US movie theatres to be hired out as giant Zoom Rooms

US move theatre chain AMC Theatres has signed a deal with Zoom Video Communications to hire out its cinemas as venues for video conferencing meetings.

Zoom Rooms at AMC will enable companies with hybrid workforces to host virtual and in-person events and meetings. The initiative is expected to launch in up to 17 US cities next year.

Companies will be able to book a three-hour slot to virtually host their event across as many movie theatres as they choose. Auditorium sizes are expected to range from 75 to 150 seats. Additional services such as private movie viewings, and food and beverage offerings, will also be available.

Adam Aron, AMC Theatres’ chairman and chief executive, said: “This creates an all-new product in major cities across the US for companies and meeting planners. AMC has an abundance of attractive theatres at centrally located venues, each with ample seating capacity, especially so during daytime hours on weekdays when most meetings take place. Zoom Rooms at AMC broadens our scope, as we now can participate in the multi-billion-dollar market for corporate and other meetings.”