Women in Exhibition Named Gala Charity Partner
The nonprofit was the official beneficiary of the 2026 American Film Association Gala held at The Beverly Hilton.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
Women in Exhibition served as the official charitable partner and beneficiary of the 2026 American Film Association Gala, held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Heather Blair Meeks and Geonni Sigl accepted the honor on the organization's behalf.
Why it matters
The partnership spotlights a nonprofit focused on advancing women across theatrical exhibition, distribution, and allied industry businesses. Its selection as beneficiary directs event proceeds and attention toward its work in the film sector.
The extraction contains no quantitative financial figures for the Gala or the partnership. The source does not disclose fundraising totals or the size of any grant to Women in Exhibition.
The players
Women in Exhibition
A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, connecting, and advancing women throughout theatrical exhibition, distribution, and allied industry businesses, which runs a Panel Parity initiative and scholarship programs.
American Film Association
A film industry organization founded by Austin Spicer and Hailey Spicer that hosted the 2026 Gala honoring its charitable partner.
Heather Blair Meeks
The founder and chairman of Women in Exhibition who accepted the Gala honor on the organization's behalf.
Geonni Sigl
The president of Women in Exhibition and owner of Onni Creative who accepted the Gala honor with Meeks.
The details
Women in Exhibition, a nonprofit empowering women across theatrical exhibition and distribution, was named the official charitable partner of the 2026 American Film Association Gala. The formal dinner and awards ceremony honored the organization, with founder Heather Blair Meeks and president Geonni Sigl accepting on its behalf.
Timeline
2026: American Film Association Gala held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills
2027: Women in Exhibition preparing for what it describes as an ambitious year
Industry Context
The partnership extends the work of Women in Exhibition's Panel Parity initiative, which works with conference organizers to increase women's participation in industry conversations and leadership roles. Its Virtual Speaker Series and Mentorship Program, in which the American Film Association's founders have taken part, add to that effort.
For film professionals, the partnership signals an active network of mentorship, scholarship, and panel opportunities through Women in Exhibition. Readers interested in participating can look to the organization's programs for pathways into theatrical exhibition and distribution careers.
The takeaway
Industry nonprofits like Women in Exhibition rely on high-profile partnerships to extend their reach, and its mentorship and scholarship programs offer concrete entry points for women seeking careers in film distribution and exhibition.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how industry nonprofits are funded and supported.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boxoffice.
