Earlier this month, the Tenpin Bowling Proprietors Association of Great Britain hosted a bowling trade show – the first for a number of years.
The event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Leicester and welcomed operators, managers and technicians from many bowling centre companies across the UK. There were several seminars held during the show, covering topics such as marketing, online bookings and boutique bowling operations. The latter was held in recognition of the growing number of this type of venue already in operation in the UK.
Technology providers were also on hand to demonstrate the benefits of their latest products. Exhibitors included Embed, QubicaAMF, Bowling Vision, Bowltech, Brunswick Bowling and Gamestec.
Embed sales director Andrea Bisi described the gathering as a “positive event” for the bowling and FEC industries in the UK.
“The TBPA has always been quite active, with various initiatives and social gatherings to connect with and recognise the companies doing best,” he told InterGame. “I remember some years ago the association was organising an awards dinner that was a great opportunity to connect with that industry. Then the economic situation was not very favourable, but now there is a positive feeling and signs of recovery.
Bisi, who before joining Embed spent 15 years in the bowling sector, said that bowling has changed over the years.
“Today it is no longer the ‘bowling Industry,’ but rather FECs with bowling or bowling entertainment.”
The TBPA said attendance at the Gotenpin Bowling Trade Show “exceeded expectations” and hinted that another show would be organised in 2014.
