Every year, the data shows the same thing: operators don’t have time for guesswork. You want straightforward strategies that fill seats, improve the atmosphere, and create experiences guests remember.
Looking back at the most-read Control Play blogs of the year, a few clear themes emerged. Operators were focused on preparing for big moments, strengthening the vibe, staying compliant with licensing, and modernizing their venues in practical, manageable ways. Here’s what mattered most and how these insights can guide your plans for the year ahead.
Table of Contents
Big Events Drove the Most Interest
Two articles led the year by a wide margin:
Operators used these guides to prepare for high-attention days and to make sure their rooms were set up for busier service. These pieces were popular because they provided simple, workable ideas for handling traffic, building energy, and smoothing out service when the room fills up faster than usual.
The 4 Nations Face-Off guide became our top-performing piece of the year not just because it was a major event, but because it carried extra cultural and pop-culture weight. Fans were invested, the storylines were loud, and operators wanted to capitalize on that excitement inside their venues.
How to apply this next year:
Create your sports calendar early. Build playlists that help set pre-game energy. Prepare visuals that match the event. Set expectations with staff before traffic hits. The more predictable the night, the easier it is to keep the room running well.
And next year brings even more opportunity: along with the usual big games, we’ll see the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup (happening right here in North America). Both will drive huge attention and give operators plenty of chances to build momentum in their venues.
Operators Looked For More Control Over Atmosphere
Three of the top articles focused on playlists, pacing, and the feel of the room:
- Custom Playlist Guide
- How Music Shapes the Dining Experience
- What Is the Vibe in Your Restaurant or Bar
These pieces resonated because operators want their rooms to feel consistent without having to monitor the music all day. Many readers used these resources to tighten daypart transitions and build a clearer plan for how the room should feel during lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late night.
And with music tied to as much as a 26% lift in revenue, it’s no surprise that tools and guides that simplify the atmosphere get the most attention.
How to apply this next year:
Review your dayparts. Adjust energy levels throughout the day. Make sure your music supports the type of service you want at each hour. A few small adjustments create steadier flow and fewer flat periods.
Licensing Stayed a Priority
Operators are looking for entertainment options that are simple to manage, visually engaging, and fully compliant. Licensing questions come up often, which tells us operators want clarity and predictable solutions they can trust.
How to apply this next year:
Take a moment to review your licensing. If you are still relying on personal streaming services or mixed sources, this is a good time to clean things up. A licensed solution reduces risk and gives you more flexibility in how you present music and video in your venue.
And with a major player losing licensing rights this year, a lot of operators were reminded that music and video licensing is more than a legal box to check, it’s a trust contract. Choosing a stable, compliant solution protects the atmosphere you’re working hard to build.
Modernization Content Remained Useful
A past-year article on modernization in the bowling industry continued to rank among the most-read pieces. This was not only bowlers reading it. Operators across many venue types were looking for ideas that help them update their spaces in practical ways.
How to apply this next year:
Focus on practical improvements. Fresh content on your screens. Updated daypart plans. Clearer music transitions. Visual improvements that support the room. Modernization does not always require a major renovation. Sometimes it is about making what you already have work harder.
Seasonal and Holiday Content
Holiday and seasonal material continued to drive strong traffic during key periods. Operators still rely on holiday playlists, signage ideas, and any resource that simplifies December and other peak seasons.
Some popular resources were:
- What Halloween Said About Your Year-Round Music Strategy
- The One-Button Holiday: Make December Easy Again
- Turn Holiday Parties Into Year-Round Business
How to apply this next year:
Build a seasonal folder now. Keep your holiday playlists, signage templates, and notes for next year in one place. December runs smoother when you can set things up quickly and stay consistent across shifts.
Guest Content
This year also brought strong recognition across the industry. Control Play was featured in several publications where operators turn for guidance on music, atmosphere, and guest experience.
We contributed insights to Bar & Restaurant News on topics including:
- One Brand, One Experience: Why Restaurants & Bars Are Centralizing Music, Video, and Digital
- Pro Tips: Why Dayparting Matters
- Beyond Background Noise: How Music Videos Can Transform Your Venue
- Beyond Compliance: How Licensed Music Videos Transform Guest Experiences
- Vibe Architects: Crafting Experiences with Curated Music Videos
Control Play was also featured in the Bowling Center Management (BCM) December issue, along with new pieces on our own site:
- The Art of Volume: How Sound Levels Shape Every Guest Experience
- Using Music to Shape Your Bowling Center’s Identity
What This Tells Us About Operator Priorities
Across all topics, the pattern was steady. Operators looked for tools that help them prepare for busy days, manage atmosphere with less effort, stay compliant, and upgrade their spaces in ways that improve daily service.
That’s the direction we’ll keep heading. Our goal next year is to give you tools that create predictable, high-energy nights, reduce the guesswork, and make your entertainment setup feel more “set it and forget it.” More great nights, fewer headaches.
