This year’s Bowl Expo trade show opened to a raucous crowd today (Wednesday, June 21) after they were treated to an inspirational talk from the one and only Shaquille O’Neill.’

The association presented its awards, capped off by the Victor Lerner Memorial Medal and induction into the association’s Hall of Fame of Dick Corley, CEO of Bowl New England. Among other award recipients was Andy Bartholomy of Andy B’s, who is as well known in FEC circles as within bowling. The owner of 10 bowling centers was honored with the V.A. Wapensky Award.

The show started on Sunday, June 18, but the show floor only opened today. The days leading up to today have been filled with meetings, seminars and more, leaving an excited crowd of bowling professionals anxiously waiting to see what products are being offered this year.

Companies present on the trade show floor include Betson, which brought its latest lineup and offered several deals on purchasing games. Attendees are encouraged to visit Betson’s booth (#352) and take advantage of no payments until next year, or 12/24 month financing packages.

QubicaAMF Worldwide was of course busy on the trade show floor as well. The company launched a new SmartValue rental shoe at this year’s show, promising a value-priced rental shoe that offer high performance with synthetic slide soles, padded collar cushions and foot beds designed to keep your customer playing in comfort. The shoes cost $10.95 a pair, which is close to half the cost of other shoe options according to the company.

VR was present on the show floor as well, with Private Label VR bringing games to booth #916.