Professional Development Sessions
Audience Strategy, Revenue, and the Power of Focus
Leader: Joanie Philipp, Cosmic Picture
Deal or No Deal: Realities of the producer/distributor/theater triangle, and other matters.
Moderator: Phil Streather
Presenters:
- Ryan Holota, Saskatchewan Science Centre
- TBC
- TBC
- TBC
- TBC
Description:
Phil talks through the most pressing Giant Screen/Immersive issues of the day with “anchor tenant”, Ryan Holota, and new set of “guests”.
To the point, a little bit cheeky and very relevant this aims to be a must-see session.
More details coming soon!
Open Space
It’s back — again — because you rated it one of the most valuable, energizing sessions GSCA has ever hosted. Open Space returns for its third rendition as the ultimate conference kick-off: fast-moving, member-driven, and built around the real pressures you’re facing right now.
No panels. No pre-scripted talking points. You set the agenda in the room — then jump straight into focused conversations on the issues that are hitting hardest: staffing and retention, attendance volatility, rising operating costs, programming complexity, and the revenue pressure that’s reshaping every decision.
If you want the inside track on what the field is actually experiencing, the smartest ideas people are testing, and the priorities that will shape the sessions that follow… be in the room. This is where momentum starts — and where your people are.
Reimagining Concessions and the Lobby Experience in Giant Screen Theatres
Presented by: Dan Herrle, Director of Education for the Entertainment Food & Beverage Association (EF&B).
For giant screen theatres, the lobby is more than a pass-through space and concessions are more than a secondary transaction. Together, they shape the guest experience, influence spending, and create opportunities to better align the theatre visit with the expectations of today’s audiences. This session will explore how giant screen venues can rethink concessions, merchandising, and lobby design to create a more efficient, appealing, and revenue-generating experience.
Designed for museums, science centers, aquariums, and destination theatres, the session will look at practical ideas that fit the realities of the giant screen field, including grab-and-go concepts, self-service and marketplace-style approaches, merchandising strategies, speed of service, and ways to improve flow before and after shows. Rather than focusing on one-size-fits-all solutions, the discussion will highlight adaptable ideas that can help theatres strengthen both per-cap revenue and the overall visitor experience.
Dan Herrle is the Director of Education for the Entertainment Food & Beverage Association (EF&B), where he leads the development of programs that shape the next generation of food and beverage leaders in the entertainment industry.
With nearly four decades in motion picture exhibition, Dan has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most recognized companies, most recently National Amusements, where he oversaw innovative food and beverage concepts, including in-seat dining, restaurants, and non-traditional cinema experiences, while managing key strategic partnerships.
A respected industry advocate, Dan serves as Vice Chair of the Government Relations Committee for National Association of Theatre Owners /Cinema United and is actively involved in EF&B’s government relations efforts. He has lobbied on Capitol Hill, testified in legislative hearings, and contributed to policy discussions impacting the exhibition industry.
Dan’s career began as an usher at age 15 and quickly advanced to General Manager by 20—a trajectory that reflects his passion for leadership, innovation, and elevating the guest experience.