LAS VEGAS — Barco, a global leader in laser cinema technology, will host a special in-booth appearance by Air Bud, the canine star of the upcoming theatrical film “Air Bud Returns,” during CinemaCon 2026.

The appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, from 2-4 p.m. in the Barco exhibition space in Roman Ballrooms 3 and 4 at Caesars Palace. The event is open to registered CinemaCon trade show pass holders.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take photos with the star and participate in a custom-built basketball hoop experience tied to the film. Barco and Cineverse will provide refreshments and themed giveaways during the event.

Director Robert Vince will also join Cineverse to present an exclusive sneak peek of the film, optimized for Barco laser projection technology.

“Air Bud Returns,” the latest installment in the franchise from Air Bud Entertainment, follows the golden retriever back to Fernfield. The film is scheduled for release Jan. 22, 2027.

CinemaCon, the largest global convention for cinema operators, runs April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Admission to the Barco exhibit is free for trade show pass holders and fully registered attendees.

Subscribe now

Award-winning filmmaker Jon Favreau will headline the annual CinemaCon Creative Community Luncheon, organizers announced. Favreau, director and producer of The Mandalorian and Grogu, stars Pedro Pascal, is set to appear Thursday, April 16, at Caesars Palace’s Octavius Ballroom in Las Vegas.

The luncheon discussion will be hosted by Matt Belloni, founding partner and editor of Puck News and host of the podcast “The Town.”

“Anticipation for a new ‘Star Wars’ movie on the big screen is sky-high, making this an incredible way to kick off the summer movie season,” said Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United. “This event presents a great opportunity to hear from Jon Favreau, one of the most talented filmmakers working today.”

The luncheon, traditionally held on the final day of CinemaCon, will take place ahead of The Walt Disney Studiospresentation at 2:30 p.m. PT, closing out the week’s programming.

A cornerstone of CinemaCon, the luncheon gives the global exhibition industry direct access to leading filmmakers behind major theatrical releases. Past participants have included Glen Powell, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Edgar Wright, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry Bruckheimer, Patty Jenkins and Jon M. Chu.

This year’s luncheon is sponsored by Fathom Entertainment and D-BOX Technologies.

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” opens exclusively in theaters worldwide May 22, marking the first “Star Wars” theatrical release showcased at CinemaCon since 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The film also stars Sigourney Weaverand is produced by Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni and Ian Bryce, with music by Ludwig Göransson.

Hosted by Cinema United, CinemaCon runs April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Official presenting sponsors for 2026 include The Coca-Cola Company and Barco.

Subscribe now

For the first time in the history of CinemaCon, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will be renamed the “Dolby Colosseum” during the convention’s April 13-16 run.

Dolby Laboratories, a leader in immersive entertainment technology, signed a naming rights agreement for this year’s event. The company has been a sponsor of the convention since its launch in 2011 and continues its partnership with Cinema United, which hosts the annual gathering.

The Dolby Colosseum will feature Dolby Atmos sound and Dolby Vision laser projection, both designed to enhance the theatrical experience.

“We are excited about the next step in our invaluable partnership with Dolby Laboratories,” said Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United. “State-of-the-art technology is a cornerstone of the theatrical experience, and renaming CinemaCon’s iconic main venue for this global leader is a natural choice.”

O’Leary added that Dolby’s contributions to innovation in movie theaters make the branding a fitting addition to what he described as “the world’s premier celebration of going to the movies.”

Jed Harmsen, head of cinema and group entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, said the convention has long served as a platform to showcase the company’s technologies.

“This year, we are excited to elevate our dedication to bringing a new level of truly immersive entertainment to moviegoers everywhere,” Harmsen said. “The Dolby Colosseum will serve as the home for studio presentations during CinemaCon.”

Dolby has supported main stage presentations at the venue for more than a decade, providing advanced audio and visual systems. Several presentations during the convention will be delivered using Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies. The company is also the official sponsor of the CinemaCon mobile app.

CinemaCon, held annually in Las Vegas, is the official convention of Cinema United and serves as a global showcase for theatrical exhibition and industry innovation.

Subscribe now

Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex, will receive the Legend of Cinema Award on opening night of this year’s CinemaCon.

Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United, announced the honor Wednesday, calling it the organization’s most prestigious award. Jacob joins acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese as the only recipients of the recognition.

“Ellis has been a leader at the forefront of global exhibition for decades,” O’Leary said in a statement. “He has created an entertainment empire that cannot be matched and has been a tireless advocate on behalf of theater owners around the world.”

Jacob served as chair of Cinema United’s executive board from 2018 to 2020. In 2022, he received the CinemaCon Marquee Award, which recognizes an executive whose strategic vision and leadership advance theatrical exhibition.

“No one has played a more central role in guiding our industry through the turbulence and uncertainty of the past years than Ellis,” O’Leary said. “His role in positioning exhibition for future success cannot be overstated.”

Jacob, who plans to retire this year, became president and CEO of Cineplex in October 2003. He began his career in motion picture exhibition in 1987. Cineplex, which traces its history in Canada back more than 100 years, is the fourth-largest theater circuit in North America.

Under Jacob’s leadership, the company expanded beyond traditional theaters into exhibition, amusement and media. Before joining Cineplex, Jacob co-founded Galaxy Entertainment Inc. in 1999 and served as its president and CEO.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Legend of Cinema Award,” Jacob said in a statement. “I have spent my entire career believing in the power of moviegoing to bring people together.”

The Legend of Cinema Award recognizes individuals whose careers have been dedicated to supporting and advancing the theatrical experience.

CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United and the largest gathering of theatrical exhibitors worldwide, is scheduled for April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Subscribe now