As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EVT, Jane Hastings leads one of Australasia’s most diversified entertainment and hospitality groups, spanning cinemas, hotels, resorts, and travel. Since her appointment in 2017, she has overseen transformative growth across Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, sharpening the company’s focus on premium experiences, technology innovation, and sustainability. 

In 2024, Hastings was appointed Chair of the Global Cinema Federation, reflecting her expanding influence on the global stage and her ongoing advocacy for the cinema industry’s long-term future. That same year, EVT reopened its flagship IMAX screen in Sydney’s Darling Harbour and began a broader rollout of premium formats – including an expansion of its “IMAX with Laser” footprint across four new sites and a partnership with CJ 4DPlex to launch three immersive 4DX cinemas in Australia – bolstering its premium cinema strategy.

These moves reflect Hastings’ “fewer and better” approach to growth – a premiumisation strategy that prioritizes high-quality experiences across EVT’s cinema and hospitality businesses. Her customer-focused, data-informed leadership, combined with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, has positioned EVT as a standout performer in the post-pandemic recovery. Hastings’ strategic vision also continues to shape EVT’s brand evolution, including the high-profile transition from Event Hospitality & Entertainment to EVT, signaling a broader, experience-led identity.

As Managing Director of Picturehouse Cinemas, Clare Binns oversees one of the United Kingdom’s most distinctive cinema chains, known for its curated programming, architectural character, and integration of mainstream, independent, and event cinema. With more than three decades of experience in exhibition, Binns plays a central role in shaping Picturehouse’s identity across its 26 locations, helping to foster a diverse, cinema-loving audience through community engagement, filmmaker Q&As, and festivals.

Under Binns’ leadership, Picturehouse has deepened its commitment to independent film and emerging talent, while also modernizing operations to navigate shifting audience habits and post-pandemic recovery. She has championed initiatives that balance commercial resilience with cultural purpose, including strategic collaborations with distributors, dynamic pricing models, and enhanced loyalty offerings that prioritize long-term audience development.

A passionate advocate for cinema as both art and experience, Binns has served in key advisory roles across the UK film sector and was awarded an MBE honor in 2015 for her services to film. In 2024, she received the UNIC Achievement Award at CineEurope in recognition of her contributions to the industry. Also overseeing Picturehouse’s distribution arm, Binns continues to shape the conversation around the role of theatrical exhibition in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Laura Houlgatte is the CEO of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), the Brussels‑based trade association representing cinema operators and national associations across 39 European territories. She joined UNIC in March 2015, became CEO in August 2017, and has since been a prominent advocate for preserving the theatrical experience through strategic, behind‑the‑scenes policy work in Brussels.

Houlgatte has grown UNIC’s signature initiatives into industry‑wide forces for change. The Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme continues to inspire mentoring across Europe, while the UNIC People Programme – launched in June 2023 – focuses on workforce development and culture, rolling out leadership toolkits and podcasts through 2024–25.

In September 2024, Houlgatte was elected Chair of the European Audiovisual Observatory Advisory Committee, beginning a three‑year term on 1 January 2025. She also contributes to the organization of CineEurope and Cinema Days each year, and continues her “invisible lobbying” in Brussels to ensure EU policymakers keep cinema top‑of‑mind.

As Chairman and CEO of Wanda Film, Chen Zhixi oversees China’s largest cinema circuit, directing the strategy and operations of more than 850 theatres nationwide, comprising over 7,200 screens. She also plays a key role in the oversight of HOYTS, which operates more than 60 locations and 529 screens across Australia. Under her leadership, Wanda has prioritized enhancing the theatrical experience through digital innovation, premium formats, and data-driven audience engagement. She has spearheaded efforts to modernize the cinema business post-pandemic by exploring new revenue models, strategic partnerships, and cross-platform content initiatives to ensure long-term growth and resilience.

In June 2024, Chen led Wanda Film in signing a major agreement with IMAX China to upgrade 61 of its top-performing cinemas – including flagship locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen – to the IMAX Laser system. The deal also includes plans to expand Wanda’s IMAX footprint with 37 additional auditoriums over the next five years. Wanda is also expanding its premium format offerings through continued deployment of Dolby Cinema and large-format LED screens, delivering higher-quality audiovisual experiences and premium ticketing options.

Chen first rose to prominence as the founder of Zhixi Media, producing a string of box office hits – including “Lost in Thailand” and “Hello Mr. Billionaire” – that helped elevate female-driven content and usher in a new era of Chinese comedy. Appointed to lead Wanda Film in 2023, she is not only breaking glass ceilings within China’s exhibition industry, but also actively creating pathways for other women to lead, direct, and influence the future of cinema.

Clara Cheo is Chief Executive Officer of Golden Village Multiplex (GV), Singapore’s largest cinema operator, overseeing 16 locations and 122 screens nationwide. Under her leadership, GV continues to redefine the moviegoing experience in Southeast Asia through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a focus on premium offerings.

In 2024, GV completed major upgrades at its flagship VivoCity and Great World City multiplexes, including enhanced Gold Class lounges and expanded F&B menus. Cheo also deepened GV’s collaboration with indie exhibition partner The Projector, following the successful launch of their joint venue, Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure, which has quickly become a cultural touchstone for alternative programming and festival showcases.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, GV has expanded its support for regional content and event cinema, capitalizing on the growing popularity of Asian films and anime to sustain strong audience engagement during global release lulls. Cheo has also helped steer GV’s Movie Club past the one-million-member mark, a major milestone in a nation of just 5.6 million people, reinforcing GV’s position as Singapore’s dominant and most customer-focused exhibitor.

Koh Mei Lee has served as Chief Executive Officer of Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) since 2002, overseeing its transformation into Malaysia’s largest cinema chain. During her tenure, GSC has grown from 70 to over 600 screens across Malaysia and Vietnam, capturing a 52% market share and redefining the regional exhibition landscape.

Koh has been a driving force behind GSC’s focus on innovation and premium experiences, introducing advanced formats such as IMAX Laser with 3D, ScreenX, Dolby Atmos, 4DX, and Onyx Cinema LED. She has also led the development of groundbreaking cinema concepts – including Aurum Theatre, Velvet Cinemas, and Play Park – that blend film with lifestyle, design, and hospitality.

An advocate for cultural exchange, she launched GSC International Screens, a platform that brings global film festivals, anime, foreign films, and alternative content to Malaysian audiences. In recognition of her contributions to cinema and culture, Koh was awarded the Chevalier of the French National Order of Merit in 2021.

She currently chairs the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Media and Communications, Taylor’s University. Under her leadership, GSC has earned multiple honors, including the World Branding Award, the Putra Brand Icon Award, and five consecutive Platinum Putra Brand Awards through 2024 – underscoring the company’s continued excellence and brand leadership.

Christine Berg has served as Chairwoman of the Board of HDF KINO e.V. since 2019, leading Germany’s largest cinema trade association and representing the interests of more than 600 members nationwide. With a career spanning public film funding, festival leadership, and production, Berg is one of the most influential figures in German and European exhibition.

In May 2025, Berg delivered the opening address at KINO 2025, the annual congress of German cinema operators, where she called for renewed government support for the exhibition sector. Her remarks addressed mounting regulatory burdens, content availability challenges, and the importance of audience insight, while spotlighting HDF KINO’s work on sustainability and minimum technical standards across German cinemas.

She was elected Vice-President of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) in 2024 and now serves a term through mid-2026, helping shape pan-European advocacy efforts at the highest levels. Berg also remains active on the SPIO board and the FFA board of directors.

Melissa Boudreau currently serves as Chief Marketing & Culture Officer at Northwoods Theater Group (Emagine Entertainment), where she leads strategy and champions company culture across multiple cinema locations. She is also the President of Women In Exhibition. With over 20 years in marketing and 10 years in exhibition, she’s known for launching successful loyalty programs, leading large-scale campaigns, and driving innovation at companies like Emagine Entertainment, Film Frog, and Moosejaw Mountaineering.

At Women in Exhibition, Boudreau has led the board through a foundational growth phase, implementing key structural processes and introducing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to bring greater clarity, alignment, and accountability to the organization.

Geonni Sigl is the CEO and Founder of Onni Creative, a full service creative agency serving entertainment clients. As a strong advocate for women and people of color in entertainment, Geonni is currently the Vice President for Women In Exhibition, a non-profit organization serving women in cinema exhibition.

Consistently lauded for her forward-thinking, creativity, and ambitious mindset, Sigl has a background in studio film marketing. She has helped cinemas and distributors create dynamic marketing campaigns to enhance the moviegoing experience. Sigl continually advocates for small and independent cinemas to receive the same marketing support as large chains to ensure the health and sustainability of the exhibition industry.

As Group Executive Director of Brand, Marketing & Communications at Vue International, Shona Gold continues to push the boundaries of cinema marketing. Now in her tenth year with the company, she is the creative force behind standout campaigns like “This is Not a Cinema” and “Get Lost,” helping to redefine Vue’s brand across Europe.

Over the past year, Gold has launched the ‘Ultra-Lux’ recliner globally, expanded Vue’s best-in-class digital platform to four markets, and debuted “Vue Your Way,” the UK’s first contactless cinema experience. She also led the rebrand of CinemaxX in Denmark, introduced the award-winning “Jurassic Get Lost” collaboration with Universal, and relaunched Vue’s family offering – securing the No. 1 family audience share in the UK and Ireland.

Gold played a key role in the launch of Vue Lumière, a new distribution arm focused on smaller and foreign-language films, and continues to mentor rising talent through the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme.

Ruth Hinton is Group Head of Customer Experience & Insight at Vue International, where she ensures the voice of the cinema-goer drives strategic decisions across marketing, retail, pricing, and operations. Her insights have helped shape major initiatives such as Vue’s Ultra Lux seating, the Vue Your Way retail concept, and refreshed family propositions that have driven admissions growth.

In 2024 and 2025, Hinton expanded Vue’s use of AI-powered feedback tools—shortlisted at the European CXA Awards—and led audience research in partnership with the Global Cinema Federation, extending the survey’s reach across Europe. She also developed Retail Marketing Guidelines to align messaging with customer psychology throughout the guest journey.

Hinton is a respected voice across the industry, contributing to Cinema First, the UK Cinema Association, and UNIC. She has presented best practices on audience growth at CineEurope and the UKCA conference, and participated in UKCA’s Routes to Net Zero working group. In 2025, she joined the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme as a mentor.

Carla Hudson is Vice President of Marketing & Brand Experience at Cinemark, where she leads the strategic development of the company’s brand voice across multiple verticals, including food and beverage, in-theatre marketing, and employer branding. Since joining Cinemark in 2022, Hudson has played a pivotal role in evolving the company’s identity and deepening guest engagement through integrated marketing initiatives that blend creativity with data-driven insight.

In 2024 and 2025, Hudson spearheaded several high-impact campaigns that reinforced Cinemark’s position as a leader in premium theatrical experiences. She also helped oversee a major brand collaboration with the exhibition trade group now known as Cinema United, contributing to a successful industry-wide rebrand that clarified and amplified the sector’s collective mission.

Recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at National Amusements, Rebecca Stein leads all marketing efforts for Showcase Cinemas in the U.S., including brand strategy, loyalty, advertising, partnerships, social media, and public relations. A 26-year veteran of the company, Stein has launched and expanded key programs such as StarPass Loyalty, Showcase Subscribe, and The Popcorn Club – still the only children’s loyalty program of its kind in the industry.

Stein also oversees the award-winning Showcase for GOOD initiative and recently introduced the Film Impact Series to engage high school students on issues of antisemitism, racism, and hate through film. In the past year, she led Showcase’s Group Sales division to over $2 million in revenue – its highest ever – and revamped the company’s social media strategy with a new content and influencer model. A frequent industry speaker and recipient of the 2023 ShowEast Coca-Cola Empowerment Award, she continues to be a leading voice in purpose-driven cinema marketing.

A visionary executive with over 15 years of experience in the cinema and retail sectors, Laura Najlis has been instrumental in driving strategic innovation across Cinemark’s Latin American business units, as the company’s Vice President of Marketing Latam International and VP of Food & Beverage. In doing so she has reshaped the entertainment experience for Latin American audiences.

Recognized for her leadership in digital transformation, Najlis launched the Cinemark’s first e-commerce platform in 2008 and has since grown online sales to achieve over 50% penetration. Under her direction, Cinemark has developed one of the most successful loyalty programs in the industry, reaching nearly 600,000 members within three years and contributing significantly to both revenue and customer retention. She has also built a CRM-driven marketing ecosystem that enables personalized messaging to a database of over 1.8 million users, capturing greater customer spend and loyalty while delivering strong marketing ROI. Her initiatives have not only modernized the customer journey but also generated multi-million dollar revenue increases, managing close to 40% of the company’s total EBITDA margin.

Her strategic mindset and creative drive have led to memorable customer experiences, including large-scale brand activations like “Bring Your Own Bucket Day,” which amplified engagement across the region.

Roberta Correa serves as International Vice President of Food & Beverage for Cinemark, where she oversees culinary strategy and innovation across 13 countries and more than 190 theatres throughout South and Central America. A 20-year Cinemark veteran, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s concessions program into a key driver of both revenue and guest satisfaction.

With a passion for solving complex operational challenges, Correa works closely with internal teams and vendor partners to curate regionally tailored offerings that enhance the moviegoing experience. Her strategic approach blends consumer insight, menu innovation, and efficient execution – ensuring each location delivers memorable, locally relevant food and beverage experiences. In recent years, she has helped lead new initiatives in premium concessions and alternative revenue streams, positioning Cinemark International at the forefront of cinema F&B evolution.

Jennifer Douglass is Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations for AMC Theatres, overseeing the performance of more than 540 theatres with full P&L responsibility and leading a team of over 20,000 associates across field and staff operations. Under her leadership, associate turnover has reached historic lows, while employee engagement continues to rise.

She also oversees AMC’s Operations Excellence division – handling over one million guest contacts annually – and leads the Food & Beverage department, which generates $1.5 billion in annual revenue. In 2024, Douglass helped deliver record-setting revenue per patron, driven by the runaway success of collectible popcorn buckets and exclusive film-themed concession merchandise. She also guided AMC’s debut at San Diego Comic-Con International, where the company showcased its pioneering Collectible Concession Vessels – now a hallmark of its F&B strategy.

A 38-year veteran of AMC, Douglass is a dedicated leader in the wider exhibition community. She is an active member of Women in Exhibition and the Women’s Foodservice Forum, and has served on numerous Cinema United committees – including Government Relations, Membership, Conventions, and Ratings Compliance. She also serves as Treasurer of the AMC Political Action Committee (PAC).

Marie Zablocki serves as Senior Vice President of Operations Chief of Staff at Cinemark, where she leads workforce strategy and operational excellence across more than 300 U.S. theatres. With a focus on labor planning, communications, and team enablement, she champions theatre teams and equips General Managers with tools to lead more effectively on the frontlines.

Over the past year, Zablocki oversaw the rollout of a new internal communications system, enhancing how information flows between Cinemark’s corporate office and field operations. She also led the implementation of a streamlined showtime creation process, reducing administrative workload and improving schedule accuracy. Amid a 22% year-over-year surge in attendance, Zablocki delivered measurable labor efficiencies through revamped staffing models and real-time data tools – while also improving team morale and guest satisfaction.

Her leadership was central to the 2024 launch of a new training program for theatre teams and the expansion of Cinemark’s centralized operations portal, ensuring greater clarity, consistency, and responsiveness across the circuit.

As we were set to publish the 2025 Top Women In Global Cinema list, IMAX named Dr. Heather Morgan as their Head of Global Distribution. However for the past three years Morgan has served as Chief Content Officer at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where she lead the company’s distinctive programming strategy – curating an eclectic mix of Hollywood blockbusters, provocative indie titles, and repertory classics to fuel a deep and enduring love of cinema. A key executive that drove Alamo’s creative vision, Morgan also guided the company’s evolution under new Sony Pictures ownership, leveraging long-standing relationships with bold filmmakers, studios, and content creators to expand audience reach and enhance the moviegoing experience.

With more than a decade in senior leadership roles across the theatrical exhibition industry, Morgan brought deep expertise in content acquisition, corporate strategy, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships. Her work helped position Alamo Drafthouse as both a cultural tastemaker and a business innovator within the cinema space.

A TEDx speaker and frequent voice on industry panels, podcasts, and publications, Morgan also serves as Board Chair of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, where she champions support for individuals in the exhibition and distribution sectors.

Edna Epelbaum is Chief Executive Officer of Cinevital, one of Switzerland’s leading independent cinema operators, and a driving force in European exhibition. Her company oversees five cinemas and 28 screens across the country, where she continues to champion innovation, local engagement, and a premium moviegoing experience.

A second-generation cinema executive, Epelbaum has built on her family’s legacy while becoming a key advocate for the theatrical sector. She also serves as President of the Swiss Cinema Operators’ Association (SKV), and Vice President of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), where she plays a central role in European industry policy and cross-border collaboration.

She is a longtime mentor in the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme – an initiative that received a FECE Special Mention in 2023 – and remains an influential voice through her participation in forums and roundtables, including the 2025 UNIC “Big Screen Feature” at the Cannes Film Festival. Epelbaum holds a PhD in literature from New York University.

Katharina Phebey is Head of Marketing & Content and a member of the Management Board at Kinopolis, one of Germany’s leading cinema operators. In her dual role, she oversees national marketing strategy, film purchasing, and scheduling for all 16 Kinopolis locations, spanning both blockbuster programming and premium event content. As the youngest and only woman on the company’s board, Phebey brings a next-generation perspective to the leadership of the family-run exhibitor.

Since rejoining Kinopolis in 2022, Phebey has been instrumental in elevating the brand’s premium positioning and guest experience, most recently with the opening of a state-of-the-art cinema in Hamburg in April 2025. She also played a key role in curating the company’s content strategy in the lead-up to Kinopolis receiving the prestigious Milestone Award at CineEurope 2025.

Earlier in her career, Phebey served as Head of Events & Trade Marketing at Constantin Film, where she led exhibitor-focused campaigns for national and international releases. She previously managed the acclaimed Gloria Palast in Munich, establishing it as a benchmark for luxury cinema in Germany.

Serena Gill is the Director of Film at Everyman, where she has played a key role in shaping the company’s programming and strategic growth since joining in 2015. At the time, Everyman operated 16 venues across the UK; it has since expanded to 48 cinemas across the UK, including four new openings since the start of 2024, and one further venue set to open in 2025 at The Whiteley in London’s Bayswater.

Gill oversees the programming across the circuit, curating a distinctive mix of mainstream and independent titles, repertory screenings, and special events. Her approach supports Everyman’s mission to re-define the cinema experience, with the company outperforming the wider UK market by increasing its market share from 4.8% in 2023 to 5.4% in 2024 – a 12.5% year-on-year growth. Before joining Everyman, Gill worked in TV post-production. She is also an alumna of Inside Pictures (2022), Europe’s leading film business training programme.

Gurbani Marwah currently serves as Vice President Theatrical Releasing & Film Buying at Cineplex, Canada’s largest film exhibitor. In her role, Marwah leads Cineplex’s film buying and programming teams, managing strategic relationships with major film studios in both Canada and the United States. Her portfolio encompasses film acquisition, national release strategies, festival participation, talent premieres, and audience development initiatives. As the first female head of film at Cineplex, she has championed the advancement of women in a historically male-dominated industry, influencing both corporate culture and industry standards.

Beyond her executive role, Marwah is a mentor and role model, actively supporting the next generation of industry professionals. She serves on several boards and committees including the Canadian Picture Pioneers, Crow’s Theatre, Film Row, Cinema United’s Membership Committee, the Innovation Circle at Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Woodgreen Foundation – demonstrating her broader commitment to the arts and community impact.

Marwah holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, where she specialized in Film Theory and Philosophy. In recognition of her leadership and trailblazing contributions, she was honored with the Innovation Trailblazer Award at the 2024 WIFT-Toronto Crystal Awards Gala.

Inés Trementino has built a solid career in the Argentine film industry. Starting in 1998, Trementino served as operations manager for over 15 years for Cinépolis Argentina and became General Manager in 2022. She has managed the development of new complexes, the renovation of theatres, and the inclusion of new formats, primarily new experiences to engage audiences, while facilitating collaboration to achieve strategic objectives amidst significant national challenges. Recognized for her leadership style, she promotes a culture centered on customer satisfaction and measurable results. The circuit currently includes more than 80 screens across Argentina.

Additionally, Trementino has led youth employability programs with the Pescar Foundation, contributed to UNIC’s mentoring program, and is a member of the Argentine Exhibition Chamber.

Mojisola Oladapo is the Chief Marketing Officer of Filmhouse Group, where she is driving bold, audience-first strategies that are reshaping cinema marketing in Nigeria. Since joining the company, she has played a pivotal role in expanding Filmhouse’s footprint and elevating its brand presence across the country.

At the helm of marketing, Oladapo led the groundbreaking 360° campaign for the Nollywood hit “Farmer’s Bride,” combining immersive experiences, sharp storytelling, and powerful partnerships to deliver box office success. She also championed Filmhouse’s first inclusive cinema initiative in partnership with Shades of Life Care, creating welcoming movie experiences for children with diverse needs.

A key architect behind the Exhibitors Showcase, Oladapo has strengthened industry ties with distributors and filmmakers, positioning Filmhouse as a cultural and commercial leader in West African cinema.

Georgia Culverwell is Global Head of Marketing at Vista Group, where she leads corporate, product, and brand marketing across the company’s international footprint. Appointed to the role in January 2025 – just 15 months after stepping into department leadership – she has quickly become a transformative force behind Vista’s global communications, product storytelling, and executive engagement.

Culverwell began her journey at Vista in 2013 as a receptionist at the company’s Auckland headquarters, rising steadily through marketing roles over the past decade. In 2023, she became the first executive to lead marketing at the group level following a major restructure, redefining Vista’s voice and visibility in the global cinema technology space.

Since taking the helm, she has relaunched the Vista Conference, introduced The Executive Cut briefings for exhibitor CEOs, and directed the rollout of Vista Vault, a platform highlighting underused product features. She also overhauled the company’s product roadmap communications – now fully transparent – and revitalized Vista’s trade show presence with the Experience Wall and Discovery Sessions, spotlighting the company’s SaaS and AI innovations.

Most notably, Culverwell spearheaded the marketing vision for Vista Cloud, the company’s most significant product launch in years, bringing its capabilities to life through immersive storytelling, digital platforms, and client education.

As the Vice President of Strategic Services at Vista Group, Lauren Greene leads a global team dedicated to helping studios and exhibitors unlock the full potential of Vista’s marketing technologies. Since stepping into the role in 2024, Greene has been instrumental in aligning product strategy with client outcomes – delivering actionable moviegoer insights, campaign benchmarking, and best-in-class guidance across the Vista portfolio.

Greene joined Vista Group in 2022 as Business Development Director at Movio, overseeing the EMEA region. In less than a year, she was promoted to Director of Strategic Services, expanding her remit to support clients worldwide. A champion of data-driven collaboration, Greene has helped pioneer a groundbreaking initiative to enable secure, signal-powered campaign measurement across platforms like Amazon, TikTok, and Meta – using anonymised, aggregated first-party data from multiple exhibitors. The resulting Amazon case study debuted in 2024, and a Meta-backed white paper on cinema campaign effectiveness is set to launch at CineEurope 2025.

Tess Manchester is Global Head of Platform & Client Support at Vista Group, where she leads the company’s global support organization and plays a key role in shaping platform strategy and service innovation. A nearly 20-year veteran of the cinema industry, Manchester joined Vista in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually serving as President of Vista US before stepping into her current global role.

Under her leadership, Vista has delivered a measurable uplift in client sentiment across its support operations, particularly within the Veezi product suite. In 2025, Manchester oversaw the launch of a generative AI–powered self-help prototype, leveraging Vista’s extensive knowledge base to accelerate issue resolution and empower users with faster, smarter tools.

A core member of the executive team that brought Vista Cloud to market in 2022, Manchester remains a passionate advocate for innovation, excellence, and mentorship. Manchester is also known for writing and directing short films for Vista’s internal film fest as well as authoring a series of novels, including “Pivot Point” and “Stay Dark.”

Bernadette McCabe is the Executive Vice President of Event Cinema and Exhibitor Relations at Spotlight Cinema Networks, where she manages the company’s growing network of more than 100 exhibitor partners. Under her leadership, Spotlight’s screen count has expanded by over 20% since 2020, while its specialty content division, CineLife Entertainment, has emerged as a key player in the event cinema space.

McCabe spearheads content acquisition, programming, and operational strategy for CineLife, where she recently launched the genre-blending Silents Synched series – pairing classic silent films with iconic albums from artists like Radiohead and R.E.M.

Before joining Spotlight, McCabe was Senior Vice President of Exhibitor Relations and Business Strategy at MoviePass. She previously spent over a decade at Screenvision Media, rising through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and helping guide the company’s evolution in cinema advertising.

In 2019, McCabe co-founded Women in Exhibition, a global network supporting women across the cinema industry. She served on the board through 2023 and remains an advocate for equity and mentorship.

Darryl Schaffer serves as Chief Partnership Officer at Screenvision Media, where she oversees the company’s vast exhibitor network and national operations – spanning more than 15,000 screens across over 150 exhibition partners, including AMC, Marcus, Harkins, B&B, National Amusements, and CMX. Widely regarded as the backbone of Screenvision, Schaffer has spent more than 25 years shaping the company’s exhibitor strategy and long-term growth.

In 2023, she spearheaded the return of Harkins Theatres to the Screenvision network and has since renewed major exhibitor agreements across the country, including recent 2024–2025 partnerships with B&B Theatres, Fridley Theatres, and Marcus Theatres. Schaffer also chairs Screenvision’s Exhibitor Advisory Panel and plays a central role in innovating the company’s lobby and preshow offerings, including the expansion of premium placements and event cinema content.

Beyond exhibitor relations, Schaffer also leads Screenvision’s Event Cinema division, which brings performing arts, anime, documentaries, and concerts to theatres nationwide.

As Chief of Staff at Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners), Amanda Martin plays a central role in guiding the strategic and operational direction of the global trade body for the movie theatre industry. A trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, Martin leads both federal government affairs and state-level advocacy efforts across the Western United States.

In 2024, Martin expanded her portfolio to include creative and storytelling initiatives. She serves as executive producer of Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition, a nationally recognized series that debuted at CinemaCon and has since profiled more than a dozen cinema owners and operators. The project brings to life the voices of frontline exhibition professionals, spotlighting their innovation, perseverance, and impact on local communities.

Before joining Cinema United, Martin was a state government affairs specialist at the Entertainment Software Association, where she advocated on behalf of the video game industry. She began her public policy career in the California district office of Congressman Eric Swalwell, assisting constituents and advancing community engagement.

Erin Von Hoetzendorff is Director of Membership and Global Affairs at Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theatre Owners). Since joining the organization in 2018, she has led efforts to foster inclusive engagement across the industry – spearheading initiatives like the Ambassador Program and overseeing several key member communities, including Young Members, Membership, International, and Technology.

She also serves as staff liaison to the Global Cinema Federation, helping coordinate international policy and advocacy efforts across borders. Outside her core role, she contributes meaningfully to broader industry collaboration as Secretary of Film Row and formerly as administrator of Inter-Society. Based in Los Angeles, Von Hoetzendorff is widely respected as a passionate connector and coalition-builder who has been instrumental in expanding Cinema United’s reach and relevance.

After seven years as Kinepolis Lomme’s Theatre Manager (France’s largest cinema), Anne-Sophie Le Guiader’s extensive operational experience helped to propel her to the role of National Manager Sales & Marketing for Kinepolis France. Having held this role for 10 years she has been instrumental in overseeing and developing the programming, marketing, communication and events output for Kinepolis France across its 11 sites and leading a team of 10.

Funmi Onuma is a Nigerian entertainment executive, currently serving in the role of General Manager of Silverbird Cinemas West Africa. Promoted to her new role from the position of Country Manager in November 2024, she made history by becoming the first woman to hold this senior position within a cinema chain in West Africa.

In her former role as Country Manager for Silverbird Cinemas Ghana, Onuma achieved significant milestones. Under her leadership, the Ghana branch set records by becoming the highest-grossing cinema in West Africa for the 2018 release of “Black Panther,” and the second highest-grossing cinema in Africa. She also played a pivotal role in promoting local content and advocating for increased investment in Ghanaian films to enhance their competitiveness.

She is a mentor in the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme, where she shares her experiences and insights to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the film industry.

MeeJee Lee serves as Content & Partner Management, Sales Director for South Korea at Dolby, where she has been instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint across both the Korean market and the broader Asia region. Since joining Dolby in 2009, Lee has played a pivotal role in forging strategic partnerships that have brought the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos experience to audiences at an unprecedented scale.

Renowned for her ability to translate Dolby’s global strategy into successful regional execution, Lee has deep industry relationships that helped grow the company’s longstanding collaboration with Megabox, one of South Korea’s leading exhibitors. Under her leadership, Megabox committed to 13 Dolby Cinema locations – eight of which are already operational, with a ninth opening in July 2024. In a landmark expansion, she also secured a separate rollout of 10 additional Dolby Vision + Atmos screens, with the first set to open in mid-2025. This 23-screen commitment makes South Korea Dolby’s third-largest global market for premium theatrical experiences, behind only the U.S. and China.

In her role as Head of Talent and People Operations for Filmhouse Group, Nimi Adeyemi’s leadership has led to the implementation of inclusive hiring policies, equitable pay structures, and professional development programs, achieving a 50:50 gender representation in senior management. Her commitment to fostering a supportive work environment, particularly for women, have led to the introduction of flexible work policies, extended maternity support, and comprehensive mental health and wellness programs for employees.

Beyond her role at Filmhouse Group, Adeyemi actively contributes to the development of future talent in the creative industry. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at equipping secondary school and university students with hands-on industry experience in film, animation, and fashion, in collaboration with organizations like the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) .

Laura Fumagalli is the Marketing and Events Manager at ARCADIA Cinema, one of Italy’s most innovative exhibition circuits. A second-generation cinema operator, she has been immersed in the business since childhood – first at her family’s Cinema Centrale in Melzo, and since 1997 at the flagship ARCADIA Melzo, home to some of the most technologically advanced screens in Europe.

Over the past two decades, she has played a leading role in Italy’s adoption of digital cinema technologies, collaborating with global standards bodies such as SMPTE, DCI, and the European Digital Cinema Forum. Today, she oversees ARCADIA’s vibrant slate of special events, retrospectives, and masterclasses – deepening the connection between films and audiences across generations.

Fumagalli began her career at Loews Cineplex Entertainment in New York, gaining international experience in marketing and cinema operations. In 2022, she became the first female exhibitor featured on the cover of Box Office Italia.

As Head of Human Resources at ARCADIA Cinema – Italy’s trailblazing exhibition circuit known for its technical excellence and family-led innovation – Paola Fumagalli has helped shape a people-first culture within the company. She oversees recruitment, training, and labor relations across a team delivering some of Italy’s most immersive cinematic experiences.

In 2022, she was appointed President of the Labor Relations Commission at ANEC (Associazione Nazionale Esercenti Cinema), where she plays a key national role negotiating the renewal of labor contracts across the Italian exhibition sector. In this capacity, she works closely with ANEC leadership—including President Mario Lorini, CEO Simone Gialdini, and labor consultant Arnaldo Ciulla—bringing a grounded and pragmatic voice to collective bargaining and industry reform.

Deeply embedded in the business from a young age, Fumagalli shares in the hands-on leadership style that defines the ARCADIA brand. Most recently, she was instrumental in organizing and hosting the European Digital Cinema Forum (EDCF) Annual Convention at ARCADIA cinemas in early 2025, reinforcing the circuit’s reputation as both a domestic leader and a hub for international industry collaboration.