After a storied career in the entertainment industry, ESTA’s Membership Manager, Frances Thompson, will be retiring at the end of 2021. For over two decades, she has been a vital force in the growth of the association and a galvanizing presence at trade shows and events. In 1996, Frances was appointed to the ESTA Board of Directors, after being a part of the Business Resource Group for several years. She then served as Manufacturer Director until early 2000, when she was appointed as an Affiliate Director. Around 2001, Frances joined the ESTA staff and has since held several titles. On her retirement, Frances remarked, “I will miss engaging with members and staff. We are irreverent, creative, resourceful, opinionated, and uproarious. But most of my family and friends are as well, so I will be happy.” Frances may be reached at frances.thompson@esta.org or 865-689-8761 through the end of 2021.
As her successor, ESTA is thrilled to introduce Laura Hoepker as its new Program Manager for Membership and Events, effective August 17, 2021. Like her predecessor, Laura also has a long history in the entertainment technology industry. Previously, she was the Marketing Events Specialist at Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. She also held sales and marketing positions with PLASA, before acting as a consultant to NAMM as they expanded their entertainment technology sector. “I’m very excited about this new challenge,” Laura said. “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and colleagues and talking about the tremendous value of ESTA membership and events!” You can get in touch with Laura at laura.hoepker@esta.org or 608-618-9300.
More about the history and future of this position will be featured in the next issue of PROTOCOL, http://esta.org/protocol.
