Another Bowl Expo is in the books—and this year’s event at National Harbor, Maryland might just be one of our favorites yet.
Set along the Potomac just outside Washington, D.C., the venue provided a lively, walkable backdrop for a week packed with energy, innovation, and opportunity. And although it landed between Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day (July 4)—a time many might expect to be quiet—the show floor told a different story. The attendees who made the trip were serious, focused, and clearly ready to do business.
Here’s what stood out to us at Bowl Expo 2025.
Bowling Centers Are Evolving Into Multi-Attraction Destinations
Across the industry, bowling participation—particularly in league play—has been on the decline. But that doesn’t mean business is slowing down. It means operators are getting smarter.
Today’s guests expect more from their visit. They’re looking for experiences that go beyond the lanes. And the most successful centers are delivering—by embracing the Family Entertainment Center (FEC) model.
Throughout the week, we spoke with operators who are:
- Turning underutilized space into arcades, VR zones, or mini attractions
- Launching or expanding redemption programs
- Exploring revenue-sharing partnerships to minimize risk while growing faster
- Looking for ways to refresh stale game mixes with proven earners
The trend is clear: FECs are popping up everywhere, and guests now expect variety. If your venue doesn’t offer multiple ways to play, you’re likely missing out on revenue—and repeat visits.
The Games That Got People Talking
With hundreds of products on display, one thing became obvious: operators are paying attention to guest behavior more than ever.
The games drawing the most buzz weren’t just flashy or brand new—they were:
- Easy to jump into, with quick, satisfying gameplay
- Tied to familiar brands or recognizable themes
- Built for group play, competition, and high replay value
Operators are clearly prioritizing games that drive dwell time, engagement, and ROI—especially those in revenue share models, where performance is king. We had great conversations about how to curate game mixes that match each venue’s audience and space.
The takeaway? It’s not about chasing hype—it’s about knowing what works for your guests.
What We Heard About the Seminars
While we didn’t attend the education sessions ourselves, we connected with many operators who did—and the feedback was clear: this year’s seminars delivered real value.
Sessions covered everything from:
- Redemption merchandising strategies to increase per-cap spending
- League-building tactics for a changing customer base
- Group event planning that turns first-time visitors into repeat guests
For many, the educational track wasn’t just informative—it was a roadmap for action. Operators walked away with ideas they were excited to bring back to their teams right away.
Relationships Still Power the Industry
Events like Bowl Expo always remind us that while technology and attractions evolve, relationships remain the heartbeat of this industry.
We had the chance to reconnect with longtime partners, meet new operators entering the space, and collaborate with manufacturers who share our passion for in-person entertainment.
Whether it was a booth-side brainstorm or a dinner conversation that turned into a business breakthrough—this year was full of moments that reinforced why we do what we do.
Our Biggest Takeaway
The most successful operators we spoke with weren’t guessing—they were strategizing.
They were:
- Guest-focused in their decision-making
- Intentional with how they use their space
- Open to partnerships that reduce risk and accelerate growth
They understand that standing still in this industry means falling behind. But with the right team, the right strategy, and the right game mix—they’re building for long-term success.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
Whether you attended Bowl Expo or are just starting to think about what’s next for your venue, we’re here to help.
From turnkey arcade solutions to revenue-share partnerships designed to reduce your upfront investment, Player One Amusement Group offers the games, expertise, and support to help your facility thrive.
Next year, Bowl Expo heads to Nashville. We’ll see you in Music City.
