Convention - CinemaCon 2024: A Preview of Global Cinematic Innovation and Recognition

By Mulder, 25 february 2024

CinemaCon 2024 promises an exciting and insightful lineup, with the International Day kicking off on Monday, April 8th. The day starts early with the International Day Breakfast, featuring notable speakers like Eric Meyniel, Chief Box Office and Marketing Officer at Kinepolis Group, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Distribution at Universal Pictures International. The event will also honor Le Grand Rex, Paris, with the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Cinema.

The International Day Seminars dive into pressing industry topics, including the changing landscape of international box office and the evolving relationship between distribution and exhibition in sharing data. The day concludes with the International Day Lunch and Award Ceremony, recognizing achievements such as the Global Achievement in Exhibition Award for CJ CGV and the CinemaCon Passepartout Award for Rebecca Kearey of Searchlight Pictures.

The following days feature a mix of seminars, presentations, and studio events, such as the presentation by Warner Bros Pictures, Angel Studios, Lionsgate, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures and The Walt Disney Studios. The industry experts will discuss themes ranging from presentation technology fundamentals to the importance of mid-budget films. Notable events include the Gala Opening Night featuring a screening of The Fall Guy presented by Universal Pictures, exclusive presentations by Warner Bros. Pictures, Lionsgate, and Paramount Pictures, as well as a major Hollywood studio screening with details kept under wraps.

The week concludes with the Big Screen Achievement Awards, where Lupita Nyong'o is honored as Star of the Year and Shawn Levy as Director of the Year. The awards are followed by an after-party hosted by CinemaCon and The Coca-Cola Company, celebrating the movie-going experience and marking the conclusion of CinemaCon 2024. With its diverse agenda, CinemaCon 2024 promises to be a comprehensive and engaging event for the global cinema industry.

Monday, 8 april 2024 – international day programming

7:45 AM - 9:30 AM : International day breakfast
Location : Palace Ballrooms I and II—Emperors Level

Exhibition: Eric Meyniel, Chief Box Office and Marketing Officer, Kinepolis Group
Distribution: Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Distribution, Universal Pictures International
Award Presentation
CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Cinema – Le Grand Rex, Paris (to be accepted by Alexandre Hellmann, Managing Director)
(Sponsored by DTS:X and GDC Technology)

9:45 AM - 12:30 PM - International day seminars
Location : Palace Ballroom III—Emperors Level

Changing Tastes and Changing Landscapes
Moderator: Nancy Tartaglione, International Box Office Editor, Senior Contributor, “Deadline”
Panel Members (to date):
Miguel Mier, COO Cinépolis
Helen Moss, SVP, International Distribution, Paramount Pictures
Description: International box office totals improved in 2023 over 2022, as the gap continued to decrease compared to pre-pandemic years. However, per capita admissions are down across most of the board, and that's a big concern. What can we as an industry do to drive more frequency and urgency, getting people back into the habit of moviegoing? How have audiences changed? While most can agree challenges lie ahead, this panel will help identify the opportunities that come from them. It’s not all doom and gloom.

How Distribution and Exhibition are Beginning to Share Data, and What They Need to Do Next
Description: Moviegoers are now digital first, and with digital comes data, but how is this data being shared and what insights can it drive? This session will walk through some of the most innovative digital partnerships between exhibition and distribution and how they’re transforming how a film finds its audience. We will also explore what other opportunities there are for collaboration, asking the question ‘can exhibition and distribution agree on an opening weekend forecast’ and is it in their interests to do so?
Moderator: Laura Houlgatte, CEO, UNIC
Panel Members (to date):
Otto Turton, Chief Commercial Officer, Vue International
Additional programming is currently in development and will be announced shortly

12:45 PM - 2:30 PM : International day lunch and award ceremony
Location : Palace Ballrooms I and II—Emperors Level

Global Achievement in Exhibition Award – CJ CGV (to be accepted by Min Heoi Heo, CEO, CJ CGV)
CinemaCon Passepartout Award – Rebecca Kearey, EVP/Head of Business Operations & International, Searchlight Pictures
Comscore International Boxoffice Achievement Award – Universal Pictures International
International Filmmaker of the Year (to be announced shortly)
Sponsored by Comscore, Dolby Laboratories, and RealD

Monday , 8 April 2024

6:15 AM - 6:30 AM NAC charity golf outing— snow mountain course of the paiute golf resort
(Buses depart from the Main Entrance by the fountain of Caesars with departure at 6:30 am)

7:30 AM - 7:00 PM : Cinemacon registration
location : Florentine Ballroom—Promenade Level

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM : “admit one” hospitality lounge areas
location : Florentine Ballroom—Promenade Level and Palace Ballroom Foyer—Emperors Level

Networking, meeting, and socializing play an important role at CinemaCon. Throughout the week, CinemaCon and Barco invite all registered delegates to visit these lounges set up for your convenience.
(Official registration credentials required to gain admittance.)
Sponsored by Barco

10:00 AM - 11:45 AM : Fundamentals of presentation technology
location : Neopolitan Ballroom III-IV—Emperors Level

The Cinema Foundation and ICTA jointly present this seminar outlining cinema presentation technology in theaters for executives, operations, and non-technical positions. A limit of 150 attendees per session. To pre-register (required) CLICK HERE

1:00 PM - 2:45 PM : Fundamentals of presentation technology (repeat program)
Location : Neopolitan Ballroom III-IV—Emperors Level

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM : You are what you watch: cinemas as a cutting edge technology
location : Palace Ballroom III—Emperors Level

Walt Hickey, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author and Data Expert
In this talk, author Walt Hickey will dive into the science of exactly what goes on when people go to the cinema, and how movies have a significant and measurable effect on people who watch them.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Strength in the middle: working together to boost mid-budget films
Location : Palace Ballroom III—Emperors Level

Moderator: Michael O’Leary, President & CEO, NATO
Panelists: Brock Bagby, EVP, Chief Content, Programming & Development Officer, B&B Theatres; Lisa Bunnell, President, Distribution, Focus Features; Elissa Federoff, President, Distribution, NEON; Rebecca Stein, VP, Marketing & Partnerships, National Amusements
Movie theaters cannot thrive on big-budget blockbusters alone. Mid-budget films are essential to a healthy theatrical marketplace, and they deserve to be seen on the big screen.

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM : Welcome to Cinemacon 2024: a pre-opening reception
Location : Palace Ballroom Foyer—Emperors Level

Barco, CinemaCon, and NATO invite delegates to a special reception. Join your friends and colleagues as we celebrate the beginning of what we know will be a great week for the industry.

6:15 PM - 8:45 PM : 2024 Gala opening night event
Location : The Colosseum—Casino Level (Doors open at 5:45 pm)

Universal Pictures presents an exclusive screening of “the fall guy”
Ryan Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, after an almost career-ending accident, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie— being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt)—goes missing.

8:45 PM - 10:30 PM : Opening night dinner reception and party (Doors open at 8:45 pm)
Location : Omnia Nightclub—Casino Level

Join us for a special opening night celebration and start of CinemaCon 2024. Sponsored by Dolby Laboratories.

Tuesday, 9 April 2024

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM : Cinemacon registration

7:15 AM - 8:30 AM : Continental breakfast
Location : Palace Ballroom—Emperors Level

Prior to this morning’s seminar, we invite delegates to join us in the Palace Ballroom Foyer for a continental breakfast.
Sponsored by Vista Group

7:45 AM - 8:30 AM : Data: the knowledge of today’s consumer is the currency of tomorrow
location : Palace Ballroom—Emperors Level

Moderator: Marina Kosten, Senior Fellow, USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future
The Cinema Foundation, in partnership with USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future, will present a practical approach to understanding the value of consumer data.

9:00 AM - 11:15 AM : The state of the industry and special studio presentation
Location : The Colosseum—Casino Level

DLP Cinema Presents “A Salute to the Top Films of 2023” (CinemaCon extends its appreciation to Cinema Concepts and Dolby Laboratories)
NATO Marquee Award Presentation : Chris Johnson, CEO, Classic Cinemas
Industry Addresse s: Michael O’Leary, President & CEO, NATO, Charles Rivkin, Chairman & CEO, MPA
Industry Recognition : Frank Tees (ICTA) and Rob Novak (NAC)

Special acknowledgement to NCM – America’s Movie Network for providing the morning’s pre-show content.

Special Studio Presentation: Details to be announced shortly
(The use of cameras or any electronic devices – audio or video – is strictly prohibited. Please completely power down your mobile devices before the start of the presentation.)

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location : Octavius Terrace—Promenade Level and Palace Ballroom Foyer—Emperors Level

“admit one” hospitality lounge areas – new outdoor location added
(Official registration credentials required to gain admittance.)
Tired of being indoors all day? Need a breath of fresh air? Well, Barco is answering your call. For the rest of the week, you are invited to take a break, have an informal meeting, or grab a Coke at our new hospitality lounge area located on the balcony (opposite the main entry doors of the Octavius Ballroom). And of course, a second lounge area will be set up in the Palace Foyer area, as always. Enjoy.

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM : 2024 Cinemacon trade show and suites with lunch served
Locations : Julius Ballroom‐Pool Level, Augustus Ballroom‐Emperors Level, Milano Ballrooms‐Promenade Level, Roman Ballroom‐Promenade Level, Additional Meeting Rooms/Suites are listed accordingly

Lunch will be available on each Trade Show and Suite level from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. Additional seating available in the Emperors Ballroom - Emperors Level

Trade Show/Meeting Room Suites:
-          Promenade Level: Angel Studios – Livorno, Appotronics Hong Kong Limited - Milano 4, Barco - Roman Ballroom, Christie - Milano 1, D-BOX Technologies - Neopolitan 1, GDC Technology - Milano 2, Harkness Screens – Salerno, Mobile Moviegoing & BeforeTheMovie – Pompeian 1, Quantum Media Systems - Milano 3, SHARP - Neopolitan 2
-          Emperors Level: Golden Link - Palace Foyer Display, Vista Group - Tarranto and Venice

Lunch sponsored by RealD and The Coca-Cola Company

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM : Warner Bros. pictures invites you to the big picture, a special presentation of its upcoming slate
Location : The Colosseum—Casino Level( Doors open at 3:30 pm)

(The use of cameras or any electronic devices – audio or video – is strictly prohibited. Please completely power down your mobile devices before the start of the presentation.)

6:45 PM - 9:00 PM : It’s party time: celebrate the summer of 2024
Location : Caesars Palace Pool of the Gods (Doors open at 6:45 pm)

In typical CinemaCon-style, be prepared to loosen up after a long day and have fun at this studio–themed dinner/party to include fun décor, activities, entertainment, and more, highlighting some of the most exciting upcoming releases.
Sponsored by Fandango
Beverage sponsor: PaperAirplane Media

Wednesday, 10 April 2024

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM : Cinemacon registration
Location : Caesars Palace Pool of the Gods

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM : Continental breakfast
Location : Palace Ballroom Foyer—Emperors Level

We invite you to grab a quick bite and spend time with industry colleagues, immediately prior to this morning’s program that starts promptly at 7:45am.
Sponsored by Angel Studios

7:45 AM - 9:00 AM : Angel studios presentation
Location : Palace Ballroom—Emperors Level (Program starts promptly at 7:45am)

In remarks made at CinemaCon 2023, Angel Studios made waves by launching its theatrical distribution division, spearheaded by industry veteran Brandon Purdie as its head of theatrical. In 2024, they return with a top-10 hit under their belts: the summer blockbuster “Sound of Freedom,” grossing over $184 million domestically. In 2023, Angel Studios secured the #8 spot among domestic distributors. Thrilled to unveil its upcoming slate, Angel Studios demonstrates a commitment to wide-ranging and compelling storytelling. As the studio continues to carve its path in the film industry, they remain dedicated to innovative storytelling and cinematic excellence, evident in the captivating projects that lie ahead.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  : Cinemacon trade show and trade show suites

Locations : Julius Ballroom—Pool Level Augustus Ballroom—Emperors Level, Milano Ballrooms—Promenade Level, Roman Ballroom—Promenade Level, Additional Meeting Rooms/Suites are listed accordingly.

(Lunch will be available on each Trade Show and Suite level from 12:30pm - 2:00pm. Additional seating available in the Emperors Ballroom - Emperors Level)

Trade Show/Meeting Room Suites
-          Promenade Level : Angel Studios – Livorno, Appotronics Hong Kong Limited - Milano 4
Barco - Roman Ballroom, Christie - Milano 1, D-BOX Technologies - Neopolitan 1, GDC Technology - Milano 2, Harkness Screens – Salerno, Mobile Moviegoing & BeforeTheMovie – Pompeian 1, Quantum Media Systems - Milano 3, SHARP - Neopolitan 2
-          Emperors Level : Golden Link - Palace Foyer Display, Vista Group - Tarranto and Venice

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM : Lionsgate invites you to an exclusive presentation of its upcoming slate
Location : The Colosseum—Casino Level (Doors open 9:15am)

(The use of cameras or any electronic devices – audio or video – is strictly prohibited. Please completely power down your mobile devices before the start of the presentation.)

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM : Admit one hospitality lounge areas – new outdoor location added
Locations : Octavius Terrace—Promenade Level, Palace Ballroom Foyer—Emperors Level

(Official registration credentials required to gain admittance.)
Sponsored by Barco

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM : Lunch at the trade show
Locations : Julius Ballroom—Pool Level, Augustus Ballroom—Emperors Level, Milano Ballrooms—Promenade Level, Roman Ballroom—Promenade Level

Attendees can now enjoy even more flexibility in themore flexibility in the CinemaCon schedule, allowing for more time for meetings, visiting the trade show, etc. So rather than a formal sit-down lunch, you are cordially invited to enjoy a more casual buffet-style lunch at each trade show level.
Sponsored by DTS:X and Pixelworks

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM : An industry think tank: 2024
Location : Palace Ballrooms I and II—Emperors Level

An esteemed panel of industry executives (distribution, exhibition and filmmaking) will talk candidly on the state of the motion picture theater industry. This session will address topical and important issues affecting the industry today, tomorrow and well into the future. Panel is currently in formation.
Moderator: Matthew Belloni, Founding Partner, Puck News and Host, The Town
 Panelists (to date): Adam Aron, Chairman & CEO, AMC Entertainment, Bill Kramer, CEO, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Cathleen Taff, President, Distribution, Franchise & Audience Insights, The Walt Disney Studios

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM  : Universal Pictures and focus features invite you to a special presentation featuring footage from their upcoming slate
Location : The Colosseum—Casino Level (Doors open at 3:30pm)

(The use of cameras or any electronic devices – audio or video – is strictly prohibited. Please completely power down your mobile devices before the start of the presentation.)

6:15 PM - 8:00 PM : Studio themed dinner party
Location  : Caesars Palace—Main Entrance, Vegas Strip Limo Hub (Doors open at 6:15pm)

After the great success of last year’s Vegas Strip Limo Hub party, it’s time for an encore performance. Stay tuned for more details on what’s sure to be a great follow-up fun time for all.
Sponsored by Moviefone

8:30 PM - 10:30 PM : Major Hollywood studio screening (confirmed)
Location: The Colosseum—Casino Level

While we can’t announce the details of this special screening just yet, please mark your calendars accordingly. You just need to trust us on this one!
(The use of cameras or any electronic devices – audio or video – is strictly prohibited. Please completely power down your mobile devices before the start of the presentation.)

Thursday, 11 April 2024

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM : Cinemacon registration
Location: Florentine Ballroom—Promenade Level

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM : Nac seminar: cheers to movie themed cocktails. the recipe for success.
Location : Palace Ballroom II—Emperors Level

Discussion on successful themed cocktail campaigns, working with studios, creating special cocktails, marketing promotions, and measuring success. Led by Dan Herrle of National Amusements, featuring experts from Beverage Consulting, Cinema F&B and Marketing, and Cinema Marketing.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM : ICTA seminar: additional revenue streams: family entertainment centers
Location: Palace Ballroom III—Emperors Level

Exploration of alternative entertainments complementing cinema for financial protection. Topics include bowling, redemption games, escape rooms, go-karts, VR, laser tag, outside sports, e-sports, expanded F&B, technical challenges, sales, POS, pre-bookings, loyalty, and reporting.

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM : Breakfast at the trade show and trade show suites
Location: Julius Ballroom‐Pool Level, Augustus Ballroom‐Emperors Level, Milano Ballrooms‐Promenade Level, Roman Ballroom‐Promenade Level, Additional Meeting Rooms/Suites

Breakfast served on each level from 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Trade Show/Meeting Room Suites:
-          Promenade Level : Angel Studios – Livorno, Appotronics Hong Kong Limited - Milano 4, Barco - Roman Ballroom, Christie - Milano 1, D-BOX Technologies - Neopolitan 1, GDC Technology - Milano 2, Harkness Screens – Salerno, Mobile Moviegoing & BeforeTheMovie – Pompeian 1, Quantum Media Systems - Milano 3, SHARP - Neopolitan 2
-          Emperors Level : Golden Link - Palace Foyer Display, Vista Group - Tarranto and Venice

9:45 AM - 11:30 AM : Paramount pictures invites you to an exclusive presentation highlighting its upcoming slate
Location: The Colosseum—Casino Level (Doors open at 9:15 am)
No use of cameras or electronic devices during the presentation.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM : Admit one hospitality lounge areas – new outdoor location added
Location: Octavius Terrace—Promenade Level, Palace Ballroom Foyer—Emperors Level

Official registration credentials required for admittance.
Sponsored by Barco

12:15 PM - 2:00 PM : Filmmaker lunch program: presentation of the 2024 "martin scorsese legend of cinema award”
Location : Octavius Ballroom—Promenade Level

A filmmaker-driven event with lunch. Sponsored by Fathom Events and Mobile Moviegoing & BeforeTheMovie.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM : Walt Disney studios invites you to its 2024 presentation highlighting its upcoming release schedule
Location: The Colosseum—Casino Level

Doors open at 2:00 pm. No use of cameras or electronic devices during the presentation.

7:30 PM - 9:15 PM : Cinemacon big screen achievement award, brought to you by the coca-cola company
Location: The Colosseum—Casino Level (Doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start time)

Special Industry Acknowledgement: The Coca-Cola Company, Official Presenting Sponsor.
Emceed by Kevin Frazier, Host, “Entertainment Tonight.”
2024 Big screen achievement awards: Star of the Year - Lupita Nyong'o, Director of the Year - Shawn Levy

9:15 PM - 11:00 PM : Cinemacon and the coca-cola company invite you to the 2024 big screen achievement awards after party
Location: Octavius Ballroom—Promenade Level (Doors open at 9:15 pm)

Hosted by The Coca-Cola Company. Celebration of the movie-going experience and the conclusion of CinemaCon 2024.

Photos : Cinemacon 2023 / Boris Colletier / Mulderville

(Source : Cinemacon website)