Cinema United and Federal consulting firm Invariant previewed the 2024 election. We went through the scenarios for how the 2024 election could shake out for the White House and Congress. We heard from Invariant on our strategy for Federal advocacy, no matter who wins the election.
Member News Category: All Members
Member Directory Launch
We are excited to announce the launch of Cinema United’s new Online Directory, a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool designed to enhance collaboration and connectivity within our community. With this directory, you will now be able to search for fellow members—both individuals and organizations—based on various search fields such as:
- Address
- Number of Screens
- Number of Locations
This resource will allow you to quickly locate and connect with industry peers, fostering greater opportunities for networking, partnerships, and shared growth. It can only be accessed by current Cinema United members who are logged in.
Important: To allow others to find you in the directory, you must opt-in. Participation is entirely voluntary, but we encourage everyone to opt-in (and tell your colleagues to opt-in) to maximize the benefits of this powerful tool for all members. Without opting in, your details will not be visible in any search results.
Instructions for use of the online directory system are included at the link below. This set of instructions also includes a step-by-step guide on how to opt-in to the member directory, in case you missed that earlier this year. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Erin at evh@natoca.com.
Watch the Recording – Curating for Connection: Programming that Enriches Your Community – Sept. 19
This webinar featured programming experts from independent cinemas, who shared their insights and strategies for curating film selections that resonate with and enrich their local communities. Audience members discovered how these experts choose films that reflect diverse voices, foster meaningful dialogue, and create memorable experiences. The webinar offered valuable perspectives on bringing compelling, community-focused programming to life.
Featuring:
Beth Barrett
Chuck Foxen
Stephanie Silverman
Daniel Loria, Moderator
Open Committee Seats: Applications Now Closed
You are invited to apply to open committee seats within Cinema United on our Conventions Committee, Investment Committee, and Membership Committee. Serving on a Cinema United committee is a fantastic way to get more involved in our association. Through committee participation, you have the opportunity to shape the future of our association and make a meaningful impact.
Application Period: August 26 – September 9
Applications will be reviewed the week of September 9, and applicants will be notified of decisions by September 13. Please read below for more information on openings.
Conventions Committee
Provides direction and oversight of the budgeting and program planning for the annual CinemaCon convention.
Number of Open Seats: 1 open seat
Time Commitments: The Conventions Committee meets in-person once per year, at Cinema United’s annual governance meetings. This committee is scheduled to meet next during the Summit, on Monday, Sept. 23, from 11:00 – 12:00 pm at The Beverly Hilton. Other calls and virtual meetings are held throughout the year. Committee members should expect to commit at least 10 hours per year to the work of this committee.
Requirements: All Conventions Committee members must have attended at least two CinemaCon conventions.
Investment Committee
Meets quarterly to review Cinema United’s reserve portfolio and to provide guidance to Cinema United’s investment advisors. Periodically reviews and submits recommendations to the Executive Board regarding Cinema United’s investment policy, asset allocation, and investment strategies.
Number of Open Seats: 1 open seat
Time Commitments: The Investment Committee meets quarterly via Zoom when the portfolio summary and allocation reports for the prior quarter are available. Detailed supporting materials are sent to Committee members in advance of each quarterly meeting. Reviewing the materials takes an hour or two and each quarterly meeting runs 90 minutes, for a total time commitment of a half day or so each quarter. Occasionally, the committee takes up a special project (like revising the Investment Policy), which might require a modest amount of additional time.
Requirements: Investment expertise required, including knowledge of investment strategy, investment instruments, portfolio construction, risk tolerance, manager selection and criteria for success.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee develops and recommends to the Executive Board specific criteria and qualifications for the various classes of membership and undertakes recruitment and retention efforts.
Number of Open Seats: 2 open seats
Time Commitments: Cinema United’s membership committee meets at least twice per year, once via Zoom in advance of CinemaCon, and once in-person at the Annual Board Meetings and Summit. This committee is scheduled to meet next during the Summit, on Monday, Sept. 23, from 9:00 – 10:00 am at The Beverly Hilton.
Requirements: Members of the Membership Committee must be Advisory Board members in good standing.
We encourage all interested members to apply and bring your expertise, enthusiasm, and vision to these important roles. Your participation is crucial in driving Cinema United’s mission forward and advancing our collective goals. If you have any questions about the process, you are welcome to contact Erin Von Hoetzendorff at evh@natoca.com.
Deck Available: Cinema United Presentation Technology Committee Meeting – August 21, 2024
The Cinema United Presentation Technology Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, 21 August @ 12:30 pm Eastern (9:30 am Pacific).
This meeting was an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the recent interactions between Tech Committee leaders and studio executives, in addition to important updates shaping our technological landscape.
Watch the Recording: August 2024 State of the Industry Webinar
Cinema United’s Q3 2024 SOTI webinar was held on Thursday, 15 August @ 2:00 pm Eastern (11:00 am Pacific).
Highlights from this recording include:
- Introduction from Cinema United CEO, Michael O’Leary, including thoughts on studio mergers, release calendar changes, and upcoming Cinema United staff hires
- Dues payment reminder and online payment instructions
- Executive Board Elections results
- Reminder of upcoming programs
- Update on The Fall Summit plans
- Box office outlook
- Overview of Cinema United’s Exhibition Outlook document
- A farewell from Alex Rich
- Updates from The Cinema Foundation regarding plans for National Cinema Day
Watch the Recording – Convert Clicks to Tix: Elevate Your Cinema’s Social Media Marketing – July 18
This was an informative and practical webinar designed specifically for movie theater exhibitors aiming to leverage social media for impactful marketing. During this session, Lexi Hazlett, Digital Media Manager for Santikos, guided exhibitors through the process of developing and executing a successful social media campaign.
Watch the Recording – Gear Up for Growth: Presented by CineTRAIN – July 11
In a collaboration between Cinema United, Cinema United of CA/NV, and CineTRAIN, CineTRAIN provided a free webinar to Cinema United members regarding leadership strategies for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
Here is what was discussed:
- Preparing for operational challenges, focusing on problem-solving, time management, and project management.
- Strategies for engaging your team, including effective communication, motivation techniques, and fostering collaboration. Engaged employees are the backbone of a successful theater operation.
- How to further optimize your operations through conflict management and coaching for performance.
- A wrap-up with a Q&A session, where some good questions were asked.
If you weren’t able to attend or you want to revist the discussion, check out the recording.
Watch the Recording – A Place for Everyone: Creating an Inclusive Environment at Your Theater – June 20
Cinema United and the DEI community hosted this June webinar where they delved into the crucial topic of fostering inclusivity within your theater environment. Discover actionable strategies and best practices to create a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Our panel of speakers included Rob Henry the Vice President, People, Culture & Talent for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), author and founder of Brevity & Wit, Minal Bopaiah, and Hélène Beyls the Strategic Initiatives Manager at Barco.
This webinar offered invaluable insights to help you cultivate an inclusive culture that not only enriches your workplace but also strengthens your connection with your audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your theater’s success by prioritizing inclusivity.
Watch the Recording – Data: The Knowledge of Today’s Consumer is the Currency of Tomorrow – June 6
On Thursday, June 6, at 11:00am PST/2:00pm EST the Cinema Foundation hosted a data webinar!
Since CinemaCon, we have had several members ask to for a follow-up conversation with Marina Kosten’s data presentation, so we partnered once again with her to present the data as well as give you members an opportunity to ask questions.
Presenter: Marina Kosten, Senior Fellow, USC Annenberg’s Center for the Digital Future
The Cinema Foundation, in partnership with USC Annenberg’s Center for the Digital Future, presented a practical approach to understanding the value of consumer data in theatrical ecosystem. Today’s data and attention economies dictate that both the exhibitors and distributors focus on gathering and utilizing their common consumer data to ensure the industry’s mutual goal of growth and vitality. The presentation discussed how data-centricity is crucial to harnessing the power of direct consumer relationships and how to apply consumer-centric thinking to optimize what we do today in shaping the moviegoing of tomorrow.