Mid-Atlantic NATO“ Cinema Show & Tell” 2017
Just under six weeks following CinemaCon, Mid- Atlantic NATO( National Association of Theatre Owners) in Maryland, Virginia and DC brings its mini-version to the suburbs of the nation’ s capital. Scheduled on May 9 & 10, 2017, Mid-Atlantic NA- TO’ s regional conference gives the perfect opportunity to those that opened discussions in Vegas, to close them in DC, while opening doors to many independent owners, regional leaders and local theatre managers that had not attended the big show in March.
Mid-Atlantic NATO’ s“ Cinema Show & Tell” has something for everyone in the industry. With an average attendance annually of over 400, Vendor Reps can meet with many independent and non-profit theatre owners that simply can’ t get to the national shows, while also visiting with regional and circuit theatre managers who influence the corporate buyers. For Theatre Owners, they can get to spend some one on one time with vendor and studio reps in a smaller venue while also bringing their theatre managers along to get excited before the summer blockbusters open. And certainly, it is great time for Theatre Managers to feel part of the big picture as they get exposed to new products, meet film studio reps, and learn from industry leaders about topics vital to theatre operations. to fight the infantile paralysis plague. Fortunately we have moved beyond the plague, but we’ ll be sharing highlights of the very tough legislative session we faced this year.
Following the educational sessions, attendees will have lunch while attending a trade show featuring about 50 vendors. Mid-Atlantic NATO’ s trade show will feature cleaning companies, concession distributors and food suppliers, projection and sound equipment dealers and service companies, marketing groups, credit card processors, software and hardware companies, seating manufacturers, sign installers, security advisors, lighting companies, and more!
Later that afternoon, one of our studio partners will treat us to a special advanced screening at a nearby theatre before we return that evening for a wonderful reception and spectacular Scholarship Awards Banquet. Always a conference highlight, Mid-Atlantic NATO along with its sponsors will award approxi-
This year’ s two-day conference kicks off at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 9 at Waterford in Springfield, Virginia with Mid-Atlantic NATO’ s legislative session, followed by NATO’ s“ State of the Industry” presentation. Crazy as it seems, Mid-Atlantic NATO and its predecessors have been working on legislative issues on behalf of its members for over 100 years! Yes, the non-profit trade association now known as Mid- Atlantic NATO celebrated the corporations 100 year anniversary on March 8, 2017. A bit off topic, but a startling piece of trivia recalls a group of exhibitors in Baltimore, MD that formed The Exhibitors League of Maryland and incorporated on March 8, 1917 when forced by Baltimore City’ s Health Officer to prohibit children under 13 years of age from attending theatres
84 • ShowTime Preview Guide – Spring 2017