Women in Exhibition (WIE) that launched during last month’s mid-western Geneva Convention, where founding members led a panel on women’s leadership, are excited to expand their industry outreach heading into this year’s ShowEast, October 14-17, 2019. Continuing the momentum, key members are participating in several forums during the week-long event at The Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, Florida and the group will accommodate WIE’s first members gathering.
“The movie industry has increasingly recognized extraordinary women who have performed exemplary leadership roles in their companies,” said Andrew Sunshine, ShowEast President. “We’re thrilled to join Coca-Cola to present the show’s first annual Empowerment Award, saluting Elizabeth Frank, Executive Vice President Worldwide Programming & Chief Content Officer for AMC Theatres.” Immediately, following the Wednesday morning ceremony, a Women’s Leadership Panel will be joined by WIE founding member Darryl Schaffer, EVP Operations & Exhibitor Relations, Screenvision Media and WIE special advisor, Pat Gonzalez, SVP, In-Theatre Marketing for Paramount Pictures.
Throughout the show respected cinema executives will join distinguished panels, moderate sessions, give product presentations and on Monday afternoon, WIE founding member Jackie Brenneman, NATO’s General Counsel & Director of Industry Relations, joins the Global Cinema Federation – What’s Next? panel with moderator, Laura Houlgatte, CEO, UNIC.
“Women in Exhibition began as a casual discussion amongst colleagues who had experienced varying degrees of transition during their careers, expressing the need for more resources during significant change,” says Heather Blair, President and WIE Founder. “Hearing there was a strong desire for women’s networking circles, WIE was created and I found many women leaders on board.” Blair went onto to say, “we have a dozen founding members at ShowEast and we’re inviting attendees to learn more – and thus far, I couldn’t be more pleased by the positive response by everyone.”
A non-profit foundation, the prevailing mission is to create a platform for all women in cinema exhibition to build communities of diversity and inclusion. By identifying important initiatives and addressing through mentoring, educational and support programs it will help bridge the vast realms of exhibition. WIE plans to cultivate an international network, focusing on career opportunities, education and guidance and will implement various programs moving forward.
Networking efforts by WIE founding members began last spring and the foundation has assembled more than 100 new members. WIE is holding an open get-together on Monday, October 14th at the Bleau Bar in the hotel lobby from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm to encourage others to join and share their thoughts and ideas for cinema’s future.
About Women in Exhibition (WIE)
Women in Exhibition promotes leadership, inclusion and growth as a portal for women to engage and enhance their professional experience with exhibitors, studios, technology groups and service providers. WIE will resource new and existing exhibition platforms to align women professionals for greater presence at industry conferences, forums/meetings, major events, affiliate groups and more. Goals also include partnering with charitable groups that support the industry to create educational programs for career guidance and success for all cinema professionals, newly entering exhibition or experienced.
About Film Expo Group
The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, Miami, FL; CineEurope, Barcelona, ESP; and CineAsia, Hong Kong.