WIE: WOMEN IN EXHIBITION The dynamic global network comprising women professionals from the cinema, multimedia technologies, and out-of-home entertainment industries, is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the third edition of their highly acclaimed WIE Mentorship Program.
BY MARCI CHORPASH Launched with resounding success at CinemaCon 2022, the WIE Mentorship Program seeks to cultivate a supportive environment for the professional growth of women at various stages of their careers. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for one-on-one mentorship, catering to individuals passionate about advancing their skills and knowledge in the dynamic realms of cinema. Prospective mentors, who bring a wealth of experience and insights, as well as mentees, driven by ambition and a thirst for knowledge, are warmly invited to apply. By participating in this mentorship program, individuals have the chance to build meaningful connections, gain valuable guidance, and contribute to the overall advancement of women in the entertainment industry.
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About the CEO, Heather Blair Heather is a seasoned sales executive with a diverse background in marketing and communications. She began her educational journey at Tarrant College in Texas, where she studied Marketing and Communications. Upon relocating to California, she embarked on her sales career with the Creative Industry Handbook, an entertainment directory. Heather's impressive trajectory led her to 12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
the role of Associate Publisher at Themed Entertainment 411, a global directory of vendors serving attractions and theme parks. In her entrepreneurial spirit, Heather established OuiMarket4U, a consulting company that represented many of her former advertisers. Transitioning into the realm of entertainment technology and new media, she assumed pivotal roles as Director of Sales and Marketing for publicly traded Valcom, Inc., and SNAPeMedia, a division of World Touch Gaming. Her contributions extended to her tenure as an Account Executive for Point 360, where she successfully secured clients in broadcast and post-production. Furthermore, she served as the Western Territory Channel Manager for Asia Media Products, excelling in the same markets. For eight years, Heather dedicated herself to selling 4D theater technology as the Head of Cinema Sales for MediaMation, a leading interactive technology company. During her tenure, she not only secured global cinema accounts but also orchestrated the acquisition of film titles from major studios for programming in MX4D theaters. In 2019, Heather founded and assumed the role of President at Global 501C3 Women in Exhibition, an organization committed to empowering women in the cinema exhibition industry through mentorship, networking, and advocacy for equal opportunities in speaking engagements. Her passion for bridging the worlds of cinema and esports led to the establishment of the Cinema Esports Alliance Corporation, facilitating essential dialogues between these two dynamic communities. This journey ultimately culminated in her current position as Senior Account Manager at LG Electronics, specializing in cinema and esports venue solutions. Heather continues to make significant contributions to the convergence of these exciting industries.
What inspired you to create WIE? I experienced a shift in my career, not due to any shortcomings on my part but simply because of my gender. My employer explicitly conveyed, "no disrespect to you, but this is a man's world" in the context of cinema exhibition. He had sold the company, and I predicted the incoming CEO, who happened to be a man, would replace me with a man. This change materialized exactly as predicted, five months into the new CEO's tenure. In response to this challenge, I teamed up with another industry executive who was also navigating a career transition. The mutual support we provided each other was uplifting. Recognizing the need for a platform to empower and highlight females in our industry, I believed that establishing Women in Exhibition as an official 501C3 organization would allow us to fulfill this purpose effectively.
What are some examples of topics and speakers from your Speaker Series? The Speaker Series originated as a Virtual Happy Hour, born out of the necessity to adapt our plans for CinemaCon, where we had initially intended to host a lively party sponsored by Coke, but was cancelled due to the pandemic. Our inaugural Happy Hour event featured my friend, Grammy artist Herbie Hancock, who graciously shared insights into his life as an artist who was house bound due to COVID, sparking engaging conversations with the attendees. Our second Happy Hour session, held on a Sunday morning, was joined by Nick Vallelonga, the screenwriter of the Oscar-winning film "The Green Book," starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. As our Virtual Happy Hours gained momentum, we secured participation from influential figures like Mark Cuban. Opting for a weekday, daytime slot, Mark's involvement transformed the happy hour sessions into a compelling Virtual Speaker Series. Our speaker series has hosted a stellar lineup, including renowned personalities such as
