TABLE OF CONTENTS

> The Music City Delivers | Bowl Expo Announcements

> Two Illinoisans Receive BPAA Awards

> Illinois Members Make Strong Showing in Nashville

> ISBPA Newsletter takes home 1st & 2nd Place in IBMA Writing Competition

> Supporting Member offers 30-day FREE Trial on New Website Design

> CPR / First Aid Seminars offered at Liberty Lanes

> Michael Best Strategies Recapping Legislation

> Key Dates: Bowlers Day | CBPA Nearing Capacity | Amusement 360

ATTENDEES WERE SINGING THE PRAISES OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL BOWL EXPO HELD IN THE MUSIC CITY

By all accounts, the 2026 International Bowl Expo was a tremendous success, earning high marks for its Nashville location, outstanding attendance and genuine enthusiasm displayed throughout the week. Held June 28–July 2 at the renowned 2,800-room Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the convention featured an array of educational programs, live musical performances and a packed trade show floor, making this year's IBE special.

There were also a couple of announcements made during the meetings the created a buzz throughout the convention. The BPAA revealed that each full registration for the 2027 International Bowl Expo at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino will include a $500 credit voucher redeemable during the trade show.

Go Bowling Partners with Professional Bull Riding

In another suprising announcement, Go Bowling was introduced as the official bowling partner of the New York Mavericks Professional Bull Riding Team, uniting two entertainment brands with passionate fan bases and similar demographics. As part of the agreement, Go Bowling becomes the exclusive title sponsor of the team's annual homestand event, now officially named Go Bowling Maverick Days, scheduled for October 16–18, 2026, at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York. The partnership also makes Go Bowling the exclusive sponsor of the New York Mavericks within the bowling and family entertainment center categories.

"We're excited to welcome Go Bowling to the Mavericks family," said Chris Pantani, General Manager of the New York Mavericks. "This partnership is about more than sponsorship—it's about creating opportunities for families, fans and communities to come together and make lasting memories."

A PAIR OF ILLINOISANS WERE HONORED AT BOWL EXPO

Proprietor Yianni Mavrakis joined by Frewing Scholarship Winner

Ben Czarnowski in Receiving Presitious Awards

Illinois Proprietor Receives BPAA Media Award

Illinois was well represented during the Awards Ceremony as Yianni Mavrakis, owner of Town Hall Bowl and Dolton Bowl, accepted the 2026 BPAA Media Award. Mavrakis earned the honor through his innovative use of social media to document the dramatic renovations of his bowling centers. His creative storytelling has attracted more than 1.5 million followers, while generating over 200 million views in a single month, providing tremendous national exposure for the sport of bowling.

The 22-year-old entrepreneur has transformed Town Hall Bowl into a tourist destination, highlighted by a spectacular 100-foot mural celebrating the City of Chicago that spans the exterior of the building. Shortly after Mavrakis received his award, another "youngster" from Illinois came on stage to accept another special honor.... but this time, with some dollars attached.

Benjamin Czarnowski, son of Chris Czarnowski, co-owner of Bowl Mor Streator, received the 2026 Daroll and Dolores Frewing $25,000 Collegiate Scholarship. A recent graduate of IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst, Czarnowski will attend the University of Illinois this fall. His selection marks the second consecutive year an Illinois student has received the scholarship, following Ellie Boley of Bowl Hi in Huntley, the 2025 recipient.

The Daroll & Delores Frewing Scholarship is awarded exclusively to children and grandchildren of BPAA member proprietors who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership and community involvement. In addition to earning straight-A grades, Czarnowski was a two-time All-Conference lacrosse player and a member of his high school's state championship football team.

ILLINOIS MEMBER CENTERS MAKE STRONG

SHOWING AT INTERNATIONAL BOWL EXPO

While the attendance at Bowl Expo was strong, the State of Illinois had a rather large contingent of members who represented the association --- all of whom seemed to have a great time while doing so --- each attending the bevy of events scheduled throughout the week.

With much appreciation, we'd like to thank and recognize the following members who were known to be in Nashville for IBE, thus supporting the event and BPAA: Arena Lanes, Bowlero / Lucky Strike Centers, Bowl Mor Streator, Camelot Bowl, Circle Lanes, Channahon Lanes & Mini Golf, Cherry Bowl, Diversey River Bowl, Dolton Bowl, Don Carter Lanes, Fox Bowl, Habetler Bowl, Olde Bowl, Wauconda Bowl.

While attendance at the convention is "good business", it is fair to say that everyone in attendance also had a good time, which could especially be seen when Bowl Expo concluded via a private concert held at the famed Grand Ole Opry. The photo above right features Sara Evans --- an Award-Winning Country Music Singer / Songwriter who is credited with having sold more than six million albums.

But the "good time" didn't stop at the Grand Ole Opry, as

Lexi Cerven, of Channahon Lanes & Mini Golf in Channahon, who captured the $5,000 grand prize from the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame Annual Raffle conducted during the second day of Bowl Expo. The raffle is one of the major fundraising activities conducted by the IBMH/F, following the Xtravaganza, which netted more than $125,000 just 30-days prior to the raffle.

ILLINOISAN RECEIVES 1ST & 2ND PLACE WRITING AWARDS

The Illinoisan, the official newsletter of the ISBPA, earned both First Place and Second Place honors in the Business Writing – Regional Media category of the 2025 International Bowling Media Association (IBMA) Writing Award Competition. Each publication is limited to just two entries per category, making the achievement especially significant as both ISBPA submissions claimed the top two awards. The recognition reflects the outstanding editorial quality, reporting, and professional writing that have become hallmarks of the Illinoisan.

The awards were presented during Bowl Expo, with Keith Hamilton, Executive Director of the ISBPA and editor of the Illinoisan, receiving the awards from IBMA President, Mark Miller.

A FIVE-MINUTE CONVERSATION CAN ENHANCE

YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE. FREE FOR 30 DAYS.

ISBPA Supporting Member and bowling industry veteran Carey Tosello, of eBowl.biz, is offering member centers an opportunity for center operators to experience the brand new BowlRX Website Platform at no charge for 30 days.

There is no obligation, no risk, nothing to lose - just an opportunity to see what your Website could look like with a FREE Test Drive.

A brief five-minute conversation with Carey is all it takes to learn how Bowlrx can enhance your center's online and social media presence that will drive traffic to your center while engaging your current and prospective customers.

To get started, contact Carey directly at carey@ebowl.biz.

EVERY SECOND COUNTS

CPR / FIRST AID SESSION HELD AT LIBERTY LANES

Every second counts during a medical emergency. To help bowling centers better prepare for unexpected situations, Liberty Lanes in Carpentersville, Illinois, will host a comprehensive two-hour CPR and First Aid certification seminar designed specifically for bowling center personnel.

The hands-on training will teach participants how to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest, choking, and other medical incidents. Attendees will learn the proper CPR techniques, basic first aid procedures, and the confidence needed to act quickly and effectively until emergency responders arrive. The knowledge gained through this course could make the critical difference between life and death for a customer, employee, or fellow team member.

The registration fee is $125 per person.

The seminar is expected to take place in late August. Contact Liberty Lanes proprietor Jerry Morano for more information and to register.

LEGISLATION UPDATE

by Trevon Sylvester of Michael Best Strategies

With the 2026 spring legislative session in the rearview, we are pleased to look back on another strong year of advocacy for ISBPA and our coalition partners. Once again, we successfully defeated legislation that would have legalized internet gaming in Illinois, as well as the proposals to significantly hike the minimum wage. We also fended off legislation that would’ve required employers to submit quarterly reports detailing collection and distribution of electronic gratuities. These outcomes reflect the continued effectiveness of our advocacy efforts and the importance of a unified voice on behalf of Illinois bowling centers and other Main Street businesses.

The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act remains tied up in ongoing legal and regulatory uncertainty. A federal court has issued rulings limiting enforcement of key provisions of the law, and federal banking regulators have also concluded that federal law preempts the statute in certain respects. As a result, the law’s future and its practical effect remain unsettled while litigation continues.

Looking ahead, the Illinois General Assembly’s fall 2026 veto session is scheduled for November 17-19 and December 1-3, 2026. Veto session is typically used to consider bills vetoed by the Governor and to address other unfinished legislative business, but it can also create an opening for controversial proposals to reemerge. At this time, we do not expect any movement on legislation relevant to our focal issues during veto session. We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep ISBPA members informed as the veto session approaches.

I want to extend our sincere thanks to the ISBPA members who participated in Lobby Day, as well as those who took the time to contact their local state representatives and senators to share their concerns about the threat of internet gaming. Your outreach made a meaningful difference, and it helped reinforce the real-world impact these proposals would have had on family entertainment venues across the state.

3-KEY DATES TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR

#1) Storm / ISPBA

Bowlers Day Reminder:

August 9, 2026

#2) Last Chance to Register!

Golf Outing nearly sold out.

August 11, 2026

We look forward to seeing everyone for Bowlers Day on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when the Chicago White Sox take on the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field.

With more than 700 tickets purchased, BOWLERS DAY IS SOLD OUT.

The Chicagoland BPA Golf Outing is set for August 11, 2026. But, if you plan on attending, you'll want to register today, as the event is nearly sold out.

Silver Lake Country Club,

Orland Park, Illinois

Registration at 8:00 am

Shotgun Start at 9:00 am

To register click Packet of Information.

#3 The Amusement 360 Educational Conference

August 25-26

If you are looking to grow your Family Entertainment Center (FEC) or arcade business, attending the Amusement 360 educational conference is a must attend conference designed specifically for entrepreneurs and operators serving the entertainment industry.

Over two days, attendees gain practical business strategies, hear from successful operators, connect with leading industry vendors, and discover new ways to increase profitability. Mike Kubacki, owner of Lynwood Bowl, said of the event, "the Amusement 360 is easily one of the best educational shows available to help bowling center operators navigate through the FEC and arcade businesses. I believe in the conference so much, that I became an ambassador and have been given a custom code that allows our members to register for free."

Code: KUBACKI-2026 during checkout checkout.

Details: August 25–26, 2026 |Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

ACE MITCHELL BOWLERS MART

Dean Billings

3365 Cavalier Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

(330) 920-6200, Mobile (330) 281-9136,

Office (800) 262-2695, Fax (330) 928-2132

Full line bowling distributor carrying a variety of

bowling consumer and capital equipment brands