This is the first time since Covid hit that the industry is gathering, and its a critical moment.
The theatrical business is very different and extremely tough, especially for art houses.
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Kate Markham and Barbara Twist, organizers of IND/EXZach Caddy
Searchlight is present with A24 and IFC.
Honestly, its been a real challenge.
You cant survive on concession and tickets alone anymore, says Kate Markham, Arthouse Convergence Managing Director.
Its helpful for theater owners to talk with others who have made the change.
The two said their organizations have worked together frequently and theres quite some overlap.
And, functionally, all of us are there just trying to get people to watch movies.
The conference is also a lot more focused on bigger issues facing our field.
Some of the bigger structural issues that we all need to deal with, said Twist.
What data do we need to be collecting?
What data do you already have access to that you just might not be using?
And then how you’ve got the option to use that.
Labor issues are front and center.
Networking, important to any industry, is especially crucial in this one right now.
And on the exhibitor side.
A lot of folks dont know their local or regional theatrical reps and exhibitor teams.
So there will be a lot of that relationship building that I think is necessary, saysTwist.
Alamo Drafthouse is there the thrivingchain that attracts key younger demos and was just acquired by Sony.
How do they feel about that deal?
Personally, the concerning thing is just the larger question about consolidation and monopolies, says Twist.
And if they want to show up and be a great partner.
