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.