We just got back from Kart Expo 2025, and we’re still buzzing from the energy, insights, and industry love that filled High Caliber Karting in Okemos, Michigan.
Designed specifically for venues with karting at their core, this year’s event delivered several action-packed days of education, hands-on product demos, and real talk about running better businesses. Here’s a recap of everything we loved (and learned) at this high-octane event.
We came, we karted, we connected
For the first time ever, Kart Expo included a dedicated exhibitor space—and ROLLER rolled in with a kart-themed booth setup (complete with mini mint racecars, because why not add a little fun?).
About 15 vendors participated in this compact but focused space, giving attendees the chance to chat with solution providers face-to-face in between sessions and test drives. As Platinum sponsors, we were thrilled to be right in the mix—connecting with operators, testing gear, and sharing how ROLLER helps go-kart venues streamline their operations, increase revenue, and delight guests.
We loved the opportunity to speak directly with venue operators about the specific challenges they face—from managing timed race sessions to handling high-volume guest flow—and show them how ROLLER can help.
Highlights
Welcome cocktail and networking
Monday kicked things off with a cocktail hour and networking event inside the High Caliber venue. Attendees got to explore the space, try the attractions, and unwind with fellow operators and vendors. The vibe was relaxed, social, and set the tone for a collaborative few days ahead.
Keynote and educational sessions
Tuesday brought a full slate of educational sessions—and Kart Expo didn’t hold back on the talent. The morning started strong with a keynote from Todd Palmer of Extraordinary Advisors, who explored how curiosity and reflective inquiry can transform both personal growth and business leadership. His message about getting to the root of challenges (rather than just treating symptoms) struck a chord with the crowd.
Post-lunch, Jim Mitte kicked off the afternoon with a high-energy rock-paper-scissors tournament (yes, really!) before diving into an insightful session on the marketing lifecycle. His creative analogy compared marketing to the life of a chicken egg—hatching, feeding, growing, stretching, and laying new eggs. The biggest takeaway? Always center your strategy on the guest, no matter what phase of the journey you’re in.
Test drives and party vibes
The day wrapped up with product demos and test drives in the venue—and, naturally, a lively evening party to bring everyone together. (Shoutout to Jordan Munsters for showing up in a Mario costume—you won the event!)
A Visit from Amp Up
Another highlight for the ROLLER team was a visit from Brian Link, co-founder of Amp Up Action Park, and one of our amazing customers.
Brian Link, co-founder of Amp Up Action Park, stopped by the ROLLER booth to say hello!
Standout sessions
The final day of the expo delivered one of the most talked-about sessions of the event: “Transform Your Business with Unreasonable Hospitality” by Bill Green of Affect Advisors.
Bill’s session was a masterclass in how small moments of delight can lead to big wins in customer satisfaction and loyalty. A few key points that stuck with us:
- Hospitality ≠ service: Service is transactional, whereas hospitality is personal and memorable.
- Map the guest journey: Identify positive, negative, and overlooked moments to find where you can elevate the experience.
- Turn great moments into systems: Hospitality isn’t scalable unless you build processes around it.
It was the kind of presentation that made you want to head back to your venue immediately and rethink every guest touchpoint—and that's exactly the kind of impact Kart Expo is all about.
What’s next for the industry?
At ROLLER, events like Kart Expo aren’t just about showcasing our software. They’re about listening. Whether we were talking shop with longtime customers, demoing features with curious operators, or catching up with industry friends over coffee, the conversations were rich, honest, and full of opportunity.
We walked away reminded (yet again) why we’re so passionate about this industry: it’s full of smart, creative, hardworking people who want to create incredible guest experiences—and who know that smart tools and community support can make all the difference.
Until next year—keep your karts clean, your laps fast, and your guests smiling. See you on the track!
