Connecting Studios to Audiences

The dust has officially settled since returning back to Kansas City from CinemaCon

Although last year’s show was put on hold, it was great to be back this year – sitting on the other side of the fence.

Prior to joining the team at usheru, I spent 3 years leading some of the largest tech partnerships for AMC Theatres. I got to learn about their marketing strategies, film buying processes, booking, movie launches, tech timelines and more. I even attended prior years’ CinemaCon with a slightly different lens.

I’m now on the vendor/partner side working with companies like AMC and driving value to the movie industry. So attending CinemaCon 2021 was a bit nostalgic for me. Would I see a lot of old colleagues and industry friends? Would it feel weird being back with a different agenda? I put all of that behind me, booked my trip, got vaccinated, and prepared myself for Vegas!

This year was a big one for the team at usheru. We officially launched our services in the US and we spent a great deal of time in 2020 making digital connections getting our name out there. So meeting many people face to face was very important for us.

It was also an opportunity for us to be a CinemaCon partner. Our name was highlighted throughout most of CinemaCon’s marketing materials. Most importantly, I got to speak to over 800 people ahead of the NEON presentation on Wednesday morning.

Telling our story and how our technology helps drive direct to consumer opportunities was important as our industry needs comradery more than ever. It is time for Studios and Exhibitors alike to rebuild relationships and focus on what’s most important – getting consumers back to theatres.

Although total attendance at CinemaCon was not as big as of 2019, those who love movies and this industry spoke loud on the importance of working together to save our cinemas. It echoed in firechat sessions and Studio presentations. We will see during next years show how this industry has changed in a positive direction and what needs to be adjusted for further recovery.

To conclude, as I said, it was definitely a different experience for me this year but in many different ways. Not just because of what COVID has done to this industry over the past 18 months but the camaraderie within this industry to do amazing things. At the end of the day, we are simply trying to connect Studios to audiences while being the first to bring in direct ticketing in partnership with Exhibition.

Until next year CinemaCon! See you in 2022.