ShoWest 2000 Opens To Exhibitor Woes

ShoWest 2000 opens in Las Vegas, Nevada, (March 6-9, 2000) with the exhibition sector facing turbulent times. Movie theatre operators throughout North America are struggling with the economic implications of the explosion in multiplex construction during the past few years and a consequent loss of confidence in the sector from bankers and investors. As they try to right the financial ship, exhibitors also face challenges and opportunities thrust upon them by new technology - from the approach of digital cinema to online ticketing systems and efforts to reach out to customers via the Internet. ShoWest is of titanic proportions. Among a worldwide series of major trade fairs for movie theater operators, the Las Vegas confab stands out for its size and importance in marking a moment when the challenges facing the industry are thrown into the spotlight. Total attendance at this week's convention is expected to top 10,000. But not all of the studio big guns will be out this year. Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios and MGM have decided not to host a lunch or dinner. That leaves 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, New Line/Fine Line and Miramax Films at ShoWest 2000.Source: The Hollywood Reporter