Author: PHILCONTRINO

On June 11, 2024, NATO of Michigan hosted its annual Legislator Reception in Lansing. Over twenty legislators and staff from the House of Representatives and Senate met with theatre owners from across the state to discuss the pressing issues facing the exhibition industry, at home and across the country. The event also featured a presentation from the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office.

Exhibitors can find more information about the regional unit and register for future Legislator Receptions on the new NATO of Michigan website.

The Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) recently hosted an informative webinar focused on helping movie theaters boost their marketing efforts using influencers and social media. Attendees got to hear from top industry influencers and cinema marketing executives who shared valuable strategies to increase visibility and attract more patrons.

Last month’s ITOC Connect webinar featured a conversation between Harry Medved of NATO and The Cinema Foundation and special guest Gabriella Gomez, founder of the Department of Influence. Gabriella shared insights into her journey as a leading influencer and gave tips for exhibitors to engage with influencers on platforms like TikTok. She emphasized how movie theaters can either become influencers themselves or work effectively with outside influencers to drive engagement and ticket sales.

Presentations followed from Haleigh Oetting, Director of Social Media for B&B Theatres, and Andrew Brooks, Chief Marketing Officer for Santikos Entertainment. Haleigh discussed the success of B&B Theatres’ Brand Ambassador Program and the significant impact of influencer marketing on their campaigns. Andrew shared tips on creating engaging content and showcased successful campaigns that Santikos executed to add fun and excitement for their moviegoing audiences.

If you missed the live session, the recording is now available.

Earlier this month, members of NATO and The Cinema Foundation staff joined NATO of California/Nevada at their spring Managers Meeting in Los Angeles. Bryan Braunlich of The Cinema Foundation, Erin Von Hoetzendorff, and Amanda Martin of NATO attended the meeting.

The NATO of CA/NV hosts managers meetings in the Fall and Spring as a way to bring local theater managers together to see the great movies coming out and to hear presentations from industry partners. There also was a fun round of movie trivia, although we do regret none of our NATO representatives won.

Managers also have an opportunity to do a meet and greet with representatives from the studios, NATO, the Will Rogers Foundation, and many more partners.

A special thank you to Todd Vradenburg and Maura Ortega of NATO of CA/NV for always including NATO in these great events and for continuing to support exhibition.

This month, NATO was thrilled to join the annual convention of North Central States NATO, which represents movie theatres in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This gathering of motion picture exhibitors and the industry’s vendor community from across the country always provides a great opportunity to discuss industry trends, share experiences, and strengthen the regional cinema community.

Special thanks go to Russell Vannorsdel, president of Fridley Theatres, for organizing the convention, and to dedicated volunteers like Dale Haider of North Central States NATO, Todd Tepley of Odyssey Theatres, and Fridley Theatres’ Kim Daniel and Alison Meyer, whose invaluable contributions made the event a success.

From the opening night reception and screening hosted by Flix Brewhouse to the tour of Fridley’s Palms Theatres & IMAX, the convention provided a fantastic opportunity to see cutting-edge innovations by independent exhibitors and reconnect with friends in the exhibition and vendor communities. Regional events are also a great opportunity to meet exhibitors like the father and son duo, Mike and Brad Schaefer, who run the Cinema Center & Holly Theatre in Beatrice, NE. They recently replaced their old letter-style marquee with a new electronic board, which has been a tremendous hit in the community. Supported by a state grant and additional funding from the City of Beatrice, this project exemplifies how exhibitors can leverage public support to enhance their cinemas. Another highlight was meeting Susy and Phil Prosapio of The Falls Theatre in Little Falls, MN, who have made significant contributions to their community through the reopening of the historic theater last year.

Regional conferences are also important platforms for independent theatre owners and industry vendors to share insights and learn from each other. At last week’s convention, NATO President & CEO Michael O’Leary, along with ITOC Chair Colleen Barstow of Omaha-based ACX Cinemas, led an engaging discussion with independent theatre owners from across the region. The conversation covered the current state of the industry and the work of the Independent Theatre Owners Coalition in developing resources for independents and advocating for this important part of the exhibition community in Hollywood.

Brett King from CINETRAIN moderated a dynamic discussion with Jeff Logan of Logan Luxury Theatres Corp and David Meillier of Flix Brewhouse. The panel explored effective strategies for maximizing employee training opportunities and enhancing organizational value. Attendees also enjoyed an insightful seminar and panel discussion on “AI & Your Theatre” and a robust discussion during the Independent Owners Round Table.

The trade show featured more than 50 vendors, showcasing the latest innovations and services for the cinema industry. This bustling marketplace was a hub of activity, offering exhibitors the chance to explore new products and forge valuable business relationships.

And thank you to our studio partners for their support of regional conventions. Attendees were excited to see Sony’s presentation of their upcoming films and screenings from Focus Features, Paramount Pictures, and Angel Studios.

The North Central States NATO convention underscored the importance of joining NATO and regional associations. By working together, exhibitors can thrive through collaboration and enhance their advocacy to advance the interests of movie theatres in states and communities across the country.

Upcoming Regional Shows:

Join us in continuing to strengthen our cinema community and advocating for the future of our industry by attending the following regional events later this year and the Fall Summit and Annual Meetings in September. For more information and dates, visit NATO Events.

• ShowSouth in Lake Lanier Islands, Buford, GA
• CineShow in Frisco, TX
• Rocky Mountain Theatre Convention in Salt Lake City, UT

On May 1, 2024, Governor Mike DeWine launched the Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM) program at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. The Lincoln Theatre has been in operation since 1928.

The event featured a screening of the award-winning theatrical documentary Apollo 11 directed by Buckeye State native Todd Douglas Miller. Alex Rich, NATO’s Associate Director of State Government Affairs, and Jordan Hohman, Executive Director of Heartland NATO, attended the event demonstrating the exhibition industry’s support for this historic initiative. 

Ohio Goes to the Movies is a statewide program highlighting Ohio’s contribution to the motion picture industry including homegrown stars, behind-the-scenes talent, and the movie theatres that bring these stories to audiences across the state. The program runs for 100 days beginning in mid-February through May 2026 as part of the state’s America 250 celebration.

Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine shared that their first date was to see 1962’s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? in a movie theatre and they have remained avid moviegoers since.

Exhibitors who would like to participate in OGTTM should contact Program Director Molly Kreuzman (mkreuzman@ohiohistory.org) for more information.

NATO is looking to enact similar state-based programs inspired by Ohio Goes to the Movies across the country. More details to follow.