EDWARDS, COLORADO (June 11, 2015) – Here’s a plot twist: Movie theatres can actually make top-notch venues for a variety of meetings. With state-of-the art technology, large projection screens and sound systems as well as built-in stadium seating and more open availability for day sessions, theatres offer the perfect environment for product launches, corporate trainings and satellite meetings. It’s for these reasons that Unique Venues has announced a unique new association with Regal Entertainment in the U.S. and Cineplex Entertainment in Canada representing hundreds of movie theatres in each brand’s portfolio as a new niche of non-traditional venue options.
“Unique Venues’ mission is all about promoting the unusual and introducing people to something they’re familiar with and giving it a new twist,” says Unique Venues President Chuck Salem. “In the same way, movie theatres are normally thought of for entertainment value, but are also an excellent venue choice to conduct meetings.”
The environment of a movie theatre is also more apt to drive attendance and participation, says Regal’s Director of Events & Screening Barry Brown. “In the ever-changing landscape of technology, content and media, businesses need a compelling place to break through the clutter of traditional meetings and events and better showcase their content to employees, clients and prospects. There is no other place like a movie theatre that is suited to showcase content in the best format with the greatest picture and sound quality and where people are already conditioned to shut down their electronic devices and tune in to the screen. We are excited to partner with Unique Venues to share our theatre spaces with those who want to offer something different.”
In addition to the benefits of offering multiple screens with schedule flexibility, movie theatres can also offer entertainment add-ons with a screening before or after sessions. Brands like Regal and Cineplex are also starting to specifically cater to meeting groups by allowing outside caterers for a greater selection of concessions and enhancing Wi-Fi capabilities. In the case of Cineplex, the group is currently installing dedicated fiber optic and high-speed Internet lines to enable reliable webcasting from coast to coast and therefore appeal to a large breadth of planners.
Says Executive Director of Sales Julie Wiggins, “Meetings at theatres tend to be less formal, which speaks to companies with a multi-generation workforce or client base who need to engage employees or clients. The environment is familiar and comfortable, which helps attendees retain the information and be receptive to the message. It certainly makes a meeting more fun and enjoyable.”
About Unique Venues
Unique Venues has been the go-to source for non-conventional meeting and event venues, and the planners looking for them, for the past 29 years. The marketing and membership company has grown to be the largest online database in the U.S. and Canada with member venues including colleges and universities, historical and cultural venues, arenas and stadiums, camps and retreat centers, conferences and business centers and other special event venues. Services include free RFP submissions, assisted searches and a quarterly magazine distribution that help planners find the perfect fit every time.
