AGT Judge Howie Mandel, Actor David Dasmalchian, Stevie Salas (guitarist for Rod Stewart), directors like Adam Rifkin and Patty Jenkins, executive producers like Kelly McCormick, and industry leaders such as Tom Rothman of Sony, Chris Aronson of Paramount, Lisa Bunnell of Focus Features, and many more. Notable cinema executives, including B&B Theatres’ CEO Bob Bagby, Cinemark’s CEO Mark Zoradi, CMO Wanda Geirhart, AMC's CCO Elizabeth Frank and SR VP Ops Jennifer Douglass, IMAX President Megan Colligan, and ALAMO’S CEO Shellie Taylor, have also graced our virtual speaker series.
Please tell us about your Mentorship Program. The Mentorship Program pairs our mentees in the field of their choice with a mentor they have either suggested or one we have found for them. Last year my mentee Sammy Mardowski of Marcus Cinemas wanted to learn about esports- she asked for me. We met every few weeks and have bonded professionally and personally. Who have been some of your mentors? Shelli Taylor, Marie Zablocki, Amy Mader, Jaclyn Bennet, Carrie Dietrich, Lesley Vander Woude, Heather Morgan, Loren Nielsen, Lucy Mann- Mariam El Bach leads the Program.
Please tell us about the Panel Parity Project. The Panel Parity Project, a key initiative led by Women in Exhibition (WIE), represents a proactive and impactful approach to addressing gender imbalance within industry conferences and trade events. Recognizing the importance of diverse voices and perspectives, WIE takes the initiative to reach out to conference and event producers, helping in curating panels that offer a broad selection of talented speakers. This project is grounded in the understanding that achieving gender parity in panel discussions is not only about promoting equality but also about enriching the quality of discourse. By collaborating with event organizers, WIE aims to provide a pool of qualified, interested, and available speakers and moderators who can bring a variety of experiences and viewpoints to the forefront. The emphasis is not solely on increasing the
number of women on panels but also on ensuring that these women are recognized for their expertise and contributions in their respective fields.
What success story/ies can you share that were a result of WIE? Through Women in Exhibition, our members are gaining unparalleled access to individuals they might not typically have the opportunity to connect with, given the diverse array of roles within the exhibition industry that our members occupy. This unique platform has become a catalyst for bridging professional gaps, fostering interactions among women working in different capacities within exhibition, and creating a valuable network that transcends traditional boundaries. Our members are forging meaningful connections, accessing insights, and building relationships with individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, enriching their professional journeys in ways not possible through conventional channels.
President and Founder of WIE, Heather Blair
What programs can we expect to see from WIE in the future? Panel Parity, Mentorship, Speaker Series and Scholarship Program (enabling women to attend events they may normally find financially challenging).
WAYS TO SUPPORT WIE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP Join WIE as an individual member by signing up for membership, which is priced at $25. This not only grants access to a vibrant network of professionals but also signifies a personal commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the exhibition industry.
SPONSORSHIP
Individuals and organizations can contribute to WIE's mission by becoming sponsors. This can take the form of financial donations or sponsoring specific events organized by WIE. By providing financial support, sponsors play a crucial role in facilitating the various programs and initiatives that empower women within the industry.
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP Companies can demonstrate their commitment to gender diversity by becoming a corporate member of WIE. Corporate memberships are tiered based on the size of the company, ranging from $500 to $1500. This not only provides valuable networking opportunities for employees but also aligns the company with a commitment to supporting women in the exhibition sector.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Sponsoring specific events organized by WIE is a targeted way to support the organization. Whether it's a networking event, a speaker series, or a workshop, sponsors contribute to the success of these initiatives and help create a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow.
COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION
Actively engage with WIE's mission by joining a committee. This hands-on involvement allows individuals to contribute their skills, expertise, and time towards specific initiatives and projects undertaken by WIE. Committee participation provides a direct way to shape and enhance the impact of the organization. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WOMENINEXHIBITION.COM
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