CinemaCon 2025: Key Takeaways Shaping the Year Ahead in Film

All Eyes on Vegas!

CinemaCon, the cinema industry's most internationally recognized event, took place in Las Vegas in Caesars Palace last week from March 31 - April 3, 2025. The event is the official convention of Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association Of Theater Owners (NATO) and has 2 of the leading trade associations as its partners: the International Cinema Technology Association and the National Association of Concessionaires.

The event attracts an international audience and brings movie fans and industry peers worldwide to experience the latest blockbuster reveals, news, and tech. Organizations ranging from distributors, exhibitors, hardware suppliers and cinema software providers take part and major partners include Hollywood studios such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, etc. The CINEsync team was ecstatic to make their second appearance and showcase the award-winning cinema software solution to a global stage.

A look inside the event and the key takeaways that stood out!

During the event, studios revealed the latest blockbuster trailers and provided glimpses of upcoming releases expected to arrive at the box office. In addition to the film previews, CinemaCon celebrated outstanding achievements in the industry through its distinguished award ceremonies. Among the honorees were Channing Tatum, recognized with the Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film award; Ana de Armas, named Action Star of the Year; Glen Powell, who received the Star of the Year award; and Madeleine McGraw, honored as Rising Star of 2024.

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Furthermore, Industry experts engaged in vital panel discussions, addressing challenges and areas to move forward in. Since last year, the industry has seen a downward trend in revenue by 10%. While the contributing factors remain uncertain, releases such as Disney's Snow White have not been doing well enough to bring audiences to the theatres. Exhibitors also highlighted that there weren't enough movies at the box office to captivate audiences. 

The box office flops plus the fewer releases have created tension among exhibitors and studios. However, looking ahead, promising titles such as Jurassic World Rebirth and Karate Kid Legends will be on the way to the big screen, along with a few more releases expected to come towards the end of the year and the next. Hence, there may be a long wait, but exhibitors can expect to see a rise in audience attendance later on in the year

In the meantime, during an intense discussion, a strategic move suggested by Michael O’Leary, CEO of Cinema United, was for studios to increase the theatrical window time for movies to be shown for no less than 45 days in theatres. The reasoning was that shorter windows had resulted in audiences expecting movies to reach their home between 3 – 4 weeks, thus incentivizing audiences to stay home and wait. A longer window would minimize the current level of decline and also mean more marketing opportunities for movie theatres to increase their revenue over time.

Another suggestion brought in by paramount distribution chief Chris Aronson, was for exhibitors to change how they engage audiences. Aronson made the case that movie theatres should minimize the ads and promotional trailers before the movie, which mostly delays the actual start time. Instead, owners should be more creative and offer more creative promotions like Cinemarks bring your popcorn bucket campaign. Additionally, he suggested that theaters should leverage social media and grassroots marketing to attract audiences to attendance. 

Final thoughts 

A lot happened at CinemaCon this year. But beyond the glimpses of blockbuster premieres and hot topics, was the trade show. More than the networking opportunity, the tradeshow was buzzing with cutting-edge tech. The Julius and Augustus ballrooms were filled with exhibitors providing attendees with a variety of options to sample food and beverages, as well as different ways to interact with new cinema technologies and explore the latest innovations in equipment, seating, concessions and entertainment solutions.

Among the exhibitors was none other than CINEsync, an all-encompassing cinema software solution that streamlines operations, drives growth and enhances the moviegoing experience for the modern patron. Following the panel discussions that emphasized how movie theaters should focus on audience engagement, the CINEsync team took action. From CINEsync’s booth, the team of experts engaged with other participants and stakeholders. The team was surprised to see some of their international customers, who were present at the booth, most notably Ronny Nelkenbaum from Multicines Bolivia, Feliks Gigel from Kno 3D Cinema Latvia and Thushan Meemanage of Scope Cinemas, to name a few. Showcasing how CINEsync can offer movie theaters a complete range of tools that facilitate personalized engagement with their patrons.  

The team consisting of CEO Ruchira Pathirana and COO Yassine Kodadi demonstrated the comprehensive list of features and the intuitive user experience that’s offered and how movie theaters can seamlessly transition into delivering an engaging experience that builds stronger bonds and fosters customer loyalty for the long term. Thereby, preparing movie theaters for the next line of releases expected to hit the box office and maximize their revenue potential.