For one week each year, the bowling industry comes together under one roof with a common purpose: to celebrate, strengthen, and shape the future of the sport. From industry leaders and manufacturers to bowling proprietors, pro shop operators, and coaches, Bowl Expo serves as the gathering place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are built, and new innovations take center stage.

The 2026 Bowl Expo was especially memorable for me because I had the opportunity to experience it alongside my son, Masen. Sharing the week together made every seminar, every conversation, and every new discovery even more meaningful.

As always, the educational seminars were among the highlights of the week. Industry experts shared valuable insight into the future of bowling, emerging business trends, and new strategies designed to help centers and pro shops continue to grow the game. The sessions provided plenty of ideas and inspiration that attendees will undoubtedly take back to their own communities.

The trade show floor once again proved to be the heartbeat of Bowl Expo. Booth after booth showcased the latest products, technology, and services that will help shape the next chapter of the bowling industry. It was an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and learn firsthand about the innovations that will soon make their way into bowling centers and pro shops across the country.

Among the many new products on display, two stood out in particular. The first was the new Turbo SwitchGrip NX from Turbo 2-N-1 Grips. The next evolution of the popular interchangeable thumb system generated considerable excitement and demonstrated how companies continue to push the boundaries of performance and convenience for bowlers.

Another product that created a buzz throughout the show was F5 Bowling, presented by STORM. The revolutionary device is designed to fit into one of the bowling ball’s finger holes and provide valuable performance data with every shot. The technology is capable of measuring a bowler’s speed, rev rate, and axis rotation shot after shot, delivering real-time information that can benefit bowlers, coaches, and pro shop operators alike.

For competitive bowlers, the device offers a new level of understanding and consistency. For coaches, it provides measurable data that can aid instruction and player development. For pro shop operators, it opens the door to more precise ball fitting and layout recommendations. The introduction of F5 Bowling could prove to be one of the most exciting advancements in performance analytics the sport has seen in recent years.

As the week drew to a close, Masen and I attended the annual Club Expo event, the traditional finale to an unforgettable week. This year’s celebration was hosted at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, providing the perfect setting to cap off another successful Bowl Expo.

The evening featured performances by John Foster, Sister Sadie, Henny Cho, Craig Morgan, and Sara Evans, bringing together music, laughter, and entertainment in a way that perfectly reflected the spirit of the bowling industry hardworking professionals coming together not only to conduct business but also to celebrate friendships and the shared passion that unites them.

Bowl Expo 2026 was a reminder that while the products, technology, and educational opportunities continue to evolve, the true strength of the event remains the people. For one week, the entire bowling community gathers with a common goal: to move the sport forward. And for Masen and me, it was another unforgettable experience filled with learning, inspiration, and memories that will last a lifetime.