RSA 2026 Recap: A New Era for the Skating Industry

The ROLLER team had a fantastic week at RSA 2026 in Las Vegas, connecting with rink owners, operators, partners, and longtime members of the skating community from across the country.

Every year, RSA is a reminder of how passionate and close-knit the roller skating industry is. This year, there was also a sense that the industry is evolving. Across conversations on the show floor, operators spoke openly about modernization, guest experience, and what the next generation of skating venues could look like.

A changing industry

One of the biggest themes throughout the week was the shift happening across the skating industry itself.

Many venues are seeing younger family members step into leadership roles, bringing a more tech-savvy and experience-focused mindset. Conversations were less about whether venues should modernize and more about how to create experiences that keep guests coming back.

Several operators even described their venues less as “rinks” and more as places built around flow and vibe, a reflection of how skating venues are increasingly positioning themselves as broader entertainment and lifestyle destinations.

What operators are focusing on

Across conversations at RSA, a few clear themes came up again and again:

Guest experience matters more than ever

Operators are putting more focus on creating memorable, immersive experiences — especially around birthday parties, themed nights, and special events.

The conversation is shifting beyond skating itself and toward the full guest journey: how venues feel, how guests move through the space, and what keeps people coming back.

Memberships continue to grow

Memberships remained a major topic throughout the event. While opinions still vary across the industry, many operators acknowledged the role memberships can play in driving repeat visitation and building stronger long-term relationships with guests.

Mobile operations are becoming essential

One operational topic that came up repeatedly was the need for more flexible, mobile hardware.

For skating venues (especially during high-volume themed nights or timed activations) operators need staff to move freely throughout the venue while still being able to check guests in quickly and efficiently.

Mobile check-in, portable hardware, and flexible setups were all strong areas of interest during the week.

Liability and waivers remain top of mind

Liability and waivers were also a major area of discussion. Even in places where waivers aren’t legally required, many operators are still implementing them to improve operations and better understand their guests through data collection.

On the show floor

RSA always has a strong sense of community, and this year was no different.

The ROLLER booth stayed busy throughout the week, with lots of great conversations happening between operators, partners, and attendees catching up between sessions. Sponsorship visibility and our central booth location helped create a steady flow of traffic, while the presence of partners throughout the event reinforced how connected the skating community continues to become.

A big thank-you to everyone who stopped by, shared their perspective, or took the time to connect with the team. We’re already looking forward to next year!