Zoom is a popular conferencing network typically used by educational institutions and enterprises alike. To continuously improve, Zoom Video Communications, Inc is constantly adding new features and thinking about different ways to engage its audiences.

Zoom Video Communications, Inc and AMC Theatres, which is said to be the largest theater chain in the US and worldwide, recently announced quite an innovative partnership. AMC and Zoom have partnered up to prepare to launch Zoom Rooms in 2023, which will allow video conferencing calls to happen in AMC movie theaters.

Inside a movie theater? Yes, you read that correctly. AMC and Zoom plan to launch Zoom Rooms at AMC theaters in up to 17 major U.S. markets. Once it has launched, Zoom Rooms at AMC users can simply book online and select their desired theatres and time. The clientele can then host a virtual event for up to a three-hour block.

“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,” AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron stated in a press release. “We also learned that even though we may be spread far apart, the ability to come together in person is as important as ever. Our state-of-the-art sight and sound technology is widely renowned and has made gathering in movie theatres one of the most popular out-of-home entertainment options in the United States.”

These Zoom Rooms will boost the meeting capacity to around 75 and 150 seats with multiple Zoom Rooms in different theater locations. And since your team will be in an AMC movie theater, food, beverages, and movie viewing options will also be offered to your group for an additional fee. This could be interesting for various AV professionals who utilize video conferencing services.

But how would that work regarding sound, video quality, and user interface representation? SVP of Sales & Marketing for Salamander Designs, Scott Srolis, has a positive outlook on where in-theater Zoom calls could go but poses some logistical inquiries.

“I’ve been thinking about the Zoom and AMC partnership and what kind of user experience we can expect having never attended a virtual meeting in a movie theater,” said Srolis, in a video from this Market Scale article. “I’m just using my imagination, but I can imagine, if you will, that this really, really great big screen, great sound, comfortable seats. There’ll be hospitality as well, so we’ll have good eats. Get to see a lot of my local colleagues that I only see virtually and get to come together and bring that energy into one room. How is the user interface gonna be represented on the screen showing the other participants throughout the community that you’re sharing this virtual experience with? And then from a microphone perspective, how will the microphones be set up? Everyone wants to hear, they want to see, and be heard. So, as long as all those elements come together with great energy from a great team, I think it’ll be a wonderful experience, but need to check it out for myself.”

What are your thoughts on having a meeting inside of a movie theater? Comment below!