August 2025
International Bowl Expo 2025 – Levi Lawson, Principal, TK Architects
Bowl Expo 2025: Designing the Future of Bowling
My first Bowl Expo experience, just outside Washington D.C., was nothing short of inspiring. The energy on the tradeshow floor was contagious—two full days surrounded by people who live and breathe bowling. Even during a week when many would enjoy the short week to celebrate July 4th, attendees showed up ready to learn, connect, and explore ways to take the bowling experience beyond the lanes.
Today’s successful centers aren’t just about great lanes; they’re about creating memorable, multi-layered experiences that keep guests coming back. Think of arcades buzzing with energy, inviting food and beverage options, and additional attractions that boost revenue while keeping customers engaged for hours.
Augmented reality (AR) lanes: Projection-based graphics creating immersive gameplay and interactive experiences for casual players and families.
Immersive theming options: Projection mapping and interactive LED systems that transform lanes for themed events or seasonal experiences.
Lane-side dining enhancements: Full-service menus delivered directly to lanes, with tech-enabled ordering and customization for a seamless guest experience.
Next-gen arcades: Arcade manufacturers showcased games that combine VR, motion sensors, and interactive screens to create a more immersive environment.
Escape rooms and mini attractions: Some centers are integrating smaller-scale experiences like VR escape rooms or interactive challenges near the bowling area to increase dwell time.
We were proud to partner with our long-time friends at Proctor Companies, meeting both familiar faces and new operators eager to innovate. These conversations weren’t just about design—they were about strategy. How do you monetize your space by design? How do you create a customer journey that feels effortless yet unforgettable? That’s where TK Architects excels. We remove the guesswork and design environments that work hard for you, blending function, efficiency, and an unbeatable guest experience.
With decades of expertise in cinema, dining, and entertainment design, TK Architects knows how to integrate bowling into a complete entertainment offering that works for your market. We’re at events like Bowl Expo because we believe in this community—and in the value that great design brings to both operators and patrons.
Are you ready for a fresh take and a proven formula for the future? Let’s talk.
We’ll see you in Nashville, TN for International Bowl Expo 2026—and we can’t wait to keep the conversation going.
Principal, Levi Lawson
