GSCA International Conference and Trade Show
September 9–12, 2008
Jersey City and New York City
Host: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Co-host: AMC Lincoln Square IMAX Theatre, New York
Keynote Speaker: David Meerman Scott
David Meerman Scott is a bestselling author and an online thought leadership and viral marketing strategist. The programs he has developed have won numerous awards and are responsible for selling over one billion dollars in products and services worldwide.
He is the author of the number one best-selling PR and marketing book The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases, Blogs, Viral Marketing and Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly, which was named by BNET (the management and strategy site run by CNET Networks) as one of the top 10 business books of all time. The New Rules of Marketing & PR is being translated into Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Czech, Finnish and other languages. Visit his site at www.davidmeermanscott.com.
Professional Development Sessions
THE BRAND IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE BRAND!
Defining what is unique about the Giant Screen Experience in an increasingly crowded market
How do we communicate effectively what is unique about a giant screen cinema experience? In a busy, competitive film market how do we let consumers know what is so compelling about seeing a film in a giant screen theater? How do we differentiate the giant screen experience from other premiere film exhibition experiences coming on-line?
This is a session for all those concerned with marketing the giant screen experience. It will look at what is happening in theaters and local markets to brand the giant screen experience. It will focus on practical marketing activities that can help YOU define its uniqueness, while raising some challenging questions about how we position our industry for the future.
Panelists include:
Tina Ratterman, Giant Screen Films
Mark Bretherton, LG IMAX Sydney
Jennifer Lee, Rueben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego
Gina Trimarco, IMAX 3D Theatre Myrtle Beach
COMMERCIAL THEATER SUCCESS STORIES
What are the biggest success stories happening in giant screen theaters located at commercial theater multiplexes or stand-alone venues? Why do some of these theaters perform better than others with traditional documentary films? How far can some theaters up-charge for 3D? Why do some commercial theaters have success finding sponsors? All you want to know to be successful in operating a commercial giant screen theater. Bring a notepad!
Panelists include:
Mike Greenfield, IMAX Corporation, Moderator
Jim Patterson, Bangkok and Manila IMAX Theatres
Dennis Laws, London BFI
Randy Brashers, Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, Missouri
Bob Goodrich, Goodrich Quality Theatres
NEW FILMS MARKETING
Maximize theater attendance by utilizing tools and tips from distributors of new films screened during the conference. Bring home new resources and new ideas you can employ to generate awareness, attract more attendance, and maximize partnerships with sponsors. Meet and interact with the people who can get these resources in your hands.
These high-impact marketing sessions will conveniently occur adjacent to the Trade Show floor. If you are considering exhibiting the new films, your marketing team should absolutely attend and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
NEW MEMBERS WORKSHOP
Year after year, this workshop is one of the conference’s highest-rated programs. An absolute must-attend orientation for every person attending their first GSCA conference and an extraordinarily valuable session for those looking to brush up on the fundamentals of all aspects of the exhibition business.
Facilitated by the industry’s leaders in their field, you will be introduced to tools of the trade that the pros use and get information critical to making the most of this conference. Meet or become an industry mentor and share your experiences in this truly professional development session.
Panelists include:
Diane Carlson, Pacific Science Center, Moderator
Toby Mensforth, Smithsonian Enterprises
Mary Jane Dodge, MacGillivray Freeman Films
Amy Hampe, Museum of Science, Boston
Ron Bartsch, The Henry Ford, Dearborn
GSCA MENTOR PROGRAM
Is this your first GSCA conference experience? On the eve of the conference, the Professional Development Committee will introduce you to an industry veteran to provide you with the ultimate personal introduction to the industry and the conference. Make your first GSCA networking contact at an exclusive New Members and Mentor reception—a relaxed and warm welcome to our association that has proven to be a tremendously rewarding experience for new members and mentors alike.
ENHANCING THE LIFELONG IN LIFELONG LEARNING
Sure, we’re giant, immersive and visually stunning. Still, it’s the lifelong learning aspect of the giant screen experience that continues to attract a critical component of our audiences, young and old alike. How do we market lifelong learning, and how do these practices differ between theater types? How can we enhance and encourage return adult visitation by emphasizing the lifelong learning experience? Learn some of what’s been tried, what’s worked and what hasn’t at this essential and timely session.
Moderator Chris Palmer will lead a discussion with theater representatives and filmmakers, exploring how different sectors of our industry handle this marketing opportunity when designing giant screen films and selling them to the public. We’ll also hear from the National Science Foundation regarding current guidelines impacting NSF-funded giant screen films. Finally, we’ll examine the audience’s perspective on the issue and try to determine how the overlap between the lifelong learning and giant screen cinema experiences helps to shape the giant screen brand.
Panelists include:
Chris Palmer, MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation, Moderator
JoAnna Baldwin Mallory, Partners Healthcare
Valentine Kass, National Science Foundation
Carol Valenta, St. Louis Science Center
Alice Apley, RMC Research Corporation
Emlyn Koster, Liberty Science Center
THE PROJECTOR ATE MY FILM…
…and other real life adventures from the lonely roost where a giant screen film comes to life for audiences: the incomparable giant screen cinema projection booth. Universal and arcane booth issues—contributed from projectionists around the globe—will be reviewed in helpful and nerve-wracking detail. From handy bits of non-commissioned hardware to some of the most ingenious fixes you’ve never imagined, please join moderator Cherie Larson Rivers for an informative journey into the world of the giant screen projectionist.
GIANT SCREEN DIGITAL: CONTRADICTION IN TERMS OR THE NEW PARADIGM?
A two-part session in which we’ll run through the basics of digital projection, touch upon the technical challenges posed by scaling digital images up to giant-sized screens, and then review relevant digital projection technologies, including: IMAX Digital; Real D XL, XpanD and Dolby 3D; Digital 3D projection on IMAX domes; and Full Dome Digital.
We'll ask the important questions: What is the business model of IMAX Digital? What are Real D, XpandD, Dolby 3D and Access IT up to? Why put digital 3D in an existing IMAX dome? What are the current alternatives for digital projection in domes and planetariums? We’ll also touch upon the film technology that founded our industry and wonder aloud why some people say that film will be with us for the foreseeable future while others say film is about to go the way of vinyl record albums. A not-to-miss, all-delegate, lively, townhall-type event.
Panelists include:
Andrew Oran, FotoKem, Moderator
Phil Streather, Principal Large Format, Moderator
Ed Lantz, Vortex Immersive Media
Jeff Butkovsky, Access IT
Bev Pasterczyk, Kodak
Larry O’Reilly, IMAX Corporation
Jessica Christensen, Cosmonova
Jeri Panek, Evans & Sutherland