Despite bowling centers and bowling industry suppliers battling economy woes, rising travel costs, as well as natural disasters in various parts of the country,
International Bowl Expo 2008 (IBE08) experienced another exciting turnout by bowling center owners, managers/staff and exhibiting companies. IBE08 continued to receive high marks from bowling industry leaders, suppliers, manufacturers and attendees as thousands gathered in Orlando, Fla. June 22 - 26 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Hotel along with the Orange County Convention Center.
Despite the high cost of transportation, International Bowl Expo drew close to 4,700, which is right at attendance figures coming out of the 2005 convention in Orlando. John Berglund, executive director of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America, said that exhibitors understand that the Orlando conventions cannot duplicate the Las Vegas numbers (a record 5,538 last year) "but many commented we draw different attendees in Orlando and that sales are quite good." But lets start at the beginning with meetings at the Rosen Shingle Creek convention center.
"The Bowling Writers Association of America tried something new during the International Bowl Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.," wrote Dick Evans, who was named president of the BWAA starting in August. The American journalist and columnist for Bowlingdigital.com was president for two years in the 1980s when bowling was riding high and the news world was different. The BWAA members wrote 27 short human-interest stories about proprietors, pro shop owners, exhibitors and coaches who stopped by the BWAA booth.
John O'Dell is a Silver level certified coach with the United States Bowling Congress Coaching program. He also has a background as a pro shop technician. Even with his experience and credentials, O'Dell realizes the value of attending the USBC Coaches Summit year after year to update his knowledge about technology and new trends in coaching. O'Dell was one of a group of bowling coaches, pro shop operators and proprietors from around the world who learned, networked and energized themselves at the 2008 USBC Coaches Summit and International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association Educational Conference.
The 2008 USBC Coaches Summit and International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association Educational Conference began their two-day runs on Monday with a host of informative sessions at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Â Top bowling industry experts led seminars that offered strategies to help coaches, pro shop operators and proprietors work together to help bowlers, their own businesses and the sport of bowling. The USBC Coaches Summit and IBPSIA conference are running in conjunction with the annual bowling trade show called International Bowl Expo June 25-27.
As one of the most respected names in helping individuals and organizations deal with the challenges facing them today, Jones Loflin will address attendees at International Bowl Expo 2008's educational keynote session scheduled for Monday, June 23 from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m., according to the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) organizers of IBE 2008. Jones Loflin is an internationally recognized speaker, corporate trainer and co-author of Juggling Elephants. He has also helped many companies more effectively deal with change as a speaker for the bestselling book Who Moved My Cheese?
The very successful Bowling's Outrageous "Block-Party" (BOB), first appearing at International Bowl Expo 2005, will return as the final night event at International Bowl Expo 2008 (IBE 2008), according to the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA). BOB is scheduled for Thursday evening June 26 from 7 - 10 p.m. and will be sponsored by QubicaAMF. Entertainment includes The Commodores (pictured), the largest selling act during the 70's and 80's. 
