The International Association of Assembly Managers
(IAAM) has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.
IAAM president Joe Floreano, CFE, has appointed Don Hancock, Ph.D., CAE, IAAM’s director of education, research, and development, as its representative to the council and Robyn Williams, CFE, executive director of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, as its alternate representative.
Floreano comments, "This certification program is in direct alignment with IAAM’s initiatives on many fronts. It encourages an emphasis on safety as a primary concern within the entertainment and venue management industries. It also demonstrates alliances by separate but related organizations that are working together to achieve structure and improved practices. The establishment of ESTA’s certification process allows representatives from IAAM, USITT, and IATSE to play an integral role in this proactive approach. We are very pleased to have input in this program in the way of an advisory position. This program will ensure that members of our industry remain on the cutting edge of education and training, thereby creating a safe and productive environment."
The ESTA Certification Council will represent the diversity of the industry. Members will include key leaders in entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia. ESTA is in the process of extending invitations for Certification Council membership. IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and USITT, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, have also accepted permanent seats on the Council. The key areas of electrical skills and rigging skills have been identified for initial development in the ESTA Personnel Certification Program.