ESTA Announces 2024-2026 Board of Directors Election Results

	(l-r) Evan Williams, Andy Shipsides, Patrick Wallace, and Ben Hague

ESTA introduces the newest members of the 2024-2026 ESTA Board of Directors. Ben Hague of IATSE has been elected as vice president, Patrick Wallace of Encore Global has been elected as secretary, Evan Williams of Riverview Systems Group has been reelected as production services director, and Andy Shipsides of ARRI Rental North America has been elected as rental company director.

Hague is an International Representative with the IATSE Tradeshow Department, where he assists Locals with organizing and negotiating, plans IATSE tradeshow exhibits, and facilitates training for IATSE Locals in coordination with the IATSE Entertainment and Exhibition Industries Training Trust Fund. He is a fierce advocate for safety and continuing education. After recently joining ESTA's Technical Standards Program Rigging Working Group, he became interested in serving on ESTA's Board of Directors. Hague's goal in joining the Board is to expand on this advocacy, generate fresh ideas, and help secure ESTA as the leading organization in entertainment safety and training.

"When I heard about the opportunity to serve on ESTA's Board of Directors, I thought it was a great way to give back and contribute to the health and sustainability of our industry," Hague says. "As a proud IATSE member and longtime ETCP certification holder, I'm committed to expanding participation in ESTA's training and safety initiatives and fostering the next generation of entertainment professionals. I look forward to working with and meeting the other board members and staff. Thank you to everyone for all your support."

Wallace brings a unique blend of knowledge for high-end large live events and budget-conscious theatrical work. He is currently the Northeast US regional rigging manager for Encore Global, one of the larger live events and rigging companies in North America. A double-certified ETCP Rigger, Recognized Trainer, and Subject Matter Expert who strongly believes in service-based leadership, Patrick does extensive work with the WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History. His philanthropic dedication to Behind the Scenes is shown in his work with Long Reach Long Riders. Of his election to the ESTA board, Wallace says, "I'm excited for this opportunity to serve as ESTA's Secretary and am really looking forward to growing ESTA's engagement among those new to the live events industry."

Williams is the CEO and co-founder of Riverview Systems Group, Inc., a 36-year-old Northern California-based Live Event Production firm that specializes in the staging of corporate events, trade and award shows in the video, audio, and lighting disciplines and has been the recipient of an InfoComm/LSA magazine Staged Event Award in both 2010 and 2011. Williams was the production director on the ESTA/PLASA Board of Directors from 2009 through 2015 and 2020 - 2023. He has held faculty and staff positions at Indiana University, as well as San Jose State University, continuing the growth and evolution of the entertainment industry through education.

Williams is "thrilled to be re-elected to the Board of ESTA as production services director. Having periodically served on the board beginning back in 2009, I have watched and helped grow the organization and am privileged to be able to continue to support ESTA and its members for the long-term."

Shipsides started his film and television career working on production throughout the Southeast and New York. In 2007, he joined AbelCineTech, a well-known New York-based cinema sales and rental company, and worked as a service technician. Andy worked at AbelCine for 12 years, advancing to the position of chief technology officer and building an educational division. In 2013, he moved to Los Angeles to run AbelCine's Los Angeles office. After seven years in Los Angeles, Andy took the job of president of ARRI Rental North America and moved back to New York. With this experience, Shipsides has gained insights into a wide variety of production needs and is well known throughout the industry. Shipsides is currently serving a one-year term as chair of the PERG Council. Next year, he will serve as immediate past Chair to ensure a smooth transition and offer guidance to the next leader.

"Being elected to the ESTA Board of Directors is a great honor," says Shipsides. "I'm eager to collaborate with this fantastic community and drive initiatives that promote innovation, advocate for industry growth, and champion our members' needs for a successful future."