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[Left to Right: Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, CinemaCon’s Matt Pollock, and Cinema United’s Andrew Stewart]

Exhibitors and vendors from across the world gathered in Barcelona for the annual CineEurope convention from June 16-19 to celebrate a surging box office and discuss the bright future of the exhibition industry.

According to Gower Street, the global box office cume at the end of May hit $13.4 billion, which is 13% ahead of 2024 and on par with 2023. The data firm recently bumped their projection for 2025’s total global haul to $34.1 billion, up $1.1 billion from their initial projection in early 2025.

The International Union of Cinemas’ President Phil Clapp and CEO Laura Houlgatte touted the strong state of European cinema in their keynote address at the event.

“In 2024, cinemas across Europe recorded over 934 million admissions and box office revenues close 7.1 billion euros. No small spart in that success was played by the continued investment by operators of all sizes, who continue to provide audiences with an incredibly diverse and appealing offer of both film content and big screen experience. Striving to innovate, driving local economies while a remaining a cherished community and cultural resource.”

While at CineEurope, Cinema United’s Chief Communication Officer Andrew Stewart, Cinema United’s Director of Membership and Global Affairs Erin Von Hoetzendorff, and CinemaCon’s Associate Managing Director Matt Pollock met with exhibitors from around the world—Svenska Bio, Cineworld, Pathe, Omniplex, Kinepolis, Nordisk Film, Cinemark, Cineplexx, Cinépolis, and Odeon—to discuss the current state of the industry and topics that unite all exhibitors such as continued innovation both in programming and cinema renovations.

Amanda Martin, Cinema United’s Chief of Staff, and Erin Von Hoetzendorff, Cinema United’s Director of Membership and Global Affairs, were named to Celluloid Junkie’s 2025 Top Women in Global Cinema List. CJ wrote the following:

Amanda Martin

As Chief of Staff at Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners), Amanda Martin plays a central role in guiding the strategic and operational direction of the global trade body for the movie theatre industry. A trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, Martin leads both federal government affairs and state-level advocacy efforts across the Western United States.

In 2024, Martin expanded her portfolio to include creative and storytelling initiatives. She serves as executive producer of Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition, a nationally recognized series that debuted at CinemaCon and has since profiled more than a dozen cinema owners and operators. The project brings to life the voices of frontline exhibition professionals, spotlighting their innovation, perseverance, and impact on local communities.

Before joining Cinema United, Martin was a state government affairs specialist at the Entertainment Software Association, where she advocated on behalf of the video game industry. She began her public policy career in the California district office of Congressman Eric Swalwell, assisting constituents and advancing community engagement.

Erin Von Hoetzendorff

Erin Von Hoetzendorff is Director of Membership and Global Affairs at Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners). Since joining the organization in 2018, she has led efforts to foster inclusive engagement across the industry – spearheading initiatives like the Ambassador Program and overseeing several key member communities, including Young Members, Membership, International, and Technology.

She also serves as staff liaison to the Global Cinema Federation, helping coordinate international policy and advocacy efforts across borders. Outside her core role, she contributes meaningfully to broader industry collaboration as Secretary of Film Row and formerly as administrator of Inter-Society. Based in Los Angeles, Von Hoetzendorff is widely respected as a passionate connector and coalition-builder who has been instrumental in expanding Cinema United’s reach and relevance.

Read the full list here.

In a note published on social media, Tom Cruise expressed his gratitude for the strong opening of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning during what turned out to be a record-setting Memorial Day weekend at the box office. Read Tom’s full note below:

(Cinema United’s Todd Halstead with Fridley Theatres’ Russell Vannorsdel. Photo Credit: Roger Humphries)

This week, theatre owners and operators, vendors and industry friends and partners convened in Omaha for the 2025 North Central NATO Convention, where attendees had the opportunity to meet and discuss a range of topics centered on the health and continued viability of the moviegoing experience — not to mention partake in a whole lot of good Midwestern fun, including a steak fry hosted by Bill and Colleen Barstow at their ACX Cinema, a silent auction and casino night. Cinema United’s Todd Halstead, Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement, and Andrew Stewart, Chief Communications Officer, were on hand as well. The three-day convention featured screenings from Angel Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Special thanks are extended to Russell Vannorsdel, President of Fridley Theatres, who served as Convention Chair, and Dale Haider, Treasurer of North Central NATO, for their exceptional efforts in organizing the event.

Left to Right: Michael O’Leary, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Glen Powell, Edgar Wright, and Bob Bagby (Photo Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Paramount Pictures brought together the incredible team behind November’s The Running Man (writer/director/producer Edgar Wright and stars Glen Powell, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin) to CinemaCon 2025’s Industry Insights from the Creative Community luncheon. Jaqueline Coley, the editor of Rotten Tomatoes, moderated a fun discussion that you can listen to below: