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LBX Collective

Brandon Willey

479 episodes

17 hours ago

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we argue for an upscale shift in prize experiences, a sober view on tariffs and show strategy, and a sharper ROI lens on VR. Big brands face 2026 pressure as multi-attraction venues, collectible-forward cranes, and arena-scale content set the pace. • Upscaling prize centers with premium collectibles and frictionless redemption • Tariff volatility, shutdown impacts, and investor caution • Six Flags activism, Merlin restructur...

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All content for LBX Collective is the property of Brandon Willey and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we argue for an upscale shift in prize experiences, a sober view on tariffs and show strategy, and a sharper ROI lens on VR. Big brands face 2026 pressure as multi-attraction venues, collectible-forward cranes, and arena-scale content set the pace. • Upscaling prize centers with premium collectibles and frictionless redemption • Tariff volatility, shutdown impacts, and investor caution • Six Flags activism, Merlin restructur...

Show more...

Episodes (20/479)

LBX Collective

Entertainment Social Arena #14 - Gunning for Social Entertainment

Investors should note the rising trend of social shooting experiences, blending gamification, hospitality, and competition. Brands like Clays and PAN are innovating with arcade-style and traditional clay pigeon shooting, appealing to diverse demographics and private events. Platform developers like Laser Shot and HD Sportsuite are creating digital and simulated shooting games for entertainment venues. Historical roots from amusement games like ‘Shoot Away’ highlight longstanding popularity. T...

2 days ago

14 minutes

LBX Collective

Sound Off #97 - Upscale The Prize Experience, KPop Demon Hunters, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we argue for an upscale shift in prize experiences, a sober view on tariffs and show strategy, and a sharper ROI lens on VR. Big brands face 2026 pressure as multi-attraction venues, collectible-forward cranes, and arena-scale content set the pace. • Upscaling prize centers with premium collectibles and frictionless redemption • Tariff volatility, shutdown impacts, and investor caution • Six Flags activism, Merlin restructur...

2 days ago

1 hour 15 minutes

LBX Collective

The LBX Show #51 - Arcade Hall of Fame, New "Pour" Games, Pixel floors, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we take a fast tour through the latest wins, misses, and pivots in location-based entertainment. We weigh connected pinball, branded "pour" games, and why good branding beats big square footage. • IAAPA Expo preview with LBX Collective's booth speakeasy details • Give Kids The World Golf tourney, 1K, and 5K fundraisers • Arcade Heroes launches an Arcade Hall of Fame • Scorbit 2.0 and the rise of connected pinball • Branded p...

4 days ago

46 minutes

LBX Collective

Entertainment Social Arena #13 - Entertainment's Private Event

Investors should note that private event and party business in social entertainment venues now account for over 40% of revenue, driven by evolving consumer preferences from Millennials to Gen Z. Key sectors include mixed-use entertainment, socializing, and immersive experiences, with venues like Merlin, Gravity MAX, and Lucky Strike expanding their private hire offerings. The industry is experiencing growth through innovative concepts such as competitive socializing, immersive tech, and AI-dr...

1 week ago

19 minutes

LBX Collective

Sound Off #96 - Clawcade Boom Or Bust, Netflix+AMC, C-level Shakeups, & more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we start off debating the clawcade surge, asking where these crane-only venues work, when they fail, and how branding and location shape outcomes. Then we track major shifts across immersive free-roam, cinema–streaming tie-ups, leadership changes at big park groups, and the rise of social shooting galleries. • viability of clawcades and fair operation • importance of high-traffic sites and matching IP • mixed-use models like...

1 week ago

47 minutes

LBX Collective

The LBX Show #50 - Meow Wolf's digital twin, Level99's Disney risk, D&D, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode, we unpack a fast-moving month for leading up to IAAPA: from our hidden speakeasy on the show floor to Give Kids the World charity runs to Meow Wolf’s digital twin strategy, a Dungeons and Dragons immersive quest, and the trade-offs between giant single-format builds and mixed-use venues. We close with practical marketing math on out-of-home frequency, plus arcade updates from Raw Thrills and Exa Arcadia. • IAAPA show floor ...

1 week ago

1 hour 8 minutes

LBX Collective

The Stinger Report #1250 - European Entertainment Bizarre - Part 2

In this second part, the IAAPA Expo Europe 2025 highlighted key trends shaping the entertainment industry, notably the rapid growth of immersive XR technologies like projection mapping and body tracking, with active entertainment platforms expanding across FECs, hotels, and venues. The show underscored the gamification of racing, socializing, and active play, alongside innovations in social darts, mini-golf, and AR-based experiences. Notably, the sector is witnessing significant M&A activ...

2 weeks ago

19 minutes

LBX Collective

Sound Off #95 - Transmedia LBE, Olympic Hedgehog, Zombies, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we discuss the idea that amusement and location-based entertainment must think like transmedia businesses, using brand collaborations, smart memberships, and flexible programming to drive visits and resilience. Then, as we continue to dive into trends from tariff shocks to XR’s next act, we break down what actually works on the floor. • McDonald’s x Street Fighter and Disney merch proving transmedia pull • How facilities lev...

2 weeks ago

41 minutes

LBX Collective

The Stinger Report #1249 - European Entertainment Bizarre - Part 1

Leading investors should note that the European amusement sector’s latest trade events highlight significant shifts toward XR, VR, and immersive media, despite slowing consumer VR adoption. Innovations like Hero Zone’s Terminator VR, SEGA’s interactive ride systems, and VEX’s non-headset XR platforms reflect a move toward longer-term, revenue-driven immersive experiences. The sector is also witnessing strategic partnerships, industry consolidation, and technological advancements in LED displa...

2 weeks ago

16 minutes

LBX Collective

The LBX Show #49 - Fall Promotion Strategy, Dinos for Sale, Universal Kids, & more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode, Clint Novak joins for a Guest Gab to discuss how to turn a “slow” season into a growth window with early Black Friday planning, smarter inventory, and signature events that bring families back. Along the way, we track market shifts, new attractions, and arcade releases, and honor the legacy of Paul Williams. • IAAPA Expo plans, LBX Collective speakeasy returns in booth 4402 • Give Kids The World charity golf, 5K and 1K, tea...

2 weeks ago

1 hour 17 minutes

LBX Collective

The Stinger Report #1248 - Entertainment Break Out

Leading investors should note a dynamic shift in the international leisure entertainment sector, marked by increased M&A activity, notably GENDA’s expansion into Western markets and strategic partnerships in Japan, alongside a resurgence of touchscreen game terminals and new immersive formats like dual- and screen-deluxe cabinets. The industry faces geopolitical trade restrictions impacting Asian releases, while the virtual and eSports landscapes are experiencing valuation corrections, si...

3 weeks ago

17 minutes

LBX Collective

Sound Off #94 - Nostalgiatainment, Brand Licensing EU Review, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we explore how “legacy” can be leverage, not a limit, and why nostalgia only works when it fuels the next wave of experiences. From Disney’s soft attendance to Netflix House pricing, we break down what’s hype, what’s working, and what operators should adjust now. • leveraging legacy IP without getting stuck in the past • nostalgiatainment trends and Retroescapes viability • theme park economics and Orlando softness • Hallowe...

3 weeks ago

50 minutes

LBX Collective

The Stinger Report #1247 - The Hyperscape Reality – Part 2

Leading investors should note a shifting landscape in XR, with Samsung advancing a high-priced MR headset targeting prosumers, alongside AR glasses leveraging Qualcomm and Google tech. Consumer VR faces slowdown, with delays and uncertain releases for Valve’s Deckard and Pimax’s headset, amid waning interest from AAA studios. Conversely, the location-based entertainment (LBE) sector is invigorating, exemplified by new immersive rides, strategic retail expansions, and a dedicated XR LBE hub at...

3 weeks ago

14 minutes

LBX Collective

The LBX Show #48 - TopGolf's PlayMore, Gravitar Recharged, and much more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode BW lays out the FEC Education opportunities at IAAPA Expo in Orlando and joins John Keys from Centeredge as they discuss how memberships become revenue engines. Then we scan global openings, preview new arcade releases, and share a simple, repeatable promo system that keeps guests coming back. • rundown of IAAPA FEC education sessions • why the Global Benchmark Report matters now • nostalgiatainment potential and risks with ...

3 weeks ago

1 hour 29 minutes

LBX Collective

The Stinger Report #1246 - The Hyperscape Reality – Part 1

The September XR consumer landscape showcased a mixed outlook, with Apple notably absent of significant advancements in its Spatial Computing platform, disappointing supporters and causing a market dip post-event amid no new hardware announcements or substantial app support, signaling a slow start for their Vision Pro system. Meanwhile, Meta’s CONNECT 2025 highlighted ongoing struggles within the VR sector, including platform consolidations, layoffs, and the abandonment of promising features ...

4 weeks ago

14 minutes

LBX Collective

The Stinger Report #1245 – The Location-Based Entertainment Dilemma

As autumn approaches, investors are eyeing the resurgence of Location-Based Entertainment (LBE), yet echoes of the 1990s boom and bust are unmistakable. Historically, large-scale urban entertainment centers and immersive attractions—ranging from early digital arcades to blockbuster branded venues—faced cyclical overinvestment and market saturation. Today, the sector is experiencing a similar pattern, with a surge of new ventures built on franchise models, immersive experiences, and transmedia...

1 month ago

14 minutes

LBX Collective

Sound Off #93 - New XR & AR concepts, UK Park Expansion, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode we challenge the LBE industry to build real education and standards while tracking major shifts—from Orlando softness and capital moves to AR sports, IP consolidation, and the line between tech promise and operational reality. Practical lessons emerge on spectatorship, repeatability, and mapping the right tech to the right use case. • lack of standardized education pathways for LBE operators • limits of event-based learning ...

1 month ago

54 minutes

LBX Collective

The LBX Show #47 - Brass Ring Deadline, AI image snafus, pedal kart VR, and more!

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! On this week's episode, we cover the deadline for IAAPA's Brass Ring Award submissions for the top FEC and LBE of the year award, a court decision that rattles waivers for minors, and why brand clarity matters more than ever for LBEs and FECs. We also call out a launch-day website miss, spotlight a smart bakery + mini golf combo, and analyze new openings from Timezone, Andretti, and more. • Brass Ring judges value across service, safety, cleanline...

1 month ago

39 minutes

LBX Collective

Behind Our Doors #8 - Do The Beach: Where Adventure Meets Beach Vibes

Sponsored by Intercard! Sponsored by Alan-1! Do the Beach introduces a brand new indoor beach-themed inflatable adventure park concept where giant sandcastle slides meet wipeout-style attractions in an immersive environment. Mike Whincup, COO of Do the Beach Franchising, takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of their first location in North Port, Florida, showcasing how they've created an immersive beach experience without the sand. • Bright teal branding and beach-themed decor throughout cre...

1 month ago

57 minutes

LBX Collective

Entertainment Social Arena #12 - Retail Embraces Competition - Part 2

In our second part, this report highlights key trends in retailtainment, focusing on immersive and social experiences within retail spaces. Notable developments include Immersive Gamebox’s expansion across the GCC via a franchise deal, and large-scale venues like Texas’s upcoming 150,000 sq. ft. entertainment center, opening in 2026. Growth is driven by repurposing retail spaces for attractions like trampoline parks, golf simulators, and XR experiences, exemplified by Inspired Entertainment’s...

1 month ago

11 minutes