- THE APP: Time to download the app as we will be using this for correspondences during the show.
- TRANSPORTATION: Buses will be departing from The Driskill Hotel according to the agenda. It is important to take all of your items off the bus each time. Make sure you ride each bus for the goodies!
- EXHIBITOR SEATING: As always, exhibitors take priority with seating. With honoring all the “special favors” seating is going to be tight and quite possibly not enough for everyone on the list. If you are an exhibitor, please take a seat first. Vendors, please wait until all the exhibitors have been seated. THEN, Vendors, a max of two from your company are able to be seated at this time. If after this there is still room, you may seat the remainder of your group. If there is not a seat available, you may hang in the lobby. You may choose to swap out your team for different sessions. Again, this is not ideal, and yes, next year new policies will be in place- just a heads up. Therefore, it is important to not get comfortable with how things went in previous years. Every year is a learning year for us. The evening events are not an issue for attendance.
- SWAG BAGS: We have enough for 250 attendees. If you get one great. If not, there is always next year. You should bring your bag with you during the duration of the conference. You will be moving between theaters during the day (at the same venue), and you will be getting things during the day.
- SPONSORS: Anytime you see a sponsor, please thank them. They have done an amazing job contributing to this event to make what it is. They will appreciate your love. They are going to talk about themselves, be ready and be respectful. If we don’t have sponsors, we don’t have an event. We, Matt and I, don’t take a salary from this activity. We do it because we passionately believe in this industry or we are insane. We are still assessing. Regardless, your “fun for 3.5 days” is because of sponsors and our free labor.
- EVENING EVENTS: Do attend all the events. The spirit of the Summit is that we are all together all day and we party at night. It is not high school where you break off because you think you are cooler than others. The events are all paid for. You will have drinks (alcoholic and non) and dinner. If you have extra money to go out on your own, shoot it over this way:) Client meetings can happen on Thursday as we all know you told your work you were at this through Thursday.
- NAME TAGS: You will pick up your name tags at the Monday night event or Tuesday morning at Flix Brewhouse. If you do not pick up your name tag at either of these events, you will need to find Amy. Don’t ask Matt. This is not his thing.
- Breakfast: Texas grab and go breakfast will be offered Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. For you coffee lovers and energy drinkers, Tom’s Travellin’ Coffee Truck will be available from 10am-noon Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. If you need that coffee first thing in the morning to get yourself going, the hotel is the best option for you.
- Happy Hour Glasses: You will be receiving a branded pilsner glass during each happy hour. If it is DICS Branded with (EDC, Strong Technologies or A&A Prize Global), you may take it. If it says Waterford Crystal or anything not DICS, you need to leave it at the venue.
- Traveling Between Theaters During Presentations: Kindly be quiet and clean up your seat area so people coming in know they can sit there. We have just enough seats for everyone attending. Don’t be a seat hog.
- Wristbands: You will need to check in at each evening event and receive a wristband. Without a wristband, you will not be able to eat or drink on us.
If you have any questions/comments/concerns email us at [email protected] or text Amy at 512-799-8601 or Matt at 512-799-8600.
We are grateful for each of you and let’s raise a glass to the seventh annual Dine In Cinema+ FEC Summit!
Amy and Matt
A special thank you to our SECOND EVER bus sponsors!
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Monday, February 3, 2025
| Time | Description | Sponsored By |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30pm – 9:30pm |
**Bus service is not available this day. Come get your swag bags! “The Party Begins” Evening Networking Event at…
800 West 6th Street, Austin, TX |
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| Special Note: | Bus service is not available on this night |
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
| Time | Description | Sponsored By |
|---|---|---|
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| 9:00am |
Grab + Go Texas Breakfast
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Bus Breakfast Sponsored By:
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| 9:30am |
Bus Departs The Driskill Hotel 604 Brazos Street Austin, Texas 78701 Flix Brewhouse 10am-noon: get your bougie drink (parked in front of Flix Brewhouse)
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| 10:00am |
Welcome and Introductions from the DICS Producers Matt Mader, CEO, Venue Valet Amy Mader, Director of Business Development, Venue Valet |
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| 11:00am |
Presentation: Adapt with AI: Practical Tools for Immediate Impact Presenter: Jon Lakefish, The Lakefish Group |
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| 12:30pm |
Party With Matt! + Harkins Theaters Matt Mader, Venue Valet Dave Meza: Vice President of Operations, Harkins Theaters |
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| 1:00pm |
Presentation: The Impact of Mentorship on Personal and Professional Development Moderator: Heather Blair, Women in Exhibition Panelists: Bernadette McCabe, Spotlight Cinema Networks Traci Hanlon, Cinergy Entertainment Aimee Dolehanty, Redemption Plus Ally Smith, Emagine Entertainment |
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| 1:30pm |
Lunch |
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2:00pm |
Presentation: Basics of Menu Development Moderator: Michael Giacinto, Proctor Company Panelists: Mike McMahon, MTI Autofry Kim Cook Sorano, Snap Creative Luke Simonds, Ignite Foodservice Marco Halili, Marcus Theaters Brad Sorenson, Alamo Drafthouse |
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| 2:00pm Theater 2 |
Presentation: The Conflict of Hiring and Retaining Front-Line, First-Time Team Members in the Hospitality Market
Presenter: Beth Standlee, Trainertainment |
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| 3:00pm Theater 3 |
Presentation: Lead TIME is Money, Timing is Key, Alignment is EVERYTHING
Presenter: Francois Godfrey, MIT |
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| 3:00pm Theater 2 |
Presentation: Demystifying the FEC Model for Cinemas
Presenter: Daniel Gruening, Creative Works |
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| 3:30pm Theater 3 |
Presentation: Optimizing Merchandise + F&B Sales
Presenters: Tim Farha, AICP Steve Sciortino, AICP |
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| 4:00pm Theater 3 |
Presentation: Brand Extension Case Study
Presenter: Kevin Kochman, Semnox |
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| 4:00pm Theater 2 |
Presentation: Technologies Drive Dynamic Experiences & Incremental Revenues
Presenter: Rolando Rodriguez, Lumma 4D |
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| 4:30pm Theater 3 |
Presentation: How to Add and FEC to your Theater: An Architect Case Study Adventure Moderators: Robert McCall & Jason Wistreich, JKRP Panelists: Jeff Broderick, EDC Gary Arvedon, Amusement Products Sarah Malott, Quibica AMF Shane Zimmerman, Delta Strike Danny Gruening, Creative Works Britannie Betti, Betson Amber Richards, Amundsen Commercial Kitchen Phil Schissler, Twin Shores Jeff Sirelpuu, EOMAC Dave Wallace, Turfway Entertainment |
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| 4:30pm Theater 2 |
Presentation: Ever Google Yourself? SEO at It’s Finest Presenters: Scott Hanlon, Box Office Michelle Coull Villegas, Box Office |
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| 5:00pm Theater 2 |
Presentation: Marketing: Creative Ideas to elevate your guest’s experience Presenters: Traci Hanlon, Cinergy Entertainment Ally Smith, Emagine Entertainment Brandon Jones, Filmfrog |
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| 5:30pm |
The Summit Happy Hour |
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| 6:00pm | Bus Departs | |
| 6:30pm – 10:00pm |
“The Party Continues” Evening Networking Event Parkside Restaurant 301 East 6th Street Austin, Texas 78701
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| Special Note: | Bus Service Ends after Drop Off at “The Party Continues” Networking Event | |
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
| Time | Description | Sponsored By |
|---|---|---|
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| 9:00am |
Grab + Go Texas Breakfast
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Bus Breakfast Sponsors:
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| 9:30am | Bus Departs The Driskill Hotel 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701 for…
Cinepolis: Moviehouse & Eatery 10am-noon: get your bougie drink (parked in front of Cinepolis)
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| 10:30am Theater 5 |
Presentation: Spilling the Tea on Redemption Rooms & Prizes Presenters: Aimee Dolehanty, Redemption Plus Keitha McBride, A&A Global |
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| 10:30am Theater 6 |
Presentation: Independent Cinema Alliance Presenter: Rich Daughtridge, Warehouse Cinemas |
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| 11:00am Theater 5 |
Presentation: Amusements & Movie Theatres: The Perfect Marriage Presenters: Dutch McGrath, Amusement Products Gary Arvedon, Amusement Products |
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| 11:00am Theater 6 |
Presentation: Is Bowling Just Bowling? Or Perhaps It Is Something More? Moderator: Suzanne Wallace, Turfway Entertainment Panelists: Sarah Malott, Qubica AMF Kris Des Roches, Brunswick Bowling |
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| 11:30am Theater 5 |
Presentation: State of Cinema, Film, Studio 2025 Presenter: Daniel Loria, Box Office Pro |
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| 11:30pm Theater 6 |
Presentation: Common Mistakes When Expanding Into the FEC World Moderator: Suzanne Wallace, Turfway Entertainment Panelists: Shane Zimmerman, Delta Strike Adam Kleinhenz, Shaffer Distributing Dave Wallace, Turfway Entertainment |
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| 12:00pm Theater 5 |
Presentation: Become a Happier Leader & Create a Bigger Impact Presenter: Danny Gruening, Creative Works |
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| 12:00pm Theater 6 |
Presentation: Selecting the Perfect Game Presenters: Brittani Betti, Betson Dan Coppola, ICE Games |
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| 12:30pm Theater 5 |
Presentation: Communicating Effectively Through Trust Presenters: Brett King, Cinetrain Mike Viane, Cinetrain |
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| 12:30pm Theater 6 |
Presentation: Financing the Perfect Game Presenter: Brittani Betti, Betson |
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| 1:00pm Theater 5 |
Presentation: Marketing Small to Mid-Range Budget Films and Alternative Content/Series Moderator: Brandon Jones, FilmFrog Panelists: Traci Hanlon, Cinergy Entertainment Josh Frank, Blue Starlite Mike Vian, Cinetrain + Falling Forward Pictures |
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| 1:00pm Theater 6 |
Presentation: Insuring the Perfect Venue Presenter: Rand Wright, SafePark USA |
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| 1:30pm Theater 6 |
Presentation: Using Technology to Enhance Cinema Projection Presenter: Allan Fernandes, Christie Digital |
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| 2:00pm |
Lunch During Movie Premier |
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| 2:00pm |
Movie Premier Buster Keatons Sherlock Jr. with R.E.M’s Monster and New Adventures in Hi FI Presenters: Josh Frank, Blue Starlite Theaters Dean Moore, Spotlight Cinema Networks |
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| 3:30pm |
Presentation: Digital Signage is Not Just Directional – It Can Help Gain a Competitive Advantage by Enhancing the Customer Experience Jeff Kaplan, Sharp Rob Zeller, Sharp |
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| 4:00pm |
Party With Matt! Matt Mader, Venue Valet Alex Schulman, Movie Bowl Grille Emily Bell, Movie Bowl Grille |
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| 4:30pm |
Presentation: CJ Cinema Summit Live: The Executive Roundtable Moderators: Sperling Reich, Celluloid Junkie Thomas McCalla, Celluloid Junkie Panelists: Luis Olloqui, Cinepolis Ryan Dion, Landmark Cinemas of Canada Dennis McIntire, B&B Theatres Rob Novak, Marcus Theatres |
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| 5:30pm | The Summit Happy Hour |  |
| 6:00pm | Bus Departs for “The Party that Never Ends” Networking Event | |
| 6:30pm- 10:00pm |
“The Party Never Ends” Networking Event Punch Bowl Social 522 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701
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| Special Note: | Bus Service Ends after Drop Off at “The Party Never Ends” Event | |
Thursday, February 6, 2024
| Time | Description | Sponsored By |
|---|---|---|
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| 9:00am | Grab + Go Texas Breakfast |
Bus Breakfast Sponsored By: |
| 9:30am |
Bus Departs from The Driskill Hotel 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701 to: Film Alley 420 Wolf Ranch Parkway, Georgetown, Texas 78628 10am-noon: get your bougie drink (parked in front of Film Alley)
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| 10:30am |
Presentation: Mobile F&B Ordering – It’s Frustrating! Moderator: Matt Mader, Venue Valet Panelists: David Meiller, FLIX Brewhouse Alex Schulman, Movie Bowl Grille Rob Novak, Marcus Theaters Marco Halili, Marcus Theaters Ryan Guinn, Cinepolis |
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| 11:30am |
Presentation: Does the Perfect POS – and Related Systems – Exist?….Will it EVER? Moderators: Sperling Reich, Celluloid Junkie Scott Beck, Theater Toolkit Panelists: Keith Walker, INDY Cinema Group Al Lane, Jacro/Tapos Jon Love, RTS Shane Burkett, Agile Ticketing Solutions Rich Bryant, GoTab Wayne Scarsella, Toast Scott Hanlon, Box Office Kevin Greer, Theater Toolkit Kevin Kochman, Semnox Matthew Liebman, Vista Group |
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| 1:00pm |
Lunch |
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1:30pm |
Presentation: Innovative Strategies to Enhance Guest Experience, Boost Efficiency & Streamline Staffing Moderator: Art Seago, Consultant Panelists: Jared Epstein, Frank Mayer Scott Beck, Theater Toolkit Dan Swendsen, Ready Credit Corp Keith Walker, INDY Cinema Group |
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| 2:30pm | Presentation: Culinary Trends, Innovation, and Cultural Palettes
Presenter: Neil Doherty: Executive Chef, Sysco |
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| 3:30pm | Presentation: Dave the FEC Guy
Presenter: Dave Wallace, Turfway Entertainment |
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| 4:30pm | Presentation: Small Changes, Big Impact: How Strategic Upgrades Can Boost Guest Experience and Revenue
Moderator: Art Seago, Consultant Panelists: Ravi Shankar, Decibel Studios Jason Gould, Player One Michael Giacinto, Proctor Company |
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| 5:30pm |
The Summit Happy Hour |
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| 6:00pm | Bus Departs | |
| Special Note: | Bus Service Ends after Drop Off at the Host Hotel The Driskill at 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 | |
Thank you to our Bus Sponsors!
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