Sound Off #72 - Embracing "experiential," tariffs, trends, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard!Kevin Williams makes a compelling case for reframing our industry as the "experiential business" rather than simply immersive or entertainment-focused, arguing that what we're truly delivering are positive experiences that guests are willing to pay for.• Global economic pressures from tariffs are creating significant supply chain disruptions with ports seeing 50-60% drops in China shipments• The shipping industry's infrastructure isn't built for dramatic fluctuations, meaning impacts will continue even if tariffs are suddenly removed• Genda continues aggressive expansion with new acquisitions in the karaoke sector, controlling approximately 11,000 entertainment facilities worldwide• LEGO tested a "Brickade" pop-up entertainment venue in Orlando featuring mini-golf, racing zones and arcade-inspired experiences• Entertainment franchising is accelerating globally with Sandbox VR, Dave & Buster's and Immersive Gamebox expanding through strategic partnerships• Five Iron Golf is evolving beyond simulator bays to include duck pin bowling and arcade elements in a full FEC model• Mall operators increasingly view entertainment as essential anchors, creating multi-experience destinations to increase dwell time• LED display technology is rapidly replacing projection systems in immersive entertainment environments• Dave & Buster's is reevaluating its direction following management changes, with core audience preferences potentially taking precedence over recent innovationsSubscribe and visit LBX Collective for more!