The 69th Australian International Movie Convention (Jupiters Hotel & Casino on Queensland’s Gold Coast October 12-16) has assembled a diverse program of guest speakers and presentations across four days.
The AIMC is hosted annually by NACO (National Association of Cinema Operators-Australasia). NACO Executive Director Michael Hawkins says a wide range of current industry issues will be addressed by local and international experts at this year’s convention.
“We look to cater to the interests of all our delegates, whether they be independent or regional cinema operators, major circuits, distributors, producers looking to forge strategic alliances, or suppliers with innovative products and services to optimise the cinema-going experience”, says Mr Hawkins.
“We’re pleased to have secured Steve Cox, Managing Director of the iconic brand Dymocks, to share with our delegates how Dymocks overcame the tough retail environment, the growth of e-books and the threat from overseas online competitors to finish their fiscal year with significant sales growth and double digit profit growth for the company.”
“Part of Steve Cox's focus was a radical change in the company’s approach to using customer data and loyalty. I know there will be some great take-outs for our delegates from this fascinating case study.”
NACO Chairman Terry Jackman AM says the convention is delighted to welcome John Fithian, CEO of the (US) National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) back this year to join a panel discussion titled ‘The Future Looks Bright’ with a team of local industry experts who represent the distribution, exhibition and industry technology sectors to discuss the business and share their perspectives on the future.
The panellists include:
• John Fithian – CEO, (US) National Association of Theater Owners
• Curt Behlmer – Senior VP of Content Solutions & Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories Inc
• Michael Bosworth – General Manager, Christie Digital Systems Australia
• Stephen Basil-Jones – Executive VP, Australia, NZ & Northern Asia, Sony Pictures Releasing
• Kirk Edwards – Chief Executive Officer, Village Cinemas Australia
This session will be moderated by Ian Sutherland, Group Director Marketing, Amalgamated Holdings Limited.
Mr Jackman says he is also pleased to welcome other international guests to the convention, including Robert Mayson from RealD in London; LA-based Warner Bros executive Thomas Molter (Executive VP, International Distribution and Exhibition Strategy) and Paramount Pictures’ Mark Viane (Senior Vice President Asia Pacific & Latin America).
Michael Hawkins adds: “There is something for everybody. Whether it is RealD presenting their recent research findings on 3D Trends in Australia or Christie Digital’s sessions Tomorrow’s Innovation Today and Future-Proofing the Sound Experience in your Theatre; or the IP Awareness Foundation sharing research on the way Australians watch movies, there will be much information to keep our delegates abreast of current trends, challenges, opportunities and future directions.”
“I am very pleased to announce that the Natalie Miller Fellowship will deliver a presentation on inspiring the future female leaders of the screen industry”.
AIMC 2014 will also feature a presentation by Danny Lachevre, Managing Director of FanForcePlus on a revolutionary new online platform – fanforce.com – for exhibitors, distributors and fans that guarantees packed sessions, generates new audiences, and promotes event-based screenings – without risk.
Michael Hawkins says he will be very disappointed if that session is not ‘packed’.
“I am expecting that one to be quite popular.”
Various industry recognition awards will be given at AIMC 2014, ranging from independent distributors recognising excellence in cinema operation, to highest grossing box office results for movies distributed in the previous 12 months, to peer-assessed awards for Excellence in Film Craft and Lifetime Achievement.