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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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).