Who We Are

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 50 countries worldwide. Our membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners too.

What We Do

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a second office in North Hollywood, California, NATO represents its members in the heart of the nation's capital as well as the center of the entertainment industry. From these vantage points, NATO helps exhibition influence federal policy-making and work with movie distributors on all areas of mutual concern, from new technologies to legislation, marketing, and First Amendment issues.

Benefits

As a NATO member you will receive:

A subscription to Boxoffice, NATO’s official monthly magazine, that will keep you up to date on film releases, movie reviews, exhibition news, technology, ratings, NATO services and activities and monthly columns from NATO executives.

Founded in 1920, Boxoffice magazine has covered The Business of Movies™ since before talkies. Boxoffice.com, launched in 1994, was the first film industry trade website.

The Encyclopedia of Exhibition, published annually, is packed with the most information in one place on film grosses, upcoming releases, and filmgoer demographics. It also features a directory of international and domestic exhibitors and distributors, cinema companies ranked by screen count, trade publications, and more.

Members-only update reports on legislation and technology developments, as well as distribution and marketing policies.

Members-only content on NATO's Website.

Handbooks and guides filled with information on: the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Voluntary Movie Rating System, careers in the motion picture industry, training, the Theatre Alignment Program, and projection booths.

Member discounts on the 9 volume video training series It Starts With You.

NATO provides its members with unique services available nowhere else: A full-time professional staff to provide information and guidance to members.
• A toll-free members-only phone line.
• Washington representatives to monitor and influence laws and regulations that affect our members.
• Technology and building consultants to guide exhibition on new developments in the industry's infrastructure.
• Ratings posters—free to NATO members—ideal for displaying in your theatre lobby or box office.
• Discounts on trade publications and CinemaCon - The Official Convention of NATO - and ShowEast registrations.
• Low-cost liability, life and casualty, and group health insurance.

How To Join

Take a moment to fill out a membership application. Because when NATO speaks for you —shouldn’t NATO be you?