The ROLLER team had a blast attending Sk8 Expo 2024 in sunny Hollywood, Florida! The event, hosted by the Roller Skating Association International (RSA), brought together passionate professionals from the roller skating industry to share ideas, learn new strategies, and address key challenges facing the sector.
In this blog, we’ll cover our experience at the event, the challenges facing the industry, and how ROLLER's solutions can help address them. Plus, we’ll highlight some of the incredible seminars and site visits we participated in!
Key takeaways: Safety and security
The key themes of Sk8 Expo 2024 revolved around safety, security, and sustainable growth strategies for roller skating rinks. With a focus on creating safer environments for guests, much of the conversation focused on operational safety measures, including crucial skills like CPR certification.
Standout sessions included Life-Saving Skills: CPR Certification for Roller Skating Professionals and Empowering Roller Skating Professionals: First Aid Certification with the National Safety Council, where participants gained hands-on training in CPR and first aid. These seminars highlighted the critical importance of being prepared for emergency situations.
Safety isn’t just an industry requirement—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate care and responsibility to customers, boosting your rink’s reputation. By making sure that your staff members are equipped with the life-saving skills necessary to manage emergencies, you can create a safer environment for guests to roller skate with peace of mind, knowing they are in capable hands.
Read this next: How to Manage Risk at Your Attractions Venue
Addressing key industry challenges: Marketing and boosting weekday attendance
Beyond safety, the expo revealed several pain points for rink operators, particularly in the realm of marketing. Many attendees expressed difficulties in navigating paid social media, creating a brand that resonates, and boosting attendance during weekdays and off-seasons.
If you need help with marketing your rink, ROLLER’s powerful and intuitive platform offers analytics tools to help you better understand your guests, and our CRM software helps you craft marketing campaigns that are personalized to your audience.
Read this next: Unlocking the Power of Analytics: How to Leverage Data for Marketing
ADA Compliance
Another hot topic at Sk8 Expo 2024 was ADA compliance and creating an accessible environment for all patrons. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes Standards For Accessible Design that outline the requirements for buildings and facilities to be physically accessible to people with disabilities.
In a session led by IALDA attorney Lary Zucker and a panel of legal experts, rink owners learned about the latest ADA guidelines and how to safeguard their businesses from legal risks, while also improving customer experiences.
Non-compliance can lead to legal fees, settlements, negative publicity, and damage to a brand’s image which results in losing customers and revenue. By implementing cost-effective solutions for compliance and staying ahead of evolving ADA regulations, rink owners can ensure they are protecting both their business and their customers.
Compliance isn't just about avoiding lawsuits—it's about building inclusive communities that welcome skaters of all abilities. Creating a more accessible rink not only strengthens your business’s reputation but also fosters goodwill in the community, positioning your rink as a space that values inclusivity.
Site visit: A field trip to Miami Roller Rink
One of the event’s most exciting opportunities was an exclusive site visit to Miami’s longest standing Roller Rink. The ROLLER team was inspired by Miami Roller Rink’s effective customer service, unique party packages, and innovative programming ideas. It was a firsthand look at how creativity and operational efficiency can turn a rink into a beloved community hub.
Read more: Cost Guide: Skating Rink Attraction Ideas With Strong ROI Potential
Looking ahead: The future of the roller skating industry
Sk8 Expo 2024 highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the roller skating industry. As rinks continue to evolve, safety and security will remain key priorities, alongside the need for effective marketing and operational efficiency. ROLLER’s platform is designed to support these evolving needs and help rinks grow and thrive for years to come.
- Prioritize safety and staff training: Certify your team in life-saving skills like CPR and First Aid to create a safe environment for guests and staff.
- Focus on ADA compliance: Stay up-to-date with ADA guidelines to ensure your rink is accessible and inclusive for all patrons, while mitigating legal risks.
- Optimize marketing strategies: Use targeted marketing campaigns to increase attendance, especially during off-peak times and weekdays.
- Build strong customer relationships: Focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience that encourages repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Leverage technology for efficiency: Improve operational efficiency and increase revenue for your roller skating rink with cloud-based software.
Ready to chat with ROLLER?
If you didn’t catch us at Sk8 Expo 2024, be sure to reach out to learn more about how ROLLER can help your rink thrive!
Our platform helps rinks of all sizes streamline operations, boost revenue, and enhance guest experiences.
- Save time: Make processes easier and boost staff productivity.
- Increase revenue: Improve booking efficiency and drive sales with data-driven strategies.
- Delight guests: Ensure seamless, enjoyable interactions from start to finish.
Excited about what’s next? Book a demo to see how we can help your rink thrive.
