BU - Entertainment Center Management School

Program History

 

The BPAA School of Entertainment Center Management launched its maiden voyage on September 30th, 2012 in Arlington, Texas when in the inaugural class of 29 students representing 11 states and Canada attended the curriculum-rich, 6-day program packed with 30-plus hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, individual and group projects. Students worked on real-life problems, learning real-life ideas and solutions they will be able to take back and implement in their multi-faceted, (mutli-profit-centered) Entertainment facilities. The vision of the BPAA Executive team and Education Committee was to be better able to serve the entire membership base — just as the School for Bowling Center Management and Online Training and Management Certification Program do for the traditional centers (large and small). With this program, now the newer entertainment business model has the same opportunity to grow their bottom line also.

ECM is perfect for those who are, or who could become, high-level operation managers in bowling-anchored entertainment centers. 

The School for Entertainment Center Management is the only program of its kind in the bowling industry. Students attending the course receive valuable one-on-one time with some of the best bowling and entertainment center business people the industry has to offer. If anyone aspires to further their career in a bowling-anchored entertainment center, this school should be the destination of choice on their career path.

During the week-long course, students covered all the complexities in operating centers that also offer a unique combination of attractions, food & beverage service and event-hosting, and visited multiple sites where they had the opportunity to question the managers, operators and owners about their respective best practices.

ECM curricula included courses such as Entertainment Center Financial Levers, Attractions Operations, Food & Beverage Service & Execution, Group Events Promotion, Organized Play in Entertainment Centers, Staff Selection and Scheduling, Maximizing Profitability through Effective Packaging, Game Room Operations, Sales Force Selection and Supervision and more. The professional faculty included successful executives from Namco, TrainerTainment, Brunswick Bowling, Trifecta Management Group, Cornerstone Consulting, and Stars & Strikes, among others.

 

SAMPLE agenda

School of Entertainment Center Management

 Arlington, TX

*Subject to change 

Sunday October 1 – Site Visit / 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Monday October 2 – Sales & Marketing / 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Revenue Management & Defining Booked Business – 1 hr

Deep Dive into Building Revenue with Booked Business – 2 hr

Deep Dive into Building Loyalty with Booked Business – 1 hr

Using Digital Marketing to Drive Business – 2 hr

 

Tuesday October 3 – Food & Beverage / 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Food Trends & Operations – 3.5 hr

Bar Trends & Operations – 2.5 hr

 

Wednesday October 4 – Attractions / 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Choosing the Right Attractions for your Market – 1.5 hr

Laser Tag Operations – 1.5 hr

Game Room & Redemption Merchandising – 1 hr

Game Room & Redemption Operations – 2 hr

 

Thursday October 5 – Operations /8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

BEC Financial Metrics – 2 hr

Managing Managers – 2.5 hr

BEC Operating Best Practices – 1.5 hr

 

Friday October 6 – Talent Acquisition / 8:30 AM – Noon

Finding, Selecting, and Retaining Team Members – 3.5 hr

Travel Arrangements

We encourage attendees to stay at our host hotel: The Hyatt Place 2380 E. Road to Six Flags Street, Arlington, Texas, United States, 76011. The International Bowling Campus Travel Department is available to make any travel arrangements required by the students. Simply contact one of the travel department representatives at 1-800-343-1329 or travel@bowl.com. If you wish to book on your own at our host hotel please follow this link to booking in our room block at our contracted rate of $95. Hyatt Place DFW/Arlington. 

NOTE: Booking early is prudent! The Dallas Cowboys are Playing the Carolina Panthers at 12:00pm Sunday October 3rd, so rooms will not be available at this rate once our block fills or expires. 

Flight / Airport Information

The Dallas-Fort Worth Airport is approximately 15 miles from The International Bowling Campus. Since the DFW Airport is a major hub, it offers flights through most airlines and a variety of arrival and departure times and options. Considering its proximity to our facility and the availability of free shuttle service to the host hotel, we urge all students who will fly in for the class to designate the DFW Airport as their final destination. Visit www.dfwairport.com

NOTE: Dallas Love Field is 30-60 Mins away depending on traffic. There is no shuttle service. Ride share services rates are $26-35 each way.  

Lodging

There are several hotels within close proximity of the bowling campus; however, our meeting department has made arrangements with The Hyatt Place, who extends to the BPAA and its guests a discounted room rate. The Hyatt Place is located directly across the street from the bowling campus, and is within walking distance. Students choosing to stay at this hotel can avoid car rental as the hotel offers a free shuttle from the airport, and there are several restaurants nearby where students can enjoy dinner on their free nights. To make a reservation at our host hotel please click here to use the link to receive the BPAA discounted room rate at The Hyatt Place or contact us directly at 817-385-8462 or education@bpaa.com.

Local Attractions

In the community surrounding the International Bowling Campus, there are a variety of dining and entertainment options.  During the class, students have a limited amount of free time; however, they will have several evenings to have dinner on their own or enjoy one of Arlington’s local hot spots.  The following links will give you an opportunity to plan your visit:

Arlington.org
Texas Rangers - 
Dallas Cowboys - 
Six Flags Over Texas
Texas Live!- Great food and Entertainment less than 1 mile from the host hotel.