Nearly 600 bowlers from across North America gathered in Denver for the 2026 IGBO Annual Tournament and Conference, celebrating another year of competition, community service, organizational growth, and the friendships that continue to make IGBO a unique and welcoming organization.
Throughout the week, members enjoyed exciting tournament competition, social events, educational opportunities, and organizational meetings that helped shape the future of IGBO. Denver provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating the accomplishments of the past year while looking ahead to new opportunities for growth and member engagement.
A Year of Growth and Success
The Annual Conference provided an opportunity to reflect on another successful year for IGBO. Membership continues to grow, with approximately five percent growth over the previous year, and demand for IGBO tournaments remains strong. Twenty-five member tournaments sold out during the past season, demonstrating the continued popularity of IGBO events and the dedication of tournament directors and volunteers who make those events possible.
This growth reflects the hard work of leagues, tournaments, committees, and volunteers throughout the organization who continue to create welcoming spaces for bowlers of all skill levels and backgrounds.
Giving Back to Our Communities
Community service remains one of IGBO’s defining values. During the conference, members learned that IGBO leagues and tournaments collectively contributed more than $130,000 to charitable organizations over the past year.
That commitment to service was also visible throughout the Denver tournament. Members participated in a community service project assembling snack bags for a local organization that provides support and services to LGBTQ+ youth in the Denver area. The project allowed attendees to make a direct impact in the host community while reinforcing IGBO’s long-standing tradition of giving back.
Whether through charitable fundraising, volunteerism, scholarship support, or local outreach efforts, IGBO members continue to demonstrate that the organization’s impact extends far beyond the bowling lanes.
Investing in the Future
Several exciting initiatives currently under development were highlighted during the conference.
Among them is the continued development of the IGBO Mobile App. While still in the planning and development stages, the project represents a long-term effort to improve how members access information, receive updates, and engage with the organization. Significant work remains ahead, but the initiative reflects IGBO’s commitment to modernizing member communications and services.
Members also received updates on the development of Club IGBO, a membership rewards program currently being explored by the organization. The program would provide opportunities for members to earn points through participation and engagement with IGBO activities and events, with points redeemable for gifts and rewards. Although still under development, the concept has generated excitement as another way to recognize and reward member involvement.
The conference also highlighted the ongoing success of the IGBO Presidential Scholarship Program, which continues to support students pursuing higher education while recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and participation within the bowling community.
Important Decisions and Elections
Representatives from across the organization gathered for the General Membership Meeting to discuss important issues and make decisions that will help guide IGBO into the future.
Among the actions approved were updates to governance policies, enhancements to financial oversight, expanded proxy representation for member organizations, and improvements designed to strengthen consistency and transparency throughout the organization.
Members also elected and confirmed leaders who will help guide IGBO in the years ahead.
2026 Election Results
- Vice President: Raffy Rodriguez
- Secretary: Kelly Clark
- Director at Large: Eric Catalan
The even-numbered regions also re-elected their Regional Directors:
- Region 6 Director: Fernando Pacheco
- Region 8 Director: Doug Harding
- Region 10 Director: Alan Emmons
Looking Ahead
The excitement continues in 2027 when IGBO travels to Kansas City for the next Annual Tournament, where members will once again gather for a week of competition, friendship, and celebration.
Representatives also selected Jacksonville as the host city for the 2028 General Membership Meeting, continuing the tradition of bringing organizational leadership and representatives together in destinations throughout North America.
Planning is also underway for one of the most significant milestones in IGBO history: the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2030. As members reflected on nearly five decades of growth, inclusion, advocacy, and friendship, there was a shared sense of excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank You, Denver
The success of the 2026 Annual Tournament and Conference would not have been possible without the dedication of the host committee, volunteers, sponsors, tournament directors, board members, committee members, and countless others who worked behind the scenes throughout the year.
Most importantly, thank you to every member who attended, competed, volunteered, and participated. Your passion, commitment, and support continue to make IGBO one of the most vibrant and welcoming organizations in bowling.
One thing remains clear: the strength of IGBO has always been its members, and that future has never looked brighter.
As we look toward Kansas City, we do so with renewed energy, stronger connections, and excitement for the future of IGBO.
Check out the Event Photos
The Denver Committee set up a shared Photo Album. To view or add photos, CLICK HERE.
