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The World Entertainment Technology Federation (World-ETF) is a federation of non-profit, entertainment technology associations that provides a forum for the discussion of common issues within our industry. These issues include technical standards, trading methods, training and education, and enhancing the prospects for industry growth internationally.

The World-ETF was founded by PLASA, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association based in the UK; VPLT, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association of Germany; and ESTA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, based in the US. The formation of the World-ETF formalized an already close working relationship that existed between the three organizations and provided the framework for future joint projects particularly in the area of technical standards. In November of 1998, APIAS, the Association of Italian Manufacturers for the Entertainment Industry, joined the Federation. In June of 2004, JASST, the Japan Association of the Safety Staging Technology, became a member. In September of 2006, SECARTYS, the Electronics and Information Technology Exporters Association of Spain, became the newest member.

The World-ETF meets regularly in conjunction with major industry trade shows such as PLASA, LDI and Pro Light and Sound. The associations are generally represented at these meetings by their key personnel and by the elected executives.

The Federation works to promote the associations and their members at international trade shows and conferences and in publications. Members agree to promote the Federation and their fellow members by distributing literature on their behalf at trade shows and including news in their publications.

Membership in the World-ETF is available to any organization which meets the criteria set forth.

The organization must:

• Be a not-for-profit trade association
• Be mutually owned by its members, of which the majority of the voting members are commercial entities
• Have a formal constitution or by-laws
• Have an elected Board of Directors or Committee overseeing its activities
• Share a common ambition on standards
• Agree to a mutual sharing of information
• Provide assistance to each other on an equal basis
• Promote equal and fair trading conditions and lobby their respective governments to that end
• Be active and representative of the industry in the country concerned
• Have a screening procedure for new members with established membership criteria

The members of the World-ETF are willing to provide advice and assistance to groups around the world who are interested in forming associations which would qualify for membership in the Federation. It is our belief that the Federation can contribute significantly to a stronger and safer industry worldwide and we welcome those organizations who share our goals.

For further details about the World-ETF, contact ESTA at +1 212 244 1505, .