The cancellation was announced in a joint
statement by John Fithian, president of the
National Association of Theater Owners,
and CinemaCon’s managing director,
Mitch Neuhauser.
“While local outbreaks vary widely in severity,
the global circumstances make it impossible
for us to mount the show that our attendees
have come to expect,” they said. “After
consultation with our attendees, trade show
exhibitors, sponsors, and studio presenters,
NATO has decided therefore to cancel
CinemaCon 2020.”
Hollywood studios including The Walt Disney
Co., Warner Bros., Universal, Lionsgate,
Paramount and Focus Features had planned
big presentations of their upcoming slates, with
new footage, trailers and appearances from
A-list talent. This year entertainers like Michael B.
Jordan, Carey Mulligan, Antoine Fuqua and Glen
Powell were expected to attend the conference’s
awards ceremony on April 2.
Organizers had sent out several updates to
attendees about plans for enhanced health
and sanitation measures at the ninth annual
gathering, noting also that delegates from
China, Japan, Korea and Italy had canceled
their attendance.
It’s the latest virus-related shakeup in the movie
business that has in the past few weeks seen the
theatrical releases of the new James Bond and
Peter Rabbit movies delayed and film festivals,
like South by Southwest, canceled.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes
only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever
and cough. For some, especially older adults