N A T O
National Association of Theatre Owners of North Central States
Exhibitors from Minnesota , Iowa , Nebraska and the Dakotas will be converging on Minneapolis May 16 and 17 for the 18th Annual Convention and Trade Show held at the Sheraton Minneapolis West Hotel in Minnetonka , MN . The hotel is conveniently located on the southwest wide of the Twin Cities and only a mile from the Mall of America .
Convention chairman Dale Haider said the goal of the convention is to offer as much information as possible at a reasonable cost . The convention is set up to be affordable for small independents to attend and for regional and national circuits to be able to afford to bring in all their managers . Last year ’ s convention brought over 150 theatre owners and managers . It was roughly an even split between owners and managers . There were over 50 vendors at the trade show .
The convention is structured to be a “ nuts and bolts ”, hands-on convention for working managers and operators . Each year ’ s schedule includes educational seminars of interest to both circuit managers and independent exhibitors including : a screening of two major pictures , presentations
Comedian Don McMillan entertains the crowd at the Gala banquet Tuesday evening with his on screen presentation starring area exhibitors in remakes of hit movies .
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of product reels and marketing plans by studio Exhibitor Relations representatives and the trade show . Time is set for socializing and a chance for exhibitors to meet each other and trade problems and ideas that provides the fun and informal learning at meals and social events . The schedule includes breakfast , lunch , a cocktail party and evening banquet .
Besides the goodie bags received by everyone , there will be a silent auction giving attendees the chance to win movie memorabilia and VIP tickets to major Twin cities sporting events . Proceeds from the auction help fund the North Central NATO scholarships for theatre employees .
All exhibitors are invited to attend and the member discount is extended to members of all regional NATO units . Over the years , we ’ ve had exhibitors from many other states and even Canada attend . For more information , contact Dale Haider at dah @ emagine-entertainment . com or at 952-469-2883 . On behalf of Dale and his committee , we extend this invitation and hope we can welcome you to this great event !
Jeff Logan , President North Central NATO