< PreviousGOLDENLINKINC.COM | PINGSOLUTIONS.COM©2025, Caesars Entertainment. LET’S MAKE CINEMA HISTORY TOGETHER. Caesars Entertainment is proud to welcome back CinemaCon 2025 to Caesars Palace.Make Movie Magic with Unlock real-time relevance to drive $0.20+ in incremental profit for every ecommerce transaction. Learn more atrokt.com(Continued on next page) On behalf of the Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC), welcome to CinemaCon. Independent theatres are more than just businesses—we are community hubs, economic drivers, and champions of the theatrical experience. As locally owned cinemas, we offer a personalized approach to serving audiences while contributing to the success of the industry. ITOC ensures independent exhibitors have a strong and unified voice. While our operations may differ from larger circuits, we share key objectives: theatrical exclusivity, fair access to content, and a thriving moviegoing culture. The strength of the industry lies in its diversity, and independent theatres play a vital role in its future. Independent Theatres are Essential to Theatrical Exhibition A strong theatrical window is critical to independent theatres. Without national branding, independents depend on theatrical exclusivity to drive attendance and highlight the unmatched experience of watching films in a theatre. Speaking at the 97th Academy Awards, Sean Baker, director of Best Picture winner Anora, spoke about the importance of theatrical experiences: “We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies. Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater. Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, scream in fright together, perhaps sit in devasted silence together. In a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever. It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home.” Baker’s words reinforce what independent exhibitors have long known: theatrical moviegoing is more than entertainment...it is a cultural tradition that must be preserved. The Independent Theatre Advantage: Community and Experience Independent theatres thrive by offering personalized service, community ties, and programming flexibility. While all exhibitors focus on presentation and guest experience, independents tailor their approach to their markets. • We program with our communities in mind, balancing studio films with special screenings, festivals, and local events. • We foster audience loyalty, building relationships that keep guests returning. • We create unique experiences, from Q&A screenings to specialty food and beverage offerings. Industry data highlights the demand for theatrical experiences: • 85% of moviegoers plan to visit theatres as often or more often than last year (Mintel). • Gen Z ranks moviegoing as their #1 weekend activity (UCLA). • The 2025 slate includes more than 110 wide-release films, ensuring a strong movie pipeline. COLLEEN BARSTOW ACX Cinemas Chair, Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) The Strength and Resilience of Independent Theatres: The Mission of NATO’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC)(Colleen Barstow Continued) Ensuring Fair Access to Films and Flexible Booking Terms The health of theatrical exhibition hinges on fair access to content for all exhibitors. Independent theatres require booking flexibility to adjust programming based on audience demand. A sustainable marketplace must prioritize: • Ensuring wide-release films are available to all exhibitors, regardless of size, to maximize box office potential. • Implementing flexible scheduling policies, including screen splitting, to allow theatres to optimize showtimes based on audience interest. • Allowing fair and flexible holdover policies for independent cinemas to optimize programming, maximize revenue and enhance film diversity. Theatres will naturally extend films that are performing well. The Future of Independent Theatres: Strength, Growth, and Innovation Independent theatres succeed through adaptability and innovation. While box office performance fluctuates, the long-term trajectory remains strong. Key advantages include: • Flexibility—Quick responses to audience preferences and market trends. • Community engagement—Direct relationships with guests that drive loyalty. • Innovation—Exploring new content, alternative programming, and enhanced guest experiences. Independents are investing in technology and amenities to enhance engagement. Whether through upgraded projection and sound, improved seating, or expanded concessions, these investments keep moviegoing relevant and competitive. Collaboration is Key to the Future of Exhibition While independent theatres have distinct needs, we share a common goal with the broader industry: ensuring theatrical exhibition thrives. Moving forward, we must continue working together to: • Protect theatrical exclusivity, maintaining a meaningful window before streaming availability. • Strengthen exhibitor-distributor relationships, ensuring all theatres have access to films. • Expand audience engagement through marketing, special programming, and community-driven initiatives. • Support a sustainable theatrical model that benefits all stakeholders. Collaboration across the industry will keep theatrical exhibition vibrant and profitable. Independent Theatres: A Vital Part of Exhibition’s Future CinemaCon is a time to celebrate the power of shared moviegoing experiences and the continued strength of theatrical exhibition. Independent theatres bring creativity, community, and diverse programming, enriching the moviegoing landscape for audiences everywhere. As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities before us. Independent theatres will continue to evolve, adapt, and innovate, ensuring we remain the backbone of exhibition’s future. We remain committed to working alongside our industry partners to keep theatrical exhibitio strong, relevant, and successful. We look forward to a great year ahead and the continued success of independent theatres everywhere.Next >