The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) will honor Byron Berkley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foothills Entertainment, with the 2017 NATO Marquee Award during this year’s CinemaCon, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held March 27-30, 2017 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Berkley is being singled out by NATO for his unequalled dedication, commitment and service to the motion picture theatre industry. He will receive his industry tribute as part of CinemaCon’s “State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future” presentation on Tuesday morning, March 28.
“A long-time successful independent theater operator and Texas gentleman, Byron is the mouse that roared within the exhibition community,” noted John Fithian, President & CEO of NATO. “From his strategic leadership among his fellow exhibitors, to his Board and Officer service at our national and regional associations, to his endless energy as a volunteer, Byron has helped to preserve and enhance independent exhibition even in a time of accelerating industry consolidation. Few people in the history of the theater business have given back more to this industry than Byron Berkley.”
A native Californian, Berkley has been in and around the theatre business since working as a projectionist and doorman while attending school. Upon graduation he joined The United California Theatres Circuit as a student manager before being promoted to manage various indoor and drive-in theatres in Northern California. After 10 years with United California Theatres Berkley went on to work for the Dr Pepper Company as the National Account Manager responsible for brand development in theatre concession operations before relocating to Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. as Brand Manager for Schlitz Light and Old Milwaukee beers. He then went on to serve as Vice-President of Food Service sales for General Cinema Corporations Sunkist Division in Atlanta, Georgia where he remained until its sale to Del Monte Foods. Following the sale of Sunkist, Berkley acquired the first of several theatres in Texas forming Foothills Entertainment. Berkley is an active member of NATO, serving on several committees as well as on the Executive Board as an independent theatre owner representative and as NATO’s treasurer.
About CinemaCon
CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry –from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.
CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies.
About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 81 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.
Additional information on CinemaCon as well as an application to apply for press credentials can be found at www.cinemacon.com.