'CinemaCon 2026' Goes Bigger Than Ever With New Programming, Studios, and Industry Events [FULL SCHEDULE INSIDE]

By Klep Napier | Wearecritix.com

CinemaCon has officially unveiled its tentative 2026 schedule, and if this lineup tells us anything, it’s that the world’s most important exhibition gathering continues to raise the bar. Updated as of January 26, 2026, this year’s agenda introduces new days, new tracks, and major additions on Sunday and Monday, signaling a broader, smarter, and more ambitious week for theater owners, studios, vendors, and industry press alike. After attending for the first time last year, WeAreCritiX can confidently say CinemaCon has replaced every other similar convention on our calendar and yes, we will not be missing 2026.

Sunday, April 12, 2026 — A Bigger Opening Weekend

CinemaCon 2026 begins earlier than ever, with meaningful programming starting Sunday. Events include 12:00pm EF&B Charity Golf Outing at the Wolf Course of the Paiute Golf Resort, followed by CinemaCon Registration from 2:00pm–6:00pm in the Florentine Ballroom. Attendees can also access the “Admit One” Hospitality Lounge from 2:00pm–6:00pm in the Palace Ballroom Foyer, sponsored by Golden Link. A major new addition lands from 3:30pm–6:00pm with the Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) Connect Program in the Octavius Ballroom (doors at 3:30pm). This closed session brings together independent, nonprofit, and arthouse exhibitors for focused industry dialogue and networking, marking a clear expansion of CinemaCon’s commitment to independents.

Monday, April 13, 2026 — Education, Innovation, and Opening Night

Monday launches full-scale programming with registration from 7:30am–6:30pm and continental breakfast from 8:30am–9:30am. From 9:00am–12:00pm, CinemaCon debuts three parallel Educational Programming Tracks:

• Track #1: Audiences & Innovation (Palace Ballroom 1) featuring sessions at 9:00am (Reclaiming Cultural Moments), 10:00am (Understanding 2026 Audiences: Gen Z & Emerging Trends), and 11:00am (Innovative Theater Design and Guest Experiences).

• Track #2: Food & Beverage (Palace Ballroom 2) with sessions at 9:00am (Building the Next Generation of F&B Leaders), 10:00am (Latest in F&B Innovation), and 11:00am (Reimagining the Lobby & Concession Experience).

• Track #3: Technology (Palace Ballroom 3) running 9:00am (Immersive Tech Beyond the Screen), 10:00am (Practical AI for Theater Operations), and 11:00am (Leveraging Technology to Engage Audiences).

Hospitality Lounges run 10:00am–5:00pm, lunch is served 12:00pm–1:00pm, and a NEW CinemaCon Film Showcase takes place 1:30pm–3:15pm in The Colosseum, spotlighting Angel and Studiocanal. A Trade Show Networking Reception follows 3:30pm–5:00pm, leading into Opening Night with Sony Pictures Entertainment’s exclusive presentation from 6:30pm–8:45pm, capped off by the Opening Night Party at Soleia Rooftop Nightclub from 9:00pm–11:00pm.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 — Industry State & Trade Show Launch

Tuesday opens with registration 7:30am–5:00pm and breakfast 7:30am–8:30am, followed by “The State of the Industry” and a Studio Presentation from 9:00am–11:30am in The Colosseum. Hospitality lounges operate 10:00am–4:00pm, while the CinemaCon Trade Show and Suites run 11:00am–5:00pm across Julius, Augustus, Milano, and Roman Ballrooms, featuring exhibitors including Christie, Samsung, Fandango, Vista Group, GDC Technology, and more. Lunch is served 12:30pm–2:00pm on the trade floor. The afternoon continues with An Industry Think Tank: 2026 from 2:30pm–3:30pm, followed by Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Big Picture” presentation from 4:30pm–6:30pm. The day concludes poolside with Fandango’s industry party from 6:45pm–8:45pm at Caesars Palace’s Pool of the Gods.

Wednesday & Thursday, April 15–16, 2026 — Studios, Awards, and the Future

Wednesday features registration 7:30am–6:00pm, breakfast programming beginning at 7:30am, a Morning Breakfast Program from 8:00am–9:00am, and a Major Studio Screening from 9:30am–11:30am. Trade shows and hospitality lounges remain active 10:00am–5:00pm, lunch runs 12:30pm–2:00pm, followed by Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ presentation from 4:00pm–6:00pm, a Dinner Party at Omnia Nightclub from 6:00pm–7:45pm, and Amazon MGM Studios’ presentation from 8:30pm–10:15pm.

Thursday closes CinemaCon with registration 7:30am–6:00pm, breakfast 7:30am–9:00am, Coca-Cola’s “Future of Cinema, Culture & the Next Generation” session from 8:00am–9:00am, Paramount Pictures’ presentation from 9:45am–11:30am, hospitality lounges 10:00am–2:00pm, the Thursday Luncheon Program from 12:15pm–2:00pm, Walt Disney Studios’ presentation from 2:30pm–4:30pm, and the week’s crown jewel: the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards from 7:30pm–9:00pm, followed by the official After Party from 9:00pm–10:30pm.

From education to innovation, studio firepower to community-building, CinemaCon 2026 isn’t just expanding—it’s evolving. After experiencing it firsthand last year, WeAreCritiX can say without hesitation: this is the industry event that matters most.

We’ll be there, front and center, celebrating the big screen and the future it continues to build.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST OF EVENTS [DAYS & TIMES] via CINEMACON SITE