Theater chain AMC is teaming up with video conferencing software company Zoom to turn some of its auditoriums into giant Zoom Rooms.
AMC believes there is a market for video calls involving up to 150 people sitting in a theater with "state-of-the-art sight and sound technology" and food and beverages available via a concierge-style personalized service.
Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC Theatres, explains:
"One of the lessons learned during the pandemic when so many of us were forced to work remotely was the importance of a reliable, dynamic communications platform. We also learned that even though we may be spread far apart, the ability to come together in person is as important as ever."
Where as during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns many of us came to rely on Zoom to communicate with others remotely. AMC seems to think there's a market for mass gatherings combined with video chats, so it will be interesting to see how popular that proves to be.
Each booking will secure a three-hour block of time in a theater for the Zoom call with capacity for between 75-150 people dependent on which theater location it is. And although we don't know which theaters will double as Zoom Rooms yet, AMC hints at "centrally located venues" in cities and points to a launch in 2023 in "17 major US markets."