Big Cine Expo 2026 Opens 9th Edition at Chennai Trade Centre
Chennai: The ninth edition of Big Cine Expo 2026, a convention and trade show focused on the cinema exhibition and theatrical distribution industry, opened on August 18 at the Chennai Trade Centre.
The two-day event, being held on August 18 and 19, brings together cinema exhibitors, distributors, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, studios, consultants and other stakeholders from India and international markets.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Devang Sampat, Managing Director, Cinépolis India; Sandeep Mittal, Founder, TheatreWorld; Raghavendra T (Raghav), Director, Big Cine Expo and Editor-Publisher, TheatreWorld; and Yusuf Galabhaiwala, Partner, GTC Industries, as Guests of Honour.
The expo features displays and demonstrations of cinema technologies, equipment and services, along with product presentations, studio presentations, seminars, panel discussions, awards programmes, special events, film screenings and B2B meetings.
Conference Sessions Focus on Cinema Industry Challenges
The first day featured discussions on several issues affecting cinema exhibition and audience engagement.
The panel “Reclaiming the Masses: Making Cinema Affordable in the Current Era” examined pricing strategies, data-driven scheduling, targeted promotions and subscription models aimed at improving cinema accessibility while maintaining commercial sustainability.
Another session, “Beyond the Screen: Leveraging Tech to Elevate F&B and the Cinema Experience,” focused on the use of technology in cinema food and beverage operations and its role in audience engagement and revenue generation.
The discussion “Tech vs. Texture: Does Premium Technology Deliver a Premium Experience?” addressed projection, immersive sound, HDR, LED and other next-generation presentation technologies. The session also considered factors such as hospitality, comfort, design and social spaces in shaping the premium cinema experience.
ICTA’s “Cinema 2030: Operating Model of the Future” examined the role of artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics in cinema operations.
The first day also included the Qube Cinema Partner Felicitation and the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026, recognising contributions across the cinema exhibition ecosystem.
Cinema Technology and Equipment on Display
The exhibition floor features cinema technology, equipment, services and solutions from exhibitors from India and international markets.
The displays include projection and display technologies, cinema automation systems, food and beverage solutions and other products. Live demonstrations and interactive displays are being conducted for cinema owners and industry professionals.
Speaking about the event, Raghav, Director, Big Cine Expo, said the expo aims to address the changing requirements of the cinema industry through technology demonstrations, industry discussions and networking opportunities.
Day Two to Focus on Technology and Audience Engagement
The second day of Big Cine Expo 2026, on August 19, will feature sessions including Barco’s “Limitless Possibilities, Unlimited Experiences” and the panel “Cracking Audience Engagement: Micro-Targeting India’s Diverse Demographics.”
The sessions will focus on emerging technologies and strategies for understanding India’s diverse cinema audiences.
Big Cine Expo 2026 is being held at the Chennai Trade Centre on August 18 and 19, bringing together stakeholders from across the cinema exhibition and theatrical distribution ecosystem.
