Bowl Expo is the Barnum & Bailey of Bowling: "The Greatest Show On Earth." By John Jowdy
07/10/09
Column
Despite the downturn in the economy, the 2009 International Bowl Expo drew approximately 10% less attendants in Las Vegas as they did at Orlando in 2008. Although 10% seems rather low, it is quite significant when compared to the plunge in other Las Vegas conventions and overall business.
Layoffs of 30% or more during the past six months has been commonplace, attested by the incessant promotions and reductions in room rates and luring attempts to increase tourism.
Here are some of my observations and pet peeves regarding Bowl Expo:
Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino is a magnificent structure, but oh so expansive. I suggest it be declared the 51st state of America. How would I describe this massive gambling Mecca? To put it mildly, the elevators are approximately a half-block from the registration desk. If you aren't handicapped, it is another mile to your room. A can of Pepsi in the small refrigerator is $4.25.
If you are hungry, allow at least 30 minutes; despite the fact that most of the restaurants are located in the casino. And, if you are on a budget, catch a cab to the nearest restaurant. Why?
Here's an example, and this is just from the breakfast menu: Coffee, $3.25 per cup; Pancakes or a waffle, $10; Belgian waffle $12; Two eggs, hash brown and toast only, about $10; two eggs w/bacon, and hash-browns, $14; you get the idea so I'll just let it go at that.
If you are handicapped in any manner, the Mandalay Bay gladly furnished you with a Scooter (a mechanized wheel-chair); for a mere $40 a day. When you take in consideration the distances you had to take to attend various functions, I considered it a bargain.
The distance from the registration desk to meeting rooms was equivalent to a normal jogging exercise. You almost needed a cab to drive you to the exhibit halls.
I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the idea.
Attending the exhibit area was interesting, enlightening and VERY economical. There is a plethora of 'free food ' stands serving pizza, sandwiches, hot plates, a variety of exotic dishes, soft drinks, beer, and desserts.
But then again, you'd better be in shape. The exhibit hall is enormous, despite the fact that food concessions and exhibit booths were about 10% down from previous years.
The featured speaker for the BPAA, movie actor and former senator from Tennessee, Fred Thompson, was interesting, informative, and humorous. Mr. Thompson later held a private session with a select group of bowling writers.
The BPAA awarded their usual honors to deserving recipients, including a humbling acceptance speech from Kansas' gift to the BPAA, the ever-lovable Rex Haney.
Several years ago, the Bowling Writers Association of America accepted the Bowling Proprietors of America's proposal to conduct their annual meetings at the International Bowl Expo. Fortunately, it is one of the greatest moves the BWAA ever made.
The BPAA, under the brilliant leadership of John Berglund, has bent backwards to accommodate and please bowling writers. In addition to this, the BPAA, via Strike Ten Entertainment, offered a proposal to administer BWAA business from their Arlington headquarters. Amidst strong opposition, the BWAA membership accepted the proposal by a 34-31 margin.
BWAA members were accorded free entry to all but one BPAA function….a considerable savings for the sixty five members who attended.
The BWAA Awards Dinner, as usual, was the highlight of the BWAA convention week, The event, sponsored by Columbia 300 and the BPAA, was as great as ever. It was conducted at the adjoining Luxor Hotel, (again, an almost cab drive from the Mandalay Bay).
All the major awards were previously announced, with one exception, the Humanitarian Award. It was presented to a most gracious and deserving recipient, Mary Lynly.
The Awards dinner was further enhanced with the presence of Peggy Elias, widow of PBA founder Eddie Elias. She was escorted everywhere by former PBA historian and very close friend, Chuck Pezzano. Mrs. Elias was presented with a BWAA honorary membership.
Next year, International Bowl Expo will be conducted at the Las Vegas Hilton… not exactly a hut and a bit more compact.
But then again, you'll need a cab to get to the exhibit halls. While some convenient transportation to and from the exhibit halls would be worthwhile; the event is worth the effort. Hope to see you all, next year….
Layoffs of 30% or more during the past six months has been commonplace, attested by the incessant promotions and reductions in room rates and luring attempts to increase tourism.
Here are some of my observations and pet peeves regarding Bowl Expo:
Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino is a magnificent structure, but oh so expansive. I suggest it be declared the 51st state of America. How would I describe this massive gambling Mecca? To put it mildly, the elevators are approximately a half-block from the registration desk. If you aren't handicapped, it is another mile to your room. A can of Pepsi in the small refrigerator is $4.25.
If you are hungry, allow at least 30 minutes; despite the fact that most of the restaurants are located in the casino. And, if you are on a budget, catch a cab to the nearest restaurant. Why?
Here's an example, and this is just from the breakfast menu: Coffee, $3.25 per cup; Pancakes or a waffle, $10; Belgian waffle $12; Two eggs, hash brown and toast only, about $10; two eggs w/bacon, and hash-browns, $14; you get the idea so I'll just let it go at that.
If you are handicapped in any manner, the Mandalay Bay gladly furnished you with a Scooter (a mechanized wheel-chair); for a mere $40 a day. When you take in consideration the distances you had to take to attend various functions, I considered it a bargain.
The distance from the registration desk to meeting rooms was equivalent to a normal jogging exercise. You almost needed a cab to drive you to the exhibit halls.
I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the idea.
Attending the exhibit area was interesting, enlightening and VERY economical. There is a plethora of 'free food ' stands serving pizza, sandwiches, hot plates, a variety of exotic dishes, soft drinks, beer, and desserts.
But then again, you'd better be in shape. The exhibit hall is enormous, despite the fact that food concessions and exhibit booths were about 10% down from previous years.
The featured speaker for the BPAA, movie actor and former senator from Tennessee, Fred Thompson, was interesting, informative, and humorous. Mr. Thompson later held a private session with a select group of bowling writers.
The BPAA awarded their usual honors to deserving recipients, including a humbling acceptance speech from Kansas' gift to the BPAA, the ever-lovable Rex Haney.
Several years ago, the Bowling Writers Association of America accepted the Bowling Proprietors of America's proposal to conduct their annual meetings at the International Bowl Expo. Fortunately, it is one of the greatest moves the BWAA ever made.
The BPAA, under the brilliant leadership of John Berglund, has bent backwards to accommodate and please bowling writers. In addition to this, the BPAA, via Strike Ten Entertainment, offered a proposal to administer BWAA business from their Arlington headquarters. Amidst strong opposition, the BWAA membership accepted the proposal by a 34-31 margin.
BWAA members were accorded free entry to all but one BPAA function….a considerable savings for the sixty five members who attended.
The BWAA Awards Dinner, as usual, was the highlight of the BWAA convention week, The event, sponsored by Columbia 300 and the BPAA, was as great as ever. It was conducted at the adjoining Luxor Hotel, (again, an almost cab drive from the Mandalay Bay).
All the major awards were previously announced, with one exception, the Humanitarian Award. It was presented to a most gracious and deserving recipient, Mary Lynly.
The Awards dinner was further enhanced with the presence of Peggy Elias, widow of PBA founder Eddie Elias. She was escorted everywhere by former PBA historian and very close friend, Chuck Pezzano. Mrs. Elias was presented with a BWAA honorary membership.
Next year, International Bowl Expo will be conducted at the Las Vegas Hilton… not exactly a hut and a bit more compact.
But then again, you'll need a cab to get to the exhibit halls. While some convenient transportation to and from the exhibit halls would be worthwhile; the event is worth the effort. Hope to see you all, next year….
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