A group of industry personalities in the US is organising a virtual convention and trade show for the FEC business. The event, named ShowUp, will be held October 27-29.

ShowUP

More than 100 speakers are being lined up for the convention, including some of the leading operators in North America.

Industry operators will join with manufacturers and developers of cutting-edge technology solutions like 5G, AI, VR, AR, and Photogrammetry, to cross-pollinate ideas and drive innovation.

“Operators think Covid-19 is an existential threat,” organiser Bob Cooney said, “but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The real danger is the acceleration of in-home entertainment technologies spurred on by the pandemic.

“The shutdown challenges the industry, but it will come back. Countries like New Zealand, Australia and Singapore got control of the virus early, and operators have returned to near or above pre-Covid levels. There’s a massive pent-up demand for location-based entertainment among families.

“Getting back to profitability is only step one for the industry. Operators need to embrace these emerging technologies to stay ahead of what consumers can do at home. If they don’t, they’ll go the way of mall video arcades of the ’80s.”