Pittsburgh, PA, to Host 2015 IGBO Conference

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was selected as the host city for the 35th anniversary International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO®) Mid-Year Conference and Tournament, November 10-16, 2015. The week-long semi-annual conference convenes representatives from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bowling leagues and tournaments worldwide.  This will be the city's first time hosting an IGBO conference.

The bid to host the conference in Pittsburgh was assembled by a group of local, Pittsburgh-area bowlers from across four IGBO member organizations in Pittsburgh: Steel City Bowling League, Pittsburgh Pride League, the TREAT Bowling Tournament and 3 River Rollers Bowling League.  Bid preparation support was provided by VisitPittsburgh.

“We are thrilled that IGBO will hold its 35th anniversary conference and tournament in Pittsburgh in 2015,” says Craig Davis, president & CEO of VisitPittsburgh. “The LGBT community spends billions of dollars annually on tourism and travel, making it one of the most lucrative travel markets in the United States, and we can’t wait to show off what Pittsburgh has to offer.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Green Tree hotel will be the main host venue for the IGBO Mid-Year Conference.  Bowling alleys, Princess Lanes and AMF Noble Manor Lanes are scheduled to host approximately 400 visiting bowlers in a handicapped ten-pin bowling tournament and scratch masters’ event that accompany the conference.

Several members of Pittsburgh IGBO 2015 Bid Committee traveled to Dallas, Texas, host of the 33rd IGBO Mid-Year Conference, to present their bid before the IGBO General Membership with representation from United States of America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. With the acceptance of the bid, the Pittsburgh host committee will launch their two year planning period, which will include both bowling and non-bowling events, including tournaments, charity sales, drag shows and more.

About The International Gay Bowling Organization: IGBO, an international gay bowling organization, provides educational services, communication avenues, and social opportunities to promote the sport of bowling and to enrich lives of individuals through leagues and tournaments worldwide. For additional details about IGBO, visit igbo.org.