LBX Collective

Sponsored by Intercard! Join us as Leonard Pickel, the legendary "hauntpreneur," shares his expertise on the captivating art of haunted house creation, revealing secrets behind designs that not only haunt our imaginations but also our pocketbooks. Get ready to uncover the innovative techniques and strategies, such as reusable wall panels, that make attractions like Not Scary Farm a must-...

Sponsored by Intercard! Discover the future of location-based entertainment with industry expert Kevin Williams as we explore cutting-edge trends and bold ideas reshaping the landscape. Did you know balloons might soon be out of fashion for facility openings? We propose fun, eco-friendly alternatives like inflatable sculptures and flailing arm characters, offering a memorable twist. Join us as we...

Continuing our coverage of the “Eatertainment” sector and its growing impact on the market, we look at the involvement in the Social Entertainment aspect of the business and the need by the market to expand into new territories. At the same time, we look towards the Theme Park and Resort sector, and how changes in branding and the movie sector are reflected in changing business conditions. Subscri...

Sponsored by Intercard! Can you imagine transforming your local entertainment center into a must-visit destination with cutting-edge technology and unforgettable guest experiences? Join us as we launch the revamped LBX Show with hosts Christine Buehrer and Brandon Wyling. Get ready for an exciting mix of industry news, expert insights, and tips for scaling your business, featuring segments from in...

Sponsored by Intercard! Is there such a thing as too many conventions? Industry expert Kevin Williams joins us to humorously question the avalanche of trade shows in the location-based entertainment world. From the AMOA Gala to the Tokyo Game Show, we explore whether businesses are stretched too thin with the sheer volume of events. Are we sacrificing quality for quantity? Vendors face the dauntin...

In this latest specialist feature on the Immersive Entertainment landscape, and we report from the biggest Amusement and Attraction trade event in Europe. Looking at the latest immersive attractions and XR game systems and charting the trends that are shaping the sector.  The traveling European leg of the mega IAAPA trade show (IAAPA-Europe-Expo) landed in Amsterdam at the end of September 2024 an...

Sponsored by Intercard! Could repurposing old department stores and defunct Circuit City locations be the key to revolutionizing location-based entertainment? In our latest episode, Kevin Williams joins us to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of transforming existing spaces versus starting new projects from scratch. We dissect the cost-saving advantages, faster project completions, and the potentia...

Sponsored by Intercard! What if your holidays could be more exciting and unique? Join us in SoundOff episode 44 as we challenge the norms of traditional celebrations like Halloween and Christmas, discussing the potential benefits and hurdles of crafting custom holiday events that truly stand out. Alongside our engaging debate, we share our personal Halloween stories, adding a touch of humor and re...

The explosion in developments and new openings in the Social Entertainment sector have been immerse in recent months. The interest in what has been defined as “Competitive Socializing” has only been disrupted by the upheavals that are impacting the “Eatertainment” sector. In the first of a two-part report on these developments, we look at the reality of falling revenues and the restructuring of th...

Sponsored by Intercard Inc! Discover the intricate world of franchising in location-based entertainment with our special guest, industry expert Kevin Williams. We'll navigate the complex landscape of high capital expenditures, potential franchisee-franchisor conflicts, and the critical need for repeat visitation. Learn the profound impact of Topgolf's separation from Callaway's port...

Sponsored by Intercard! Could the future of location-based entertainment hinge on the evolution of VR technology? Join us as we discuss the dynamic intersection of cutting-edge VR advancements and persistent challenges like outdated hardware and lack of spare parts. Christine returns from her vacation, bringing new insights and setting the stage for future discussions. We also spotlight industry t...

In this latest episode, we look at the emergence of immersive audience engagement, using both virtual and mixed reality technologies. Far beyond the limitations of consumer VR applications – the ability of interacting in groups offers a new dimension to immersion, and points towards a possible theater and exhibition-based future of XR. The need for physical engagement the special element that defi...

Sponsored by Intercard .  Can the traditional Family Entertainment Center survive the rising tide of market saturation, or is innovation the only lifeline left? Realize the growing reality behind the increasingly uniform landscape of location-based entertainment and the critical need for operators to stay ahead of the curve. We'll share insights from our extensive industry experience, examini...

While the bowling industry and even the Japanese leisure sector all get their chance to shine in the sun, we see the realities of how social entertainment is impacting the sectors from bowling scene, alongside the Japanese market’s need for reinvention and investment towards its new future. Reflecting a momentum in the evolving leisure entertainment sector before the holidays and the rest of the y...

This podcast is sponsored by Intercard . Prepare to be captivated as we explore the evolving landscape of location-based entertainment with industry expert Kevin Williams. Discover how gamification and compelling narratives are revolutionizing theme parks, helping them bounce back from declining attendance. We'll dissect Disney's latest announcements from the D23 Expo, diving into the bu...

A cacophony of amusement and attraction events continued in the run into Summer. The Cinema scene in Europe is in the spotlight, while the continued swirling of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring impact the market, seeing major developments for well-known corporate brands in the sector and beyond.  Subscribe and visit LBX Collective for more!

Sponsored by Intercard Inc, www.intercardinc.com Are bowling centers the next big thing in entertainment, or just a nostalgic pastime? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of location-based entertainment with our special guest, Kevin Williams. We break down the nuanced differences between entertainment bowlers and sports bowlers and discuss how bowling centers can cater to both groups effec...

Sponsored by Intercard Inc,  www.intercardinc.com Ever wondered how classic arcade games like Pac-Man are being reimagined for modern platforms like Roblox? Or how brands like Hasbro and Mattel are leveraging their intellectual property in innovative ways? You'll gain invaluable insights into these trends and more as we discuss the crucial importance of maintaining unattended machines, partic...

We continue to catch up on the developments in the sector impacting entertainment and leisure experiences. We look at the impact the current consumer videogame upheavals are having on the market, and then look at how consumer VR and MR are weathering the storm. Subscribe and visit LBX Collective for more!

Sponsored by Intercard Inc , www.intercardinc.com Do you remember our first episode where the video was completely silent? That was quite the start! Join us as we celebrate the LBX Daily Show's first anniversary, reflecting on all the memorable moments and technical hiccups that have marked our journey to episode 232. From the initial microphone issues to the awkward set designs, we’ve certai...

Sponsored by Intercard Inc,  www.intercardinc.com What if you could turn a simple staircase climb into a hilariously chaotic sport? Join us as we kick off with an enthusiastic welcome and dive into the excitement of our upcoming anniversary! This episode features the side-splitting new Olympic sport "slippery stairs," where contestants, dressed in full safety gear, hilariously obstruct e...

Sponsored by Intercard Inc,  www.intercardinc.com Get ready to explore the future of immersive gaming as we unveil the latest advancements from VEX Solutions with the new VEX Arena 3.0. Discover how this upgraded VR setup features cutting-edge headsets and introduces Party Playland, a fantastic controller-free game designed for kids' birthday parties. Perfect for up to 10 players, this easily...

Sponsored by Intercard Inc,  www.intercardinc.com How can a global event like the Olympics lead to fewer visitors at Disney Paris? A paradox, but Christine reveals the local nuances that drive major events to inadvertently push away their usual crowd. Brandon counters with a sunny look at Phoenix's spring training, where sports fans not only catch games but also boost local businesses by enga...

Sponsored by Intercard Inc, www.intercardinc.com What happens when AI marketing goes too far in the location-based entertainment industry? Join us as we navigate the tricky waters of harnessing AI for efficiency without misleading customers with overly polished, AI-generated imagery. Discover why authenticity is paramount in maintaining customer trust and hear our insights on creating genuine mark...

While many have been on the road, attending a chaotic mix of international trade events, the aspects of the entertainment business have seen many developments, some fuelled by the M&A conditions, as well as the explosion in new trends in the market. We attempt to chart these developments. Subscribe and visit LBX Collective for more!