Boxoffice-May.21.1979

Complete Concession
Centers
Butler-Proctor
Planned-Built-Equipped
Installed
Call or Write
priKlor
fliiff IstriliMtiii*! cm.
Address all
Write No. 24 on Reader's Service Card
correspondence to Dept. BMTS.
From theatres and fair grounds to ballparks
and airports, concession operations
everywhere are part of one of the fastest
growing segments in today's economy. Sharing
in the concession industry's upward
movement is its trade association. The National
Assn. of Concessionaires (NAC),
What Is the nflC
which is presently celebrating its 35th year
of service to the industry.
Founded in 1944, the NAC is the only
association covering the entire concession
industry. The present organization was preceded,
however, by three other associations
whose differing names and membership correspond
to the industry's development.
At its founding, the association was
named the National Assn. of Popcorn Manr
ufacturers and represented only the "general
interests of popcorn manufacturers . . .
throughout the U.S." In 1953, a name
change to the International Popcorn Assm.
heralded the organization's broadened
membership which now included processors,
theatre and concession operators, retail
shops, jobbers, equipment manufacturers
and suppliers and brokers.
Two years later, the association adopted
a less exclusive name, the Popcorn and Concession
Assn. Yet this still was not all-inclusive
enough and, in 1956, the name was
changed for the last time to the National
Assn. of Concessionaires. Since that time,
the association has been dedicated to serving
the entire concession industry.
Phenomenal Growth
During the last 15 years, the growth of
the concession industry has been phenomenal.
Concession sales grossed $4 billion in
1978 with an annual growth rate of 10 to
12 percent. In spite of inflation and rising
costs, concessions in many locations, particularly
in movie theatres, contribute almost
100 percent to the facilities' profit.
Concession operations can be found almost
anywhere, from historical sites to
swimming pools. Popcorn, soft drinks and
candy, although still staple concession items,
have been joined on many menus by pizza,
yogurt, granola bars and a host of other
food items. Some facilities have even begun
marketing non-food items such as artwork,
T-shirts and various souvenirs.
The service of such a fast-growing and
diverse industry requires a variety of farranging
programs. The N.A^C has attempted
to meet the needs of its members, who operate
over 25,000 concession facilities
throughout the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica
and Australia, with several programs and
-Write No. 25 on
Reader's Sen
[,1
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"The Concessionaire," a newsletter covering
current events in both the association,
and the concession industry, is published by
the NAC on a bi-monthly basis. Copies are
sent free of charge to all members. The
NAC also provides its membership withi
supplemental bulletins which explore in
detail issues of particular interest. Members
are encouraged to submit ideas to the NAC
publications, which maintain a continual
flow of communications between the association
and its membership.
Membership Package
A "Concessions Management and Operations
Guide," one of the most comprehensive
publications presently available on the
subject, is also sent to NAC members as
part of a membership package. The guide
was written by industry experts and includes
chapters on financial management, purchasing
management, personnel management
|
and equipment and facilities, as well as separate
sections on various types of concession
operations. Revision plans for the guide are
currently underway and a newly expanded
and updated version will soon be available.
Besides its many publications, the NAC
also stages a series of tradeshows. conventions
and other meetings for members of
the concession industry. Regional conventions,
held throughout the year, provide an
opportunity for delegates to exchange ideas,
view new products and equipment and listen
to industry specialists.
ShoWesT, hosted by members in 13 western
states, is the largest of the regional conventions,
drawing over 1,500 delegates this
year. NAC's national convention and tradeshow
is held annually in conjunction with
the National .'Vssn. of Theatre Owners and
the Theatre Equipment Assn.
Over 2,000 concession operators, theatre
owners, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors
attended last year's convention at
the Americana Hotel in New York. The
fradeshow had a total of 110 exhibition
booths. The 1979 national convention will
be held Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the Bonaventure
Hotel in Los Angeles.
Education /Public Relations
During both the regional and the national
conventions, the NAC sponsors a series of
educational meetings for delegates. These
meetings usually feature industry experts
who hold seminars or conduct panel discussions
on new ideas and techniques in
concession operation and management.
The NAC also provides an on-going public
relations program as a general service
to the industry. Through news releases, media
contacts and its own publications, the
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION