N A T O
National Association of Theatre Owners of North Central States
Exhibitors from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas will be converging on Minneapolis May 16 and 17 for the 18th Annual Convention and Trade Show held at the Sheraton Minneapolis West Hotel in Minnetonka, MN. The hotel is conveniently located on the southwest wide of the Twin Cities and only a mile from the Mall of America.
Convention chairman Dale Haider said the goal of the convention is to offer as much information as possible at a reasonable cost. The convention is set up to be affordable for small independents to attend and for regional and national circuits to be able to afford to bring in all their managers. Last year’ s convention brought over 150 theatre owners and managers. It was roughly an even split between owners and managers. There were over 50 vendors at the trade show.
The convention is structured to be a“ nuts and bolts”, hands-on convention for working managers and operators. Each year’ s schedule includes educational seminars of interest to both circuit managers and independent exhibitors including: a screening of two major pictures, presentations
Comedian Don McMillan entertains the crowd at the Gala banquet Tuesday evening with his on screen presentation starring area exhibitors in remakes of hit movies.
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of product reels and marketing plans by studio Exhibitor Relations representatives and the trade show. Time is set for socializing and a chance for exhibitors to meet each other and trade problems and ideas that provides the fun and informal learning at meals and social events. The schedule includes breakfast, lunch, a cocktail party and evening banquet.
Besides the goodie bags received by everyone, there will be a silent auction giving attendees the chance to win movie memorabilia and VIP tickets to major Twin cities sporting events. Proceeds from the auction help fund the North Central NATO scholarships for theatre employees.
All exhibitors are invited to attend and the member discount is extended to members of all regional NATO units. Over the years, we’ ve had exhibitors from many other states and even Canada attend. For more information, contact Dale Haider at dah @ emagine-entertainment. com or at 952-469-2883. On behalf of Dale and his committee, we extend this invitation and hope we can welcome you to this great event!
Jeff Logan, President North Central NATO