For many years, NATO’s Annual Meetings have brought together exhibition’s most committed leaders to discuss timely issues and to guide the future of the industry. Given the abundance of current challenges and opportunities, this year’s meeting was no different. What was different was that NATO combined the Annual Meetings with the NATO Fall Summit this year, which resulted in record attendance at the meetings held 27-29 September at the Marina del Rey Marriott in California.
The Annual Meetings addressed important topics including globalization, government relations, movie ratings, theater security, theatrical release windows, technology, and membership services. It also provided numerous opportunities for networking and for reconnecting with industry colleagues and friends, especially during the evening events on 27 September, generously sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company.
The NATO Fall Summit provides NATO members with a forum to share information and learn what to do to promote the movie-going experience and make it the best possible for our guests. That core goal was the basis for this year’s program. The event kicked off with an exclusive product presentation and screening of Hacksaw Ridge courtesy of Lionsgate, and was followed by a full day of informative and interactive sessions concentrated on “Innovations and Strategies Focused on Reaching Millennials and More.” Guest speakers included Stacey Snider, 20th Century Fox Film’s new Chairman and CEO; Brett Petit, SVP/Marketing & Sales for Six Flags Theme Parks; Ellis Jacob, President & CEO, Cineplex Entertainment; Ann Hand, CEO, Super League Gaming; and a live focus group of millennials.
For those who attended, thank you for your time and enthusiastic participation, and for those considering joining us next year, please mark your calendar: NATO’s Annual Meeting and Fall Summit, 26–28 September 2017, at the Marina del Rey Marriott. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or ideas, as we continue to look for ways to grow these programs and to grow our attendees’ bottom lines.