optimized websites, and a massive vault of done-foryou marketing campaigns.
"I’ve never had bad service from Bowling Marketing Solutions! Response times are stupid fast!"
– Hannah Landrum, Tangi Lanes
"You all are always so responsive and accurate in your assistance! It is VERY much appreciated!"
– Mark Hubbach, Strike & Spare Centers
"Busy operators lean on us to generate revenue that can be overlooked or delayed. Our team provides an extra set of helping hands, ensuring that revenue opportunities don't slip through the cracks and that your data is being optimized."
–
Darin Spindler, Founder, Bowling Marketing Solutions
UPGRADES THAT DELIVER
Increase Bookings and Guest Satisfaction
While Streamlining Operations Elevating Bowling Entertainment To New Heights
Ditch the pen-and-paper and embrace the digital era. Convenience is critical in today's consumer landscape. Online reservations aren’t just an upgrade; they’re a game-changer to streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and boost your profitability!
Guest Convenience Drives Revenue
Guests expect a seamless booking and payment experience, whether it's a birthday party, league registration, a round of laser tag, or other attractions. AlleyTrak, the industry’s leading online reservation system, is highly customizable to fit and grow with your center. From basic openplay bookings to complex multi-activity parties and holiday-based events, guests and staff enjoy its user-friendly design.
Proven Results!
• Maximize facility usage
• Minimize no-shows
• Reliable and predictable revenue streams
• Less labor for staff
"Once we implemented AlleyTrak, we saw an immediate influx in bookings, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We've had zero problems with the booking platform from customers, and our staff enjoys its simplicity. The price is very reasonable for what you're getting, and if you take some time and shop around, you'll realize this is one of the best-priced options."
–
Jake Saunders - Trailway Brewing Company Inc.
"AlleyTrak offers exceptional value to any center. It combines affordability with unparalleled flexibility and customization options, empowering you to enhance your booking capabilities, driving more bookings and sales for your center."
– Chris Behling, Owner & Developer of AlleyTrak
In today's bustling world of entertainment choices, guests crave more than just a standard experience—they want an adventure that electrifies the senses and leaves them craving more! How can you deliver the most dynamic out-of-home entertainment to keep guests engaged and returning? Neoverse has the answer.
More than a product, it's a Thrilling EXPERIENCE!
Picture this: state-of-the-art LED video walls that transport guests into vivid visuals, pulsating soundscapes, and sheer exhilaration! Neoverse isn't just a product; it's a revolution in bowling entertainment.
With features like HyperBump lighting, dynamic graphics, and pin deck illumination, every aspect of the bowling experience is elevated to new heights. Whether it's casual play, competitive events, or special occasions, Neoverse seamlessly blends cuttingedge technologies to deliver an immersive, multi-sensory bowling extravaganza that leaves guests in awe and willing to spend more.
"Neoverse is so much more than a typical video wall. It’s a revolutionary and immersive ecosystem that enhances the bowling experience to create multidimensional entertainment like no other. With everchanging fresh and innovative content, we designed the Neoverse so the experience stays new and engaging for guests in your center visit after visit."
–
Chad Estes, Product Manager, Scoring & On-Lane Experience
"The interactivity with guest bowling, along with the immersive environment that it creates, has been the overwhelming 'WOW!' that our guests are talking about. I love that I can change the entire ambiance of the center at the click of a button."
– John Losito, owner Sun Valley Lanes & Games
.
Visit www.qubicaamf.com/neoverse
Simplify Spending & Boost Guest Satisfaction with
Hassle-Free Pay-To-Play
Options
Offering guests easy ways to spend money isn't just a smart business strategy. It's one that your guests will appreciate. Simplifying the purchasing process allows guests to focus on having fun rather than navigating complex transactions.
Introducing Intercard's new iQ series of readers and kiosks that set a new standard for user-friendly payment methods, making it easier for your guests to stay and play.
Here's how it works: Once guests buy or refill game credits from the iQ Kiosk, they're issued a custom QR code to play games, earn points, and redeem prizes without needing assistance from a staff member. Using a mobile device or paper receipt with a QR code, gameplay is just one easy scan away.
A Win-Win for Operators and Guests
Guests love the convenience, and operators love this revolutionary new system that eliminates card dispensers and cards, thus cutting costs and reducing labor. It's a game-changer in every sense of the word. As the labor challenges continue, relying on technology like the iQ series enables more efficient operation with less staff, all while providing guests with a better experience.
"The trend to cashless payment continues, and amusement operators must make it easy for customers by accepting multiple cashless payment methods. QR (quick response) codes are now common for cashless payments in major American retailers like Walmart and Target. I expect it also to become a standard in the bowling industry."
– Scott Sherrod, CEO, Intercard
For more information, contact Rob Geiger at rgeiger@intercardinc.com or call 800.732.3770
Revolutionize Your Center With
An All-In-One Software Solution!
Ready to take your center to the next level? Meet Sync POS – the ultimate all-inone software solution to streamline your operations and enhance every aspect of your center's attractions. Imagine having everything you need to manage your bowling lanes, food and beverage services, online reservations, billiards tables, and more in one easy-to-use system. Many operators find using multiple POS systems for their facility cumbersome. With Sync, there's no need to juggle multiple systems to handle your center's numerous revenue streams. Sync does it all with flair and finesse!
Cashless
Efficiency
Fully integrated with leading game card systems, Sync POS reduces the number of terminals needed and moves towards a cashless system for added efficiency and guest convenience. Plus, with cloudbased reporting, you'll have access to valuable business insights that make decision-making a breeze and future planning a cinch.
Profitable ROI with Sync POS
• Business-building features that drive revenue
• Increase lineage
• Upsell online and in-center
• Convenient for guests spending anywhere in the center
"Sync has a great ROI. Our number one goal is to keep people coming back through our doors, and Sync does a great job helping with that."
– Erin Glorvigen, General Manager of Bowlocity Entertainment Center
"Sync is the industry-leading platform for a reason. It provides simplicity and ease of use while addressing owners' needs with a consolidated system."
– Scott Meier, Director of Software Solutions, Brunswick
THAT DELIVER
UPGRADES THAT DELIVER
Cutting-Edge Technology Revolutionizes Merchandise Management
In the fastpaced world of redemption, efficiency and precision are paramount!
Enter Rapid Reorder – an innovation that transforms your merchandise management and becomes your redemption center's new best friend.
Expanded Compatibility
Rapid Reorder isn't just a fancy name – it's a promise. For over a decade, Redemption Plus has been compatible with Intercard and Embed, and now, they’re thrilled to integrate with all card reader systems! By upgrading the technology that powers this reordering tool, Redemption Plus now provides additional ways to improve inventory management, saving operators money by mitigating bad inventory data.
Fast and easy ordering – on your terms
Rapid Reorder enables faster and more accurate reordering while keeping you in control of your merchandise orders. Simply log in, review your cart, and hit "Purchase." It's that easy! Plus, since you control the ordering process, Redemption Plus only ships what is in your cart.
Valuable Merchandise Insight
Rapid Reorder enables you to access more insights and data to improve inventory management. By leveraging real-time analytics and reporting features, you can make accurate, informed decisions that help drive gameplay… and profitability.
"Rapid Reorder has always aimed to free up our customers' time for other priorities. By making the technology compatible with all card reader systems and promptly identifying inventory issues, the inventory management process now operates even more efficiently. It's our goal to provide expert guidance while ensuring customers have control over their redemption inventory with the right merchandise in just the right amount."
– Michael Tipton, Redemption Plus
Call Michael Tipton or Jennifer Cox at 888.564.7687 or visit redemptionplus.com to learn more.
Guest Convenience Meets Labor Savings
Upgrade your operations and enhance guest experiences with the stateof-the-art Sync Service Kiosk. Studies show that 80% of consumers prefer self-service options, allowing them to customize their experience, reload cards, and check balances.
Guest Convenience and Labor Savings –A Dynamic Combination Say goodbye to manual lane assignments and reservations and hello to reduced staff needs, resulting in more efficient and profitable operations. Sync's cutting-edge technology eliminates the need for staff intervention. Guests can dive straight into the fun without delay with seamless lane issuance. But the benefits don't stop there.
Sales Automation Beyond the Lanes
The Sync Service Kiosk expands sales automation beyond the lanes. From attractions to food and beverage services, it brings sales automation to every corner of your facility, optimizing efficiency and profitability.
"Taking orders was very staff-intensive. Now our staff delivers orders and makes people happy instead of just taking orders. Making guests happy is a more customer-centric process now that we have the kiosk."
–
Anthony Perrone, CEO of Pin Chasers in Florida
"The Sync Service Kiosk has completely changed how centers view their guest and staff experience. Some centers have reported that the kiosk does the work of two to three staff members during peak times."
– Scott Meier, Director of Software Solutions, Brunswick
Ready to revolutionize your center's operations? Discover more about the Sync Service Kiosk and Brunswick's full range of FEC business solutions at brunswickbowling.com/kiosk
From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs Redefining Bowling Operations with EDGE String
Why settle for the ordinary when you can offer your bowlers an extraordinary on-lane experience while significantly reducing costs and addressing labor challenges?
Say goodbye to frequent machine breakdowns and high labor costs with EDGE String’s revolutionary string pinspotting system. It delivers a sleek appearance and scoring that rival traditional free-fall machines. EDGE String’s USBC-approved design ensures authentic pinfall behavior and scoring for even the most competitive bowlers.
Ease Of Use
Thanks to its innovative design and intuitive Tech Wizard app, staff can quickly master operations. Tech Wizard provides real-time guidance and instructional videos, making operations seamless and requiring minimal servicing.
Impressive Savings!
EDGE String reduces expenses by 80-90% compared to traditional machines. Its low-complexity design cuts replacement part costs by 65-85%, while electricity bills drop a whopping 70-90%.
"Our bowlers appreciate the absence of machine breakdowns, and leagues now finish earlier, creating more open play time and increasing revenue. While some league bowlers initially resisted the change, not a single one left after we switched."
– Nick Jones, Owner of Cedar Bowling Center in Cedar City, Utah
"EDGE String utilizes state-of-the-art gearmotors, delivering unmatched mechanical and electrical efficiency.
EDGE String is so efficient that three hours of pinspotting uses less energy than brewing a single pot of coffee!"
– Joel Forbes, Senior Product ManagerCapital Equipment, QubicaAMF
For more information, scan the QR code to download the EDGE String Business Case
Stay Ahead of the Merchandise Game
Trending Prizes and Top-Notch Support
When it comes to managing your redemption center, there's no room for compromise. That's why partnering with the largest provider of licensed redemption merchandise isn't just a smart move – it's one that provides maximum support to you and your staff.
As an industry leader, BMI Merchandise sets the standard for excellence. With years of experience and a passion for your success, the seasoned professionals at BMI scour the market for trending items, guaranteeing that your redemption center has what guests want and will play for.
Crane machines remain supreme!
Crane machines reign supreme in the arcade world, and BMI's crane merchandise kits are no exception. With a sizzling selection of licensed kits, custom assortments, and tailored options for jumbo cranes, their prizes are designed to ignite excitement and drive profits. From surprise licensed kits to candy and mystery toy assortments, each kit is carefully crafted by the BMI team to keep players coming back for more.
"BMI always comes through with the coolest merchandise right when everyone's talking about it on TikTok. It's like they have a secret to staying ahead of the trends that nobody else has figured out! Plus, BMI's there right away whenever we need anything, whether it's sales, IT, or just some extra support. They're not just vendors; they're part of the team."
– Beth Powers, Director of Operations,
Velocity Sports
For more information, contact www.bmimerchandise.com or scan the QR code to see BMI’s wide assortment of crane and merchandiser kits.
THAT DELIVER
WHAT'S TRENDING IN ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN
By Brandon Willey
In the fast-changing entertainment world, location-based entertainment (LBE) leaders are adopting new design approaches. These strategies focus on improving the guest experience, being eco-friendly, offering interactive features, and providing top-notch amenities. This changes how venues are designed and run and raises the bar for what guests expect at your establishment.
Putting Guests First
One big design idea is called Guest First. The Guest First design philosophy embraces the importance of focusing on the guest experience when developing or redesigning a bowling or family entertainment center. According to Natasha Whittaker from Dynamic Designs, this principle calls for “creating a well-rounded center that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and operationally feasible.” She emphasizes that “owners must be willing to invest in the design phase, recognizing that thoughtful planning and financial commitment at this early stage can significantly enhance the guest experience and the facility's long-term success.”
Designing with the guest in mind also means changing how spaces are set up to match what people want. Caroline “CC” Cannon from Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park suggests opening up layouts, making impressive entrances, and ensuring guests have clear views of the fun happening at the center in order to build excitement.
And the look is changing too. Whittaker notes that venues are moving towards brighter, more relaxed atmospheres. They're ditching the dark industrial feel for softer colors and adding natural elements like plants and wood.
It's also important to consider everyone who might come, from kids to adults. Creating spaces and activities for all ages ensures that families can have fun together. As Cannon explains, “It’s important to create the specific vibe that you want the guest to experience, and that starts before they even enter the center all the way to the marketing the guest receives after their visit.”
Sustainability Matters
The imperative for sustainable design in the development of bowling entertainment centers is growing as the industry pivots toward operational efficiency and environmental consciousness. Sustainable design is no longer an optional add-on but a core component of modern planning and development. Integrating green technologies, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient components marks a significant evolution in how today’s centers are conceived and constructed. Whittaker highlights the use of LED lighting, low-flow toilets, and bathroom enhancements as examples of sustainable practices that can significantly reduce an environmental footprint.
Natasha Whittaker
Caroline “CC” Cannon
Grand lobby with sight lines
LED lighting, for instance, consumes up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lighting, while low-flow toilets can save thousands of gallons of water annually, underscoring the potential for significant operational cost savings.
Interactive and Upscale Experiences
“Interactivity is so in right now!” emphasizes Cannon. The integration of technologies such as projection-mapped floor games as well as attractions that have physical interactive elements like a trampoline with a vertical wall that has lighted buttons to tap while jumping exemplifies the shift towards creating dynamic, engaging environments and attractions.
Whittaker goes on to mention that the increased role of food and beverage in elevating guests’ experience cannot be overstated. No longer an afterthought, this culinary shift has been driven by the growth of competitive socializing LBE concepts like Puttshack, Flight Club, and F1 Arcade.
Additionally, introducing outdoor entertainment areas and green spaces adds another dimension to the guest experience and new revenue potential for operators.
Outdoor areas and green spaces offer a break from the indoor excitement and cater to people who enjoy being outside. Taking inspiration from concepts that merge entertainment with natural settings, such as Camp Pickle (but without the pickleball), centers can offer guests a unique blend of activities and relaxation opportunities. These spaces provide a break from the high-energy indoor environment and cater to a growing preference for experiences that connect with the outdoors and offer a diverse experience.
Creating Immersive Experiences
Another big trend is designing spaces that tell a story and engage all the senses. This means paying attention to every detail, from the design of the building to the lighting and special effects. The goal is to transport guests to another world, whether it's a historical setting or a fantasy land.
Whittaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the smallest details to ensure consistency and depth throughout the facility. This could involve anything from the architectural design of key areas in the center to incorporating specific materials, lighting, projections, and effects that collectively support the atmosphere you want to deliver.
In an industry constantly evolving, entertainment center operators embrace new design strategies to stay ahead. From prioritizing the guest experience to integrating sustainability and providing interactive, upscale offerings, these changes are reshaping not only the physical spaces but also the expectations of visitors.
Bottom line: By keeping up with the latest tech, catering to different tastes, and paying attention to design, venues can attract more visitors and stay successful for the long haul.•
at LinkedIn.com/in/bwilley.
Brandon Willey, ICAE, is co-founder of the LBX Collective and Premier LBX Group, co-host of The LBX Daily Show, and founder and CEO of Hownd. Brandon has an intense passion for the attractions industry and extensive knowledge of location-based entertainment. Brandon is the former chair of IAAPA’s FEC Committee and now sits on the North American Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee. You can connect with him
VIP bowling settee
Unique seating options
Unique mini attractions
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