Women in Exhibition (WIE) Executive Committee Members, Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas and Mariam El Bacha, CEO of Cinepax on the Official Program of the Emerging Cinema Markets Conference (ECM19), in Istanbul, Turkey, November 19–2

Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen and Mariam El Bacha
Los Angeles ( November 18, 2019 ) -

Women in Exhibition (WIE) continues to make a noteworthy impact, as the budding non-profit foundation maintains their presence by participating at the second annual Emerging Cinema Markets Conference (ECM19). Organized by Digital Cinema Solutions Events (DCS Events) in association with The Big Picture, the event takes place at the Grand Tarabya Hotel in Istanbul from the 19th through 21st of November.

Examining the most emergent continental markets, the three-day forum will focus on its host nation, Turkey, Africa with special highlights on Nigeria, Central Asia, the Middle East and New Europe (former Soviet states and Balkans). These combined territories account for more than 1.7 billion people and currently operate approximately 6,850 screens. Attended by major international movie distributors, cinema exhibitors, expert supply chains, and supported by valued sponsors, the teams at DCS Events have assembled an impressive line-up of speakers. Recognizing the contributions of exceptional women leaders in exhibition, two of WIE’s executive committee and founding members are on ECM19’s official program.

Debbie Standford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas, with a prominent network of theatres in Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emeritus (UAE) and who spoke at ECM18’s inaugural event, will once again lend her insights on developing strategic partnerships, the purpose of creating alternative content opportunities and how advanced technologies are changing the trajectory of traditional movie-going.

Also contributing to the innovative discussions, is Mariam El Bacha, CEO of Cinepax in Pakistan, who helped to create one of the most formidable brands and the first national multiplex chains in the region. With a presence in nine cities and 13 cinema locations for a total of 45 screens across Pakistan, Mariam and her teams have been dedicated to providing the best guest experience by becoming a favorite family entertainment cinema venue.

“Women in Exhibition was founded to fulfill the need for an important platform where women can connect, interact and support the development of an industry in need of re-evaluating the many paradigms in a growing exhibition world,” says Mariam El Bacha. Further elaborating, “our aim is to reach a global network of women and, with that, to influence those ladies who in the past shy away from the cinema industry – the goal is for everyone to share the gameboard and to make our industry a thriving all-inclusive force.”

WIE’s fundamental mission is to become a worthwhile resource for every woman in exhibition by offering positive mentoring programs, educational and support activities and to assist with both existing and transitional career opportunities. WIE will amplify their membership recruitment with the launch of their website by New Year’s 2020.

About Women in Exhibition (WIE)
Women in Exhibition promotes leadership, inclusion and growth 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, major events, affiliate groups and more. Goals also include partnering with charitable groups that support cinema to create educational programs for career guidance and success for all professionals who are newly entering exhibition or those who are experienced and transitioning.

About ECM19
This event is being organized by Digital Cinema Solutions Events (DCS Events), an independent events company to the cinema. The event will be held at the Grand Tarabya Hotel in Istanbul on 19th – 21st November 2019. Industry professionals Rob Arthur, Julie Harriss and Dan Harriss formed DCS Events in 2018. Full conference details and tickets are available at www.ecm19com.

About The Big Picture (Cinema Advisers) Ltd. (TBP)
The Big Picture is the foremost, specialist international management consultancy focused on the cinema industry, based in London. TBP advise local government, investors, developers and cinema operators. www.the-bigpicture.com